SUMMARY AND GENERAL REPORT. 
I have the honour to present the Report on the scientific investi- 
gations, completed or in progress, for the year ending 18th October, 
1900. 
The results of the trawling excursions show’ a diminution in the 
returns for plaice. The average catch was only 110, a number 
below the average for the last five years. There was, as last year, 
an improvement in size in the latter as compared with the earlier 
part of the season. Dabs continue to improve in numbers, tho 
average this year being 90. From about the end of July to tho 
middig of September there was a great increase in the numbers. 
The average for the first four completed experiments was 62, and 
for the last four 180. This species also improved markedly in sizo 
during these latter experiments. There was only an average of 4 
turbot, and this form must therefore be considered to have become 
very rare close to the coast. The sole, on the other hand, with an 
average of 14, offers a slight improvement over the catches for the 
last two years. 
The flat fishes taken together give an average of 281. Last 
year the average was 220. The improvement is gratifying : but 
from what has already been pointed out, it is clear that it is due 
almost entirely to the increase in the numbers of dabs. 
A complete statement is given with measurements of all the 
fishes captured at the first haul on each occasion. The table shows 
the distribution of fish of different sizes in the several bays along 
the coast. 
As the food of the more important fishes seems to have changed 
somewhat, the results of the investigations made this year are pre- 
sented in detail, together with measurements which show that a 
gradual increase in tho size of the generative organs takes place 
before maturity, and that a considerable increase in size accom- 
panies the ripening of these organs. 
\ ery few floating eggs were obtained — only 8 altogether at 
the excursions, and 9 at Cullercoats. As the nets were used for the 
most part in the harbour at Cullercoats, the latter number is not 
surprising. And tho explanation of the small number got at the 
