308 REPORT — 1903. 



but one which, I venture to predict, will throw more light than even that 

 of land animals on the past changes of land and sea on the earth. The 

 further investigation of the interesting question of the formation of coral 

 reefs in my opinion calls for such an expedition. From several areas 

 might be expected important results on which a host of questions at 

 present depend. A well-equipped steamer would be essential, but the 

 equipment of such an expedition is beyond private enterprise.' 



The publications of the 'Results of the Funafuti Expeditions ' and of 

 Professor Agassiz's Maldive expedition may shortly be expected. The 

 time for such an investigation as I have indicated above Avill not perhaps 

 be ripe for one or two years, but I venture to hope that the question 

 will be considered by the Committee. 



The Committee ask for reappointment without a grant. 



Inve digations in the Lahoratorij of the Marine Biological Association of 

 tlie West of Scotland at Millport. — Report of the Committee, con- 

 sisting of Sir John Murray {Chairman), Dr. J. F. Gemmill 

 (Secret arg), Professors BoA^•ER, CossAR Ewart, W. A. Herdman, 

 and M. Laurie, and Messr^s. Alex. Somerville and J. A. 

 Todd. 



Of the grant of 2.5/. given in 1901 the greater part was expended during 

 1902 in enabling Mr. Alexander Patience to investigate the Crustacea of 

 the Clyde sea area, and Dr. Jas. Rankin, B.Sc, to investigate the Com- 

 pound Ascidians of the same area. Reports by these workers were sub- 

 mitted in 1902, that of Mr. Patience being an interim one. Mr. Patience 

 has now presented his report to the Committee, which is as follows : — 



Report on the Crustacea collected during the Dredging Cruise of the Millport 

 3farine Biological Association's Steamer 'Mermaid' since May 1902. 

 By Alexander Patience. 



Investigations were carried out, on various dates since May 1902, in 

 all the Northern Clyde Lochs, in Kilbrennan Sound, in the vicinity of 

 the Great and Little Cumbraes, and from the Little Cumbrae to Ailsa 

 Craig. In all, dredgings were taken from 140 stations. The depths 

 ranged from 5 to 107 fathoms. This is the greatest depth within the 

 Clyde sea-area, and is found in Lower Loch Fyne, off Skate Island. 



The chief object of my investigations was to study the distribution of 

 the Malacostraca within the Clyde sea-area. 



Apart from the new species discovered and the new records made, the 

 distribution of many of the Malacostracan species has been extended, 

 especially among the Schizopoda, since the publication of Dr. Scott's list 

 in 190L^ In this short report I cannot deal with this part of my in- 

 vestigations, but hope to publish, at an early date, an extended paper 

 giving details. 



' I estimate the cost at about 12,000Z. for a well-equipped expedition. 

 - B.A. for Adv. of Science, Glasgow, 1901, ' Fauna, Flora, and Geology of Clyde 

 Sea-area,' p. 328. 



