SEA-FISHERIES LABORATORY. 151 



should be set free to determine set of tides and other 

 currents. 



(g) Samples of the bottom deposits should be made and 

 preserved for examination in the laboratory. 



(/?,) The state of wind, tide, sea, weather, etc., should 

 be recorded on the form supplied. 



The above scheme applies only to the work on board 

 the steamer. The observations at present carried on by 

 the bailiffs in the in-shore waters should be continued, 

 and weekly tow-nettings should be taken in each division 

 of the district, and at the Piel and Port Erin Laboratories ; 

 and the fullest possible statistics must also be obtained 

 from the commercial fishing' boats. Notwithstanding the 

 very great importance of such commercial statistics in 

 connection with present or contemplated regulations, the 

 system, of collection is imperfect in various respects, and 

 it is sometimes impossible to obtain reliable figures. The 

 remedy is to place the collection of statistics in the hands 

 of the local Sea-fisheries Committee who can obtain 

 information as to every man, boy and boat fishing in their 

 area, 



The forms containing the results of the above observa- 

 tions should be posted to the Fisheries Laboratory, Uni- 

 versity College, Liverpool, with the least possible delay, 

 as it is important that early information should be ob- 

 tained of any unusual occurrence or any change in the 

 distribution of fish and plankton throughout the district. 



A copy of the form upon which the observations should 

 be recorded was given in the report for 1900, at p. 30. 



In addition to the regular statistical work planned for 

 16 days in each month, it is probable that the steamer in 

 most months will be able to devote a few days to the 

 work of exploring outside the stations laid down. Such 

 exploration will be most valuable, both from the purely 



