One of the objects of zoological study is to ascertain more completely and more accurately the peculiarities by which one kind of animal (species, variety, genus, &c.) is distinguished from another. The advance of our knowledge in this direction depends on the more minute examination and more accurate distinction of known forms, the examination of larger numbers of specimens from familiar localities, and the examination of specimens from localities previously unsearched. There is scarcely any family so thoroughly investigated that it does not yield new discoveries on a renewed examination of more abundant material. It is found possible to recognise finer distinctions, and so split up one species into several, or convert what was considered a species into a genus. New material—that is to say, examination of a large number of specimens— often shows, too, that distinct species are more or less connected by intermediate forms. But in all this work the part played by these minute peculiarities in the life of the animal usually receives little attention. It is not the object of systematic zoology to ascertain the uses of characters, or to explain their origin. These objects require different methods, and are usually pursued by different investigators. But among the various methods employed there is one which has seldom, if ever, been followed—that of surveying the various characters of different grades,—specific, generic, family, &c.—in order to find whether it is possible to trace a connection between them and the habits of the animals which exhibit them, and generally to consider how far the principles which have been suggested in explanation of the evolution of species are applicable to the diagnostic characters of a particular family.

From the time of Aristotle many naturalists have desired, and a large number have attempted, to discover something about the breeding and development of the common eel, but until the present time it has remained a baffling mystery. At last the mystery is to a great extent penetrated; the larva of the eel has been discovered, and turns out to be a creature which was known before. Until the present year absolutely nothing was known of the history of the eel between the disappearance of the parents in the sea in autumn, and the disappearance of the young transparents elvers in early spring. Professor Grassi and Dr. Calandruccio have now discovered that one of the larval forms called Leptocephali is the larva of the common eel. This form was described and distingushed as Leptocephalus brevirostris, but it was not suspected that it belonged to the eel.

I subjoin the results of statistical inquiries into this question, continued from the point at which they were left in the last number of this Journal. Having been permitted by the Council of the Association to undertake a series of lectures along the coast of Yorkshire on behalf of the North-eastern Sea Fisheries Committee during the present autumn and winter, I find it necessary to restrict the present paper to the smallest possible compass, reserving practically everything except the mere statement of figures until more time shall be available for the deduction of results.

I regret to have to say that the statistics for the month of May are by no means complete. Bibliographical work in connection with several scientific papers on which I was then engaged necessitated my absence from Grimsby during the early part of the month, and the sudden illness of my subordinate during the same period interfered with the arrangements I had made for keeping up the records. The statistics as to plaice are, therefore, a blank for the first week of May; Mr. Clark unfortunately remained unwell for the rest of the month, while a serious break-down in the circulating apparatus of the Cleethorpes aquarium made great demands upon the time which I should otherwise have been able to devote to market observations; and, though I was able to keep account of all plaice landed, my statistics as to haddock and cod are too meagre to be worth insertion.

The specimens conform to a type which appears to be fairly well known to Grimsby fishermen, and fish merchants, and which is always regarded by them as the offspring of the parents mentioned in the title. The object of the present note is to discuss the probabilities of the correctness of this diagnosis as fully as the material allows. The form can hardly be said to be rare, since within two years I have secured three specimens, while I have heard of several others having been present in the market. In some old manuscript notes kindly lent me by my friend Mr. G. L. Alward I find descriptions which apply to two fish of the same type, while Dr. Günther tells me that he has received several from London fish merchants.

The facts gathered up to the present time with regard to the occurrence of anchovies in the English Channel are briefly as follows:

In November, 1889, large numbers of anchovies were reported to have been taken at Dover in the drift-nets used for sprat fishing. During the same month also numbers were taken by the sprat fishermen in Torbay, in seines.

Whilst working at the Laboratory this summer on the function of iodine in Algæ, it was suggested to me by the Director that I should study the influence of Algæ on the ammonia in sea water. I here tender my thanks to Mr. E. J. Bles for his kind advice and assistance.

Fully ten years having elapsed since the Report on Trawling on the eastern shores was presented to the Trawling Commission (composed of the late Earl of Dalhousie, chairman; Right Hon. Edward Marjoribanks, M.P., now Lord Tweedmouth; Prof. Huxley; Mr. W. S. Caine, M.P.; and Mr., now Sir, T. F. Brady), it appears to be desirable to review the statements contained therein in the light of the information which the impetus given by the Commission has produced. Moreover this examination of results is all the more nececssary, since last year another important body—viz. the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Fisheries, presided over by Mr. Majoribanks, M.P.—issued a new blue-book containing the finding of the Committee, and a mass of evidence.