188 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
ing more material for class work, while the lower grades of the primary schools are 
using natural history specimens for nature studies. The demand for such specimens 
has been growing, but such material is costly. The price of this material should be 
made low in order to stimulate more practical work in our schools. The great good 
already accomplished by the United States Fish Commission through the Smithsonian 
Institution is an excellent illustration of what may be done in this direction. 
It is customary in connection with these stations to arrange for courses of semi- 
popular lectures. These lectures are authentic resumes of the most recent investiga- 
tions, and when published do much toward educating the masses and directing public 
opinion in proper channels. They create a healthy public feeling in reference to the 
function of scientific work and the utility of original investigation. 
All of the arguments so far advanced are important, but the highest and greatest 
benefit to be derived from a station must come from its original contributions to our 
knowledge of biology. The distinctive features of such a station must be its capa- 
bility for carrying on independent investigation. Private rooms for research should 
be provided and every facility for research supplied. The station should be a place 
where investigations are made by people who come together for experiment and mutual 
assistance. Its work should be of such a character and should attain a reputation 
such that persons contemplating economic work of a biologic nature will unhesitat- 
ingly trust the results of its investigators. 
The work of a Gulf biological station should be carried on in connection with 
similar work of the U. S. Fish Commission. This Commission has for some time had 
under contemplation the establishment of a laboratory on the Gulf coast, and this 
Congress, in our opinion, should in every way further this movement. The establish- 
ment of a biological station in connection with the laboratory and Fish Commission 
would offer an especially desirable place for public-school teachers interested in 
scientific topics; would draw college students desiring to supplement a college course 
with practical work ; attract medical students who feel the necessity of a knowledge 
of biological subjects in connection with their work ; would serve as a distributing- 
point for schools wanting marine forms; furnish college and university men chances 
to meet and compare notes; would immensely increase the development of all our 
economic interests, and lastly, would crown all of these advantages by stimulating 
that highest of all labors — the capable, painstaking, original investigation. 
Ruston, Louisiana. 
