Jtxxviii REtORT — 1903. 



erection and ordinary equipment. This report has been adopted by the 

 House of Assembly. 



' The Committee has in its report further recommended that before 

 the Legislature decides to take any definite action in the matter steps 

 should be taken to endeavour to ascertain whether certain eminent 

 scientific bodies and institutions both in the United Kingdom and in 

 the United States of America would view with approval the establish- 

 ment of such a station in these islands for purposes of scientific research, 

 and to inquire also to what extent such institutions would be prepared 

 to co-operate with this Colony in the matter, and to a.ssist in making the 

 atation one of an international character and suitable for the prosecu- 

 tion of advanced scientific research. 



' It is possible that the British Association might consider it desirable 

 to encourage the establishment and maintenance of the proposed Biological 

 Station, and I am requested to invite you to be good enough to submit 

 this communication to that body for their information and consideration, 

 ' I have the honour to be, Sir, 



' Your obedient Servant, 



(Signed) ' Eyre Hutson, 



' Colonial Secrelanj.'' 



The letter was referred to a Connnittee consisting of Professor Howes, 

 Dr. Kay Lankcster, Professor Herdman, Mr. G. Murray, and the General 

 Othcers, from whom the following report was received : — 



' The Committee have to report that in their opinion the establish- 

 ment of a Marine Biological Laboratory at Bermuda is very desirable, 

 the island being most favourably situated for the purpose, inasmuch as 

 it permits of the study of coral reefs and the many other interesting 

 forms and problems of marine life associated therewith under climatic 

 conditions excellently adapted for European workers. 



' It appears from the letter of the Colonial Secretary of Bermuda that 

 the Legislature of the Colony has resolved to erect and equip the labora- 

 tory, and that the support asked for is a contribution in the form of a 

 grant or grants towards its maintenance. 



' The Committee consider it desirable that the attention of the Com- 

 mittees of Sections concei-ned in marine problems of research be directed 

 to the matter for the purpose of determining whether any definite re- 

 searches could be usefully engaged in at the laboratory under the auspices 

 of the Association, and to what degree these may be usefully advanced 

 by the appropriation of the funds of the Association. 



' The Comnuttee are of opinion that in return for any subsidy given 

 arrangements should be made with the Colonial Government to give 

 accommodation and special facilities in the laboratory to workers ap- 

 pointed by the British Association.' 



The report was adopted by the Council and has been referred to the 

 Organising Committees of Sections for the consideration of those Sections 

 interested in marine problems of research at the Southport Meeting. 



A considerable number of notifications of alterations in coast outline 

 having been received from the coastguard stations of the United King- 

 dom, the Committee on Coast Erosion, consisting of Sir Archibald Geikie, 



