14 
nearly of mature size. And as the same method of counting will 
be adopted in subsequent seasons, the numbers will be of consider- 
able interest and importance. 
A great variation occurs, but the results bear one another out in 
some respects. For 1896, the plaice, so far as they were counted, 
were about 100 mature to 75 immature; the gurnards, 100 mature 
to 240 immature ; and a large proportion of flounders was shown 
likewise in the immature condition. Thus these observations agree 
with those of the two subsequent years with regard to gurnards and 
flounders, and for 1897 with regard to place. This year the plaice 
are represented in larger numbers of the smaller sizes, while in the 
other forms the immature are not so numerous as in the previous 
seasons. To give more point to these results I purpose counting 
and measuring the whole of the first haul next season, because, for 
one reason, the above contrast between the plaice and the dabs is 
bound to be an unequal one. 
THE SIZE, FOOD AND SEX OF THE FISHES. 
As in previous seasons, examples of each class of fish were 
examined and measured. 
Turbot. — Thirty-one were measured, the largest being those got 
at Druridge Bay on July 20th, some of the measurements being 
25^ in. x 20 in., 21J in. x l(j in., 21 in. x 16^ in., 18Jin. x 14 in., 
18 in. x 14 in. They varied at the other places from 12 in. x 9 in. 
to the numbers just given. Among nineteen of these, seven were 
empty, five were feeding on sand eels, three on whitings, two on 
weevers, one on sand eels and whiting, and one on weever and sand 
eels. There were eight males and eleven females. In 1897, among 
fourteen, there were six males and eight females. 
Brill. — Eleven were measured, varying from 10i in. x 6£ in. 
to 17 in. x Hi in. Among nine, one was empty, six were feeding 
on sand eels and two on whitings. There were three males and six 
females. 
Flounder. — Thirteen gave measurements from 9 in. x in. to 
17 in. x 9 in. Among eleven, five were empty, two were feeding 
on sand eels, one on whitings, one on Teltina tenuis, one on Loligo 
m armor (c and Portunus holsatus, and one on young mytilus. There 
were one male and ten females. 
Plaice. — Among the thirty-eight measured there were only three 
which were 20 inches and over, these measuring 20 in. x 12 in., 
20£ in. x 15 in., and 26J in. x 15£ in. The majority varied from 
