i6 



THE SCIENTIFIC AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS 



typicus in A. D. E., etc.; Caradid larvae in B. F. G., etc. 

 Again, whilst certain species, notably Pseudocalanus elongaius 

 and Teniora longiconiis, sustain a more or less regular occur- 

 rence throughout the whole range of series, others are of more 

 or less fitful or uncertain appearance. The most important 

 point, however, appears to lie in the fact that the bulk of the 

 food in every instance appears to have been composed of these 

 two species of Copepods, which are undoubtedly rich in oil, 

 and probably of high nutrient value. 



It is important to note that, according to the " Fish Trades 

 Gazette," the fishery in Mevagissey Bay throughout the period 

 over which these samples were taken was of a regular and 

 productive character; the official returns show the following 

 total landings for the West Country. 



1907 



July 



Aug. 



Sept. 



Oct. 



South Coast . 



2,285 



29,639 



40.464 



5.140 cwts. 



North Coast . 



31 



7.840 



3.225 



186 cwts. 



These figures do not represent a phenomenally good 

 season, but demonstrate the fact that the fishery gradually 

 improved from its commencement until it reached its height, 

 and that the inshore migration was in accordance with what 

 we may term normaP** conditions. 



In striking contrast to the foregoing series of observations 

 are those shown in the next table (Table IV.), which repre- 

 sent the character of the food observed in a more extensive 

 collection of stomachs obtained from the Mounts Bay and 

 Mevagissey Bay fisheries in August of the present year (19 13). 



The nature of the plankton environment occurring at these 

 two stations will be dealt with in detail in a subsequent paper, 

 but it is desirable at this point to state that throughout the 

 whole of Mounts Bay phytoplankton occurred in considerable 

 preponderance over zooplankton. At certain positions lying 

 off the Lizard the tow-nets, after a short immersion in the water, 

 became choked with diatoms and gave a slimy impression to 



1^ Note. — In view of the fact that the official returns show occasional 

 difference in those months in which the heaviest landings have taken place 

 throughout a number of years, the term "normal " is used to designate the 

 condition exhibited by the majority. 



