The Fauna of the Salcombe Estuary

Extract

In connection with the work of the Plymouth Laboratory it has been the custom of the Marine Biological Association for several years past to extend its operations during the summer months to the various harbours on the coast of Devon and Cornwall, with a view to making a comparative study of the faunas found in the different localities and of correlating, so far as that may be possible, differences in the character of the fauna with differences in the physical conditions prevailing in each. In former years this has been done by making occasional visits, lasting generally for a few days only, in our small steamer, the Busy Bee. It was found, however, that if investigations of this character were to be satisfactorily carried out some arrangement would have to be made for remaining in one locality for longer periods, and working each harbour in turn in more detail. Mr. J. W. Woodall kindly came to our assistance and purchased the hull of an old cruising yacht, which he caused to be fitted as a small floating laboratory and house-boat, and placed at our disposal for use in connection with the researches. This vessel, the Dawn, which can be towed by our own steamer, has been stationed at Salcombe during the present summer and has proved herself to be very well adapted to the work for which she was intended. We have also to thank Mr. Woodall for defraying the expenses of keeping the Dawn at Salcombe.