66 
may bring about fruit. West Africa however affords at 
present in our Possessions no magnets for the growth of 
scientific attraction and interest in the shape of Museums, 
Botanic Gardens, Herbariums or Model Farms, wants deeply 
felt in justice, if not to more, to its fauna and flora. 
The climate of West Africa may not admit of general 
colonisation, nor should it be necessary, for it offers good 
material for development ; while acknowledging it is bad, 
and, although such, has been often painted in the worst 
colours, yet it will continue to admit of the further import 
of commercial enterprise, resulting in more good to its 
undertakers and to Her People. 
In the preparation of this Paper I am indebted to the 
courtesy and attention of many, especially to Dr. Giinther 
of the British Museum, and to Dr. Murie of the Linnean 
Society, and I trust that this brief acknowledgment of my 
debt may be generally accepted. 
DISCUSSION. 
Mr. EDWARD JEX said the capture of barracouta and 
bonito on the coast of Guinea had been mentioned, but 
no mention was made of the manner in which they 
were caught; the same with regard to the herring and 
mackerel. 
Captain MOLONEY said the barracouta and bonito were 
caught with hook and line, the herring and mackerel were 
caught with a circular hand-net, which, perhaps, in its 
closing action by weighted edge and result, might bear 
some slight comparison with the purse-seine net, but for a 
detailed description he would beg leave to refer Mr. Jex 
to page 24 of his Paper, and to the miniature model before 
the Conference. 
