REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXIII 
to conduct liis observations, and, moreover, the eggs of some are so 
opaque or so minute as to make their study difficult. The eggs of 
kindred and non-commercial forms may then be utilized to good advan- 
tage, and their history may explain the facts desired. The teachings of 
morphology and histology, as well as of physiology, are equally essential 
to the interpretation of many questions which constantly tax the inge- 
nuity of the breeders of aquatic animals, and it is only upon the broadest 
basis of biological deductions that their operations can be conducted 
intelligently and successfully. 
In spite of these facts, the Government contributes nothing toward 
the compensation of those specialists whose time is not expected to 
yield a more or less direct gain. They are accorded such facilities as 
remain after the Fish Commission representatives have been provided 
for, and their good work is chiefly carried on under the stimulus which 
actuates the genuine seeker after truth. They are mostly professors 
and students in scientific institutions, who devote their vacation time, 
in such manner as they are best fitted, to the general advancement of 
knowledge. To the unselfish labors of men of this stamp and to their 
discoveries of great fundamental principles are largely due not only 
the development of fish-cultural methods, but of many important mod- 
ern industries. The expediency of extending opportunities for research 
to this class of students is undeniable, and were it possible to offer 
still more substantial aid, the results would fully justify the means, as 
has been recognized in other branches of the Government service. By 
the payment of small salaries during about three months of each year 
a very able staff of workers could be organized, and under competent 
supervision their inquiries could be directed in the most appropriate 
channels. 
The facilities of the Wood’s Holl Station for observations and experi- 
ments respecting marine animals are unsurpassed* elsewhere in this 
country, and probably also in Europe, except by the famous Naples 
laboratory. In the large laboratory building, the lower story has been 
specially fitted up for hatchery purposes, and contains the most ap- 
proved appliances adapted to the propagation of marine fishes. These 
are at the service of the biological student who desires to trace the de- 
velopment of any set of eggs, permitting him to keep them constantly 
in view under the most favorable conditions afforded by a perfect sys- 
tem of water circulation. In the same room there is a larger series of 
aquaria and tanks, designed for the storage of embryo fishes while 
awaiting distribution, but available also for observations upon the 
growth and habits of any marine forms. The second story has been 
furnished chiefly in the interest of biological inquiry, being divided 
into several rooms, one of large size, the others suited to the require- 
ments of one or two workers each. Salt water is distributed around 
the entire story by means of hard-rubber pipes having outlets at each 
window, where aquarial and study tables are provided. Larger aquaria 
