194 University of California Publications in Zoology |Vou-9 
it would still be justified. When, however, there is an under- 
standing that the primary object is to lay the foundation for a 
superstructure of still more significant knowledge, the task is 
pursued with added zest, and special emphasis on this view 
relative to “‘systematic’’ zoology and botany is justified by the 
rapidly growing body of evidence to the effect that no matter 
what biological problems are made the subject of investigation, 
whether in the morphological, the physiological, or the develop- 
mental aspects of organic beings, these problems essentially in- 
oe 
volve the question of kinds. That is, it looks as though we are 
being driven to recognize that all qualities whatever, be they 
anatomical or physiological, will if studied closely enough, fur- 
nish taxonomic characters. To state the matter from a different 
angle, it appears that no biological generalization is fully stated 
until it is stated in reference to particular kinds of organisms. 
For example, a vast range of living beings possess the property 
of response to light; but do any two kinds, or even individuals, 
respond in quite the same way ? 
Such studies as those by Michael on the structural features 
and movements of the chaetognaths, by Kofoid on the dino- 
flagellates, and by Ritter and Johnson on the asexual propaga- 
tion of the salps, to say nothing of studies by many other 
biologists on many other groups, make it certain that researches 
must be carried on in full light of the probability of a negative 
answer to the question. 
2. WHat Has Breen Done Toward A DEEPER KNOWLEDGE OF 
THE ORGANISMS 
While it is not possible to present in tabular form, as was 
done under the preceding head, what has been accomplished here, 
the more significant results may be briefly stated. 
(a) Abundance and Mode of Life 
Mr. Michael’s work on the chaetognatha or ‘‘bristle-jawed”’ 
worms, representing as it does the most advanced point yet 
reached on the ecological side of the station programme, is 
noticed first. 
The mere statement (see table) that ten species of the group 
