760 Correspondence. [November, 
creature seen by Captain J. F. Cox, of the Privateer , on August 
5th, must have been a large ophidian if his description is trust- 
worthy. But he will probably be at once proclaimed unworthy 
of credit. We are by no means sure that if such a serpent had 
been seen by the entire scientific staff of the Challenger their 
united testimony would have been accepted. — I am, &c., 
. Serpent-Hunter. 
THE ENDOWMENT OF RESEARCH. 
To the Editor of the Monthly Journal of Science. 
Sir, — In the able Address delivered by Dr. Pye-Smith, in the 
Anatomical and Physiological Department, Secftion D, of the 
British Association, as reported in your Odtober number, there 
is one passage which seems to require comment. The learned 
speaker declared that he “ should be sorry to see the endowment 
of research in biology,” and it is to be presumed in other sciences 
also, “ undertaken by Government funds.” But those who ad- 
vocate the endowment of research for the most part make no 
demands upon Government funds. They urge, first, that the 
present endowment of “ cram ” should cease, and that the posi- 
tions and emoluments now handed over to successful examinees 
should be conferred upon discoverers; secondly, they demand 
that the fellowships of our old national universities should be 
made, as they were intended by their founders, the. incentives 
and the rewards of original thought and research.” “ Local 
energy and unofficial zeal ” have indeed done great things for 
England ; but what have they done in this particular sphere ? 
What would they even be permitted to do ? Suppose a number 
of wealthy gentlemen agreed to found and endow a college where 
the highest honours should be attainable by research alone, would 
it receive official recognition and be permitted to grant any kind 
of degrees? We think not. — I am, &c., 
Scrutator. 
