SEA-FISHERIES LABORATORY. 79 
future in relation to the determination of the best 
regulations which will lead to a profitable exploitation 
of our fishing grounds. 
In conclusion, I wish to say once more that it is 
much to be regretted that it has recently been found 
necessary to curtail the scientific work carried out by 
the steamer. The ** Hensen’’ net observations, 
formerly taken periodically by Mr. Scott, have been 
abandoned for the present—until, in fact, an adequate 
subsidy in aid of the scientific work can be obtained 
from some Government source. ‘Two of the lines of 
stations along which hydrographic observations were 
formerly made have now had to be given up, and the 
cruises have this year been made at intervals of three 
months in place of every six weeks as in 1909. It is to 
be hoped that these interruptions to the scientific work 
are only of a temporary nature. Application has been 
made to the Commissioners under the Development Act 
for a grant that will enable work of this kind, of a 
scientific nature bearing on the advancement of our 
knowledge of the sea-fisheries, to be carried on; and, if 
an adequate subsidy from that source can be obtained, 
it will place our various lines of investigation on a firmer 
basis, and allow of their being extended in scope and 
usefulness. 
W. A. HERDMAN. 
FISHERIES LABORATORY, 
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL, 
April 3rd, 1911. 
