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as described in Science, 11th June, 1886, showing that it is possible to artificially hatch the ova of the lobster, and that adult lobsters can be kept alive for a long period in a moist, cold atmosphere, I should feel much obliged if you would be kind enough to inform me whether any further experiments have been made hereon, and whether the result of such experiments would justify the expectation that lobster-ova or live lobsters could be successfully transferred from San Francisco to this colony, the voyage lasting about twenty days. Any further information that you could give on this subject would be highly esteemed. I have, &c, Jos. A. Tole, (For Minister having charge of Marine Department.) The Hon. Spencer F. Baird, United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D.C., United States of America.

No. 40. The United States Commissionee of Fish and Fisheeies to the Hon. the Ministeb of Mabine United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D.C, Deab Sib,— sth February, 1887. Your letter of the 7th October was duly received, and was referred to Mr. Eathbun, who has charge of the lobster experimental works. His reply (herewith enclosed) will explain the facts as known to him, and the cause of delay in answering. Yours truly, Spencer F. Baied. The Hon. J. A. Tole, Marine Department, Wellington, New Zealand.

Enclosure. Mr. Eathbun to Professor Baied. United States National Museum under direction of the Smithsonian Institution, Sic, — Washington, 4th February, 1887. I have been holding this communication from the Marine Department of Wellington hoping that Mr. Eyder's report on the lobster-experiments of last summer would soon be published and serve as a partial answer to the questions asked. I presume, however, that a reply should be made at once in view of the fact that the lobster spawning-_season is now approaching. I think that the success of carrying lobsters thirty days, especially when the first ten days involve a tedious railroad journey, is exceedingly problematical. None of our experiments as yet prove that lobsters can be kept more than fifteen or twenty days even under the most favourable conditions. It also appears probable, from the experiments made, that the immature eggs kept in confinement for a long time become choked with dirt and are apt not to hatch ; they also require a constant change of water. It is possible they might carry better attached to the parent. The transporting of a lot of lobsters to Australia would require a considerable outlay of money, the very best of facilities, and an experienced attendant constantly on hand. Would it not be best to recommend a delay on the part of the Wellington authorities until we have made further experiments ? If so, shall I prepare letter ? Eespectfully, Professor Baird. R. Eathbun.

No. 41. The Hon. the Ministeb of Marine to the United States Commissionee of Fish and Fisheeies. Sib,— Marine Department, Wellington, 19th March, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth ultimo forwarding a report by Mr. Eathbun as to the possibility of introducing lobster-ova or live lobsters into this colony from America; and I beg to express my warmest thanks to you for obtaining and furnishing this report. I shall esteem it a great favour if you will acquaint me of the results of further experiments which may be made by Mr. Eathbun. I have, &c, W. J. M. Labnach. The Hon. Spencer F. Baird, United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D.C, United States of America.

No. 42. The Seceetaey, Marine Department, to the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Canada. SiR, — Marine Department, Wellington, 7th October, 1886. The attention of this department having been drawn to some recent experiments made by Captain _H. C. Chester at the United States Fish Commission station, Woodshall, Massachusetts, as described in Science, 11th June, 1886, showing that it is possible to artificially hatch the ova of the lobster, and that adult lobsters can be kept alive for a long period in a moist, cold.atmosphere, I should feel much obliged if you would be kind enough to inform me whether you have any information on this subject that would enable this department to ascertain whether there is a probability of lobster-ova or live lobsters being successfully transferred from San Francisco to this colony, a voyage lasting about twenty days. I have, &c, The Deputy Minister of Marine and Fisheries, Ottawa, Canada. William Seed.