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SOME REMAEKS ON THE PELAGIC LIFE OCCUREING IN AND 



NEAR FALMOUTH HAEBOUE, WITH ADDITIONS TO THE 



FAUNA OF THE DISTRICT. 



From August, 1891, to December, 1892. 

 By RUPERT VALLBNTIN. 



1. Pelagic Life. 



Since my last report (10)* my attention has been mainly 

 directed to the study of the pelagic life occurring in and near 

 Falmouth harbour. 



When commencing my investigations in 1890, 1 saw that the 

 direction of the wind and strength of the tide played most impor- 

 tant parts in my surface collections ; and that in order to make 

 the best surface-net gatherings, information relating to the tidal 

 currents in the harbour and on the coast outside would have to 

 be obtained. Since that time I have consulted pilots, fishermen, 

 and others on the tidal currents both in the bay and harbour, 

 but have experienced the greatest difficulty in sifting the 

 evidence ; for in the majority of instances my informants flatly 

 contradicted each other. I am in hopes however that within 

 another year, I shall be in possession of sufficient reliable 

 information to enable me to construct a series of charts, shewing 

 the principal changes of the currents in and near Falmouth 

 harbour. Speaking generally, given a south-westerly wind and 

 a rising tide, a strong current from the Lizard sweeps into 

 Falmouth bay round the Manacle rocks, and from thence into 

 the harbour ; the main body of water flowing into the latter 

 between the Black rock and St. Anthony point. On the other 

 hand during an ebb tide, pilots when sailing a vessel into the 

 harbour, particularly if the wind is at all light, never allow the 

 vessel to occupy a position south of the Zoze point ; as the tide 

 at this stage would sweep the ship into Gerrans bay. This 

 statement receives confirmation from personal observation. 

 During the summer, when the wind is blowing from the north to 



* See references at the close of paper. 



