ON ASSISTING THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. 95 



cation, but it has proved that the fauna lying inside the breakwater is 

 poor in comparison with that outside. 



Mr. Cunningham has continued his special investigations upon the 

 development of teleosteau fishes. 



Mr. Weldon has continued his work on Crustacea with special regard 

 to the development of Homarus and Palinurus. 



Mr. Bourne has devoted some time to an examination of the Hydroidea 

 of the distinct. 



Mr. Garstang is working out the Mollusca. 



Mr. Hardy, of Caius College, Cambridge, arrived at the laboratory in 

 July, and at once commenced an investigation upon the development of 

 sponges (Asconidce), which is proceeding. During the month of August 

 Mr. Beddard has been investigating the marine oligochaete worms of the 

 district, and Dr. C. A. MacMunn has been engaged in investigating the 

 colouring matter of vai'ions marine invertebrates. Dr. Burdon Sanderson 

 and Mr. Gotch are expected during September, and will continue their 

 investigations on the electric organs of skates and rays. 



Although the buildings are practically ready, and can be used for 

 research, some delays and hindrances have occurred in the stocking of 

 the aquarium attached to the laboratory, and the want of certain fittings, 

 now supplied, has hindered the staff in making a complete collection of 

 the fauna of the district. 



At present Mr. Bourne and Mr. Weldon are making a sei-ies of 

 observations with the surface-net, principally by night, with the view of 

 gaining accurate knowledge of the pelagic fauna of the Channel. 



It has been found that the work of the Association has been sadly 

 hampered by the want of a small but seaworthy steamboat, such as the 

 Naples steamboat ' Johannes Mliller.' The Association does all its 

 present work with a small hook-and-line boat of about five tons, and it is 

 found that in calms, rough weather, and contrary winds much time is 

 wasted. It is also a great disadvantage that the trawl or dredge 

 has to be hauled in by hand, an operation which could be performed by 

 a small steam winch on a steamboat. The Council of the Biological 

 Association has authorised the Director to make a special appeal for 

 funds towards purchasing and maintaining such a steamboat, and should 

 the General Committee of the British Association be prepared to make a 

 further grant towards the Plymouth laboratory, your Committee would 

 venture to suggest that it should take the form of a donation to this 

 special fund. 



Your Committee have paid to the Marine Biological Association the 

 sum of lOOZ., placed at their disposal for that purpose ; and the Council 

 of the Biological Association have tendered to your Committee their 

 thanks for the support given to the Biological Association by the Council 

 of the British Association. 



Your Committee beg to point out that it would, in their opinion, be 

 desirable for the Council of the British Association to complete its con- 

 tributions to the Marine Biological Association to the total of 500Z., and 

 thus acquire the power of nominating a life governor of the Marine 

 Biological Association. 



