P R E F A C E. 



Tn the years 1896 and 1897 I have at the expense of the Bergen Museum undertaken hydrographical and biological investigations 

 1 during the great season fisheries in the Lofoten district. From February to April 1896 sections were taken at several parts of 

 the coast from Stavanger to Vsero, as well as observations at the fishing stations of Lofoten. In captain Bie I had a very able 

 assistant. The following year I worked alone, the investigations being limited to the banks of Lofoten, the outer side of the 

 islands, Vesteraalen, and the Ofoten-fjord. The hydrographical tables provided by my expeditions were, according to a previous 

 agreement, handed over to Messrs. dr. Johan Hjokt and cand. Gban, so as to enter, as contributions, into the description to be 

 given by these gentlemen of the currents of Norwegian waters. Mr. Geas has further defined and described the diatomacea and 

 peridinea contained in the plancton samples collected by me. I have myself tried to give a description of the more important 

 animal forms in the plancton. 



On the following pages I intend to give an account of my work in the service of the national exploration of the sea. I 

 admit at once that the results are not great, but at the same time wisli it to be remembered that researches of this kind, to the 

 north of the arctic circle, during the severest season of the year, in fishermen's boats, saving-boats, and small steamers are under- 

 taken under circumstances tliat greatly dift'er from the calmness and snug comfort of the laboratory. Generally speaking, natural 

 exploration under such circumstances is of a nature to require as much from one's stomach as from one's mind. 



I have to thank the gentlemen that have in dift'erent ways assisted me in this work. In the first place the authorities of 

 the Bergen Museum, wdio have started me by providing money. Then I thank professors Collett and Saks, dr. Appelloe, curator Grieg 

 dr. Hjort, cand. Gran, dr. Ki^r, curator Bidexkap, and cand. Ostergeen of Upsala, for the valuable assistance given me in 

 defining materials of several kinds. Especial thanks I owe to professor Sars, who has not only defined several Crustacea taken from 

 the stomachs of cods, but has also introduced me to a knowledge of the general forms of animal plancton. 



