Notes

Abstract

AT the recent meeting of the Association of German Naturalists and Physicians at Hamburg, a proposal for the establishment of zoologico-botanical stations on the German coast was reported on and discussed. The high importance of such establishments to German science was recognised. While all praise was accorded to the Naples establishment, considerations of distance, expense, and climate, render it desirable that similar stations should be established within easier reach of German students and biological investigators. The report of the Committee appointed to consider the matter discussed the suitability of various places for such establishments, and concludes by strongly recommending Kiel on the Baltic and Heligoland in the North Sea. The Committee are of opinion that the establishments should be established on the broadest bases for the investigation not only of the botany and zoology of the seas referred to, but also for their physics, their chemistry, and for meteorology. In the discussion which followed it was suggested that the Heligoland station might be conducted in connection with English men of science. The Association finally decided as follows:—1. The erection of stations for zoologico-botanical research at Kiel and in Heligoland is necessary for the development of German science. 2. The Association approves of the drawing up of a memorandum and petition, to be sent to the Imperial Chancellor, the Bundersrath, and the Governments of the several States of the Empire, with the additional request to the Prussian Government that it would take the initiative in the matter. 3. The Association to appoint a commission to draw up and distribute the memorandum. 4. The memorandum to be circulated among all eminent German scientific men, in order to obtain as many signatures as possible. The following Commission was appointed to draw up the memorandum:—Professors Alex. Braun, Ernst Haeckel, Rud. Leuckart, Dr. H. Ad. Meyer, Alex. Pagenstecher, Pringsheim, and Julius Sachs, with power to add to their number. It is not necessary to say one word in commendation of this admirable scheme; we cannot doubt that it will be successfully carried out.