APPENDIX. 119 



The character of the vessel in which the experi- 

 ment was made must, without other defects, have 

 rendered success all but impossible. 



Under no conditions could it be supposed that 

 the Ova or Fry would survive 160 days at sea, nor 

 could it be expected that a vessel of the dimensions 

 of the Beautiful Star, and rigged as she was, could 

 perform the voyage much under that period. 



The suspended apparatus appears to have been 

 skilfully contrived ; and in a suitable vessel, and 

 under other proper conditions, would in all prob- 

 ability have brought their charge in stifety to their 

 destination. 



But the small dimensions of the vessel did not 

 afford space to permit it to swing freely, and the 

 constant and excessive rolling kept the gravel in 

 which the Ova were deposited continually shifting, 

 causing their death by mere attrition ; and, from 

 the same cause, the apparatus could not safely be 

 approached for many days in succession. 



Mr. Eamsbottom has, however, pointed out some 

 changes in the construction of the suspensory 

 apparatus which would, in the opinion of the Com- 

 missioners, considerably improve it, and render it 

 as near as possible perfect for a future experi- 

 ment. 



The second apparatus, constructed on the gimbal 

 principle, was a failure from the first ; and, by its 



