ON THE ZOOLOGICAL STATION AT NAPLES. 181 



■with such force that a strong man becomes fatigued in half an hour and 

 has to be drawn up again. In a tidal sea these forces must be regarded 

 as great hindrances to the convenient use of diving apparatus. 



It is scarcely necessary to indicate the special advantages which are 

 likely to accrue from the use of diving as an agent in Natural History 

 research ; — they are of themselves self-evident. By this means it is 

 possible to explore fissures, cavities, or the nnder-side of overhanging 

 rocks, and similar parts of the sea-bottom which are naturally inaccessible 

 either to the trawl or the dredge. The examination of all such places 

 is of the greatest importance for the collection of Sponges, Hydroids, 

 Actinise, I3ryozoa, and all sessile organisms ; as well as for Planarians, 

 Nudibranchs, and other MoUusca ; and for the Algae, perhaps, chief of 

 all. Furthermore, by the aid of a diving apparatus important material, 

 of the description just enumerated, may be readily procured in large 

 quantities, whilst the association and variations of organisms may be 

 studied with the greatest accuracy. Notes can be written, or even 

 sketches made, by the diver without difficulty ; and direct observations 

 obtained on the conditions of environment. A more definite knowledge 

 of the distribution of a marine Fauna and Flora is thus rendered possible 

 than by any other means of investigation ; and we have here a method 

 of approaching many problems which had hitherto seemed inaccessible, 

 and whose solution has been wholly hypothetical. 



Amongst the rarities recently procured may be mentioned: — 

 Ehodosoma {Ghevreulius) callense, Heller, the northern Lophogaster tijpicus, 

 Sars, several new forms of parasitic Bopijridce, as well as various 

 Scopelidce. 



(The Preservation of Specimens). — This has always been an important 

 feature in the general routine of the Station. Experience and careful 

 investigation have brought about numerous improvements in the methods 

 of treating different groups of organisms ; and success has been attained 

 in various cases which had hitherto been regarded as impracticable. In 

 testimony of the excellence of manipulation, it may be mentioned that at 

 the International Fishery Exhibition, held at Berlin, in 1880, a First 

 Prize and Gold Medal were awarded to the Zoological Station for the 

 preservation of marine aiaimals. 



(The British Association Table). — During the past year, two naturalists 

 have occupied the British Association table, viz., Mr. Francis G. Penrose 

 and Mr. Allen Harker. These gentlemen have furnished reports of the 

 investigations undertaken by them during their occupancy of the table, 

 in accordance with the requirements of this Committee. These reports 

 will be found appended below ; and it is gratifying to note that interesting 

 results outspringing from the studies there specified will, in all probability, 

 be published shortly. 



Application has been made for the use of the table, during the coming 

 year, by Mr. Patrick Geddes, by whom important results, from a previous 

 short occupation of this table, in 1879, have already been published. 

 Mr. Geddes is now desirous of prosecuting certain special investigations ; 

 these will extend over a longer period, and Mr. Geddes will be 

 accompanied by an assistant, whose services are rendered necessary by 

 the nature of the investigations about to be undertaken. 



With tlie foregoing facts and details before them, your Committee 

 would most strongly urge the renewal of the grant for the eusuing year. 

 They would further recommend that the amount be increased to 901., in 



