PREFATORY NOTE. 
XT. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 
Waslim(jton, I). C., May X, 1899. 
The iM'esent Bulletin contains three papers emanating from the biological labora- 
tory of the Commission at Woods Hole, Mass. These are the first of a series of articles 
presenting the results of scientific and economic investigations conducted at that 
station. These investigations, which cover a very wide range of subjects pertaining 
to aquatic biology, are for the most part carried on by scientists prominent in their 
various branches, who are attracted to the station by the opportunities for study there 
afforded, and who give to the Commission, without remuneration, the results of their 
labors. 
By affording facilities to those persons who may iirofit by the use of the material 
available at its various stations, the Commission not only aids in the general progress 
of science, but extends its own field of usefulness, if biological problems of even remote 
economic bearing are solved through the study of the fish or other animals procurable 
at the laboratory. It was the earnest desire of the late Professor Baird, the founder 
of the laboratory, that opportunity for such special research should be provided, and 
during the past year, without in any way interfering with the other work of the station 
and at practically no expense to the Government, a number of specialists have been 
enabled to carry on researches which have yielded results of scientific importance. 
The recent action of the Commission in making provision for keeping the labora- 
tory oiien throughout the year has been warmly indorsed, and will, it is thought, prove 
most beneficial in advancing the interests of marine biology. 
George M. Bowers, 
CommisHioner. 
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