12 



Part III. — Twenty-sixth Annual Report. 



the characters of the fish seriatim, making each one a basis of 

 classification. It has usually been thought necessary to subdivide 

 the genus by the test of a single character — for example, by the 

 question of whether the upper or the lower jaw forms the most 

 anterior point of the fish when the mouth is closed. Then in each 

 sub-group the individual members were separated by other 

 characters. Theoretically this is a convenient arrangement, but in 

 practice it is of little value in some cases, for the first selected 

 character may not be readily recognisable in some specimens, and 

 in that case the diagnosis may not be obtained. The specific 

 characters of the various forms dealt with are described in detail, 

 and are illustrated by numerous tables and six plates. 



The Parasites of Fishes. 



A paper, illustrated by five plates, descriptive of certain parasites 

 infesting fish is contributed to this Report by Dr. Thomas Scott, 

 in continuation of other papers on the same subject which have 

 appeared in former Eeports. They include both ectoparasites and 

 endoparasites, three species of the former being new to science, 

 while some rare and curious forms are comprised among those 

 belonging to the latter group. Dr. Scott states that in the many 

 cases of parasitism in fish that have come under his notice, he has 

 usually been unable to observe any very serious results produced 

 by the presence of the parasites ; and in cases where the fish were 

 much emaciated it was a moot point whether the emaciation was 

 caused by the parasites or due to other causes. 



Scientific and Technical Instruction to Fishermen. 



For some years past, as mentioned in previous Eeports, repre- 

 sentative fishermen selected by the Technical Committees of 

 various counties have visited the Marine Laboratory and Hatchery 

 to receive demonstrations and instruction relating to the life- 

 history and habits of the food fishes, such as might be of interest 

 and use to them, and to see the processes of fish-hatching. Owing 

 to a misunderstanding as to the scope of the invitation formerly 

 issued by the Board, no delegates attended in the spring of 1907, 

 but in the spring of this year representatives came from the 

 Counties of Elgin and Caithness. 



We have the honour to be, 

 Sir, 



Your most obedient Servants, 



ANGUS SUTHEELAND, Chairman. 



D. CEAWFOED, Deputy-Chairman. 



DAECY W. THOMPSON. 



W. E. DUGUID. 



L. MILLOY. 



D. MEAENS. 



H. WATSON. 



WM. 0. ROBERTSON, Secretary. 



