640 REPORT— 1902. 



fishes and the forms on which they feed in the ocean and in the North Sea in 

 particular have been for ages as they are, and probably as they will be for ages 

 yet to come, this appeal for hydrography, under present circumstances, can scarcely 

 be admitted. Irrespective of currents — whether Arctic or Atlantic — the very young 

 fishes invariably follow the laws which regulate their appearance at particular 

 seasons. Hydrographical and other physical work should be relegated to the 

 trained officers on board H.M. ships, and thus relieve the present scheme. 

 These remarks are not intended to depreciate the value of meteorological and 

 hydrographical work as a field for scientific research. 



In the programme of the International Conference the food of fishes is included 

 under general fauuistic work. This is unnecessary, for the ocean teems with 

 nourishment at all seasons. 



Though not specially recommended, the subject of the artificial propagation of 

 marine fishes is mentioned under Clause III. This subject is at present on its 

 trial. No result of importance has yet been achieved by the Scotch Fishery Board 

 after eight or nine years' labours and expenditure. In some cases it would appear 

 that the transportation of the adults (e.g., soles and plaice) to the region to be 

 experimented with would be more satisfactory ; as, indeed, was shown at St. 

 Andrews in the case of the sole, eight or nine years ago. 



In dealing with the exploration of the fishing-grounds, it is well to note what 

 has recently been accomphshed in Norway. Dr. Johan Hjort and Dr. Knut Dahl 

 have found immense numbers of young gadoids (chiefly cod and haddock) in the 

 vast area stretching from the shores of Norway to Iceland and Jan Meyen. This 

 is corroborative of the opinions held by the author, and of those expressed here. 

 From a fisheries' point of view the distribution of the important food-fishes, such 

 as the cod, haddock, ling, hake, plaice, turbot, brill, and sole, is of the first import- 

 ance in the international scheme, for it is clear, if their habitat embraces much of 

 the Atlantic, pigmy measures of closure in the North Sea are of little moment 

 in the interests of the fisheries. On the other hand, the practical treatment of 

 the immature-fish question should not be a leading motive for the participation of 

 Great Britain in the International Conference. 



The scheme of the Conference leaves out the determination of the distribution 

 and other features of the food-fishes to the W. of about 10° W. ofl' the greater 

 part of the British coast, whilst the only parts coming within its influence are 

 the eastern and western coasts of Scotland. The Danish areas also are too 

 limited. The determination of the seasonal changes in these limited areas, as 

 regards temperature, solenity, currents, food-supply of fishes, eggs, larvae, 

 young and adult food-fishes, is not of vital importance. Arrangements, more- 

 over, are only made for the working of the new steamers in Scottish waters. It 

 is doubtful if other available aid will sulRce.^ 



Again, it would have been well to make the life-history of the salmon in the 

 sea a definite subject of inquiry. This would be greatly aided by the systematic 

 marking of smolts and salmon, as Mr. Holt and Mr. Calderwood are now doing. 



In regard to the institution of a central body or department for the three 

 divisions of the kingdom, it may be remarked that this was Lord Dalhousie's idea. 

 It presents simplicity in administration, economy in the staff" and offices, uni- 

 formity in statistics, freedom from local influences, and a wider field for deduction. 

 Yet it may be questioned whether the vast area and its complex and ever- 

 varying details could thus be efficiently handled. 



In the case of separate administrative departments in England, Scotland, and 

 Ireland, each would more readily adapt it.self to the wants of the countries. 

 The present staff" in each country would require reorganisation. 



In considering the question of assistance from the State in fisheries' researches, 

 it would appear to be prudent that all such assistance should be given by the 

 Fisheries Authorities (such as the Fishery Board for Scotland in its re-modelled 

 form). One, or at most two, marine laboratories efficiently supported and 



' Certain changes, which indicated uncertainty in the original programme, 

 appear to have been made at the recent Conference. 



