The Canadian Marine Biological Station. 309 



the Zoology of Xova Scotia and Xew Brunswick as that of 

 Dr. G. F. Matthew is with the Geology and Palajontology 

 of that region. To us in 1899 was offered the opportunity 

 of corroborating and extending the observations of these 

 writers, for in that year the Canadian Government granted 

 an appropriation of $7000 for the erection, equipment 

 and maintenance of a Marine Biological Station, largely 

 through the influence of Sir Louis Davies, Minister of 

 Marine and Fisheries. 



The objects of such an institution may be considered 

 under two aspects, Scientific and Economic. From a 

 Scientific point of view may be mentioned : — 



(1) The collection and identification of the various 

 organisms indigenous to the region. 



(2) The study of their abundance, food, habits, mode of 

 propagation, and the circumstances favorable or inimical 

 to their life and propagation. 



(3) Their parasites. 



(4) Their variation under natural and artificial condi- 

 tions. 



(5) Their development and life history. 



(6) The depth and temperature of the water inhabited 

 by the various forms. 



(7) The investigation of such forms and phases of 

 organic life as cannot be satisfactorily preserved for subse- 

 quent study. 



The Economic aspect presents itself under such headings 

 as the following : — 



(1) The investigation of such organisms as are of 

 commercial value ; more especially the fishes and edible 

 Mollusca. 



(2) Problems concerning their natural and artificial 

 propagation. 



(3) The study of the food, habits and development of 

 Fishes, and their relative abundance under varying condi- 

 tions. 



