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to $15,000, and the only saving over the DOHRN might be one crew member, but one would sacrifice the many advantages that the DOHRN possesses, both for carrying cargo and handling oceanographic and dredging equipment.

An alternative would be the acquisition of a houseboat type of yacht with seagoing hull about 100 to 125 feet in length. Such vessels can accommodate parties of six to ten persons with a crew of four or five, and, moreover, would have aboard heat, light, power, refrigerator, radio, and ample water and fuel capacity for extended periods. The Maritime Commission has taken over several yachts desired by the government for $1.00 cash. The owners were glad to be rid of them and were able to enter the cost on the income tax blanks as a deductible capital.loss. The living rooms or salons of such vessels afford ample, well lighted, above-deck laboratory space.

A floating laboratory has much to recommend it. One would have complete laboratory and housing facilities available at whatever island at which it was desired to work at any time. Further, a movable laboratory would constitute an effective patrol, inasmuch as the movements of such a craft would be unpredictable by others. Because of this possibility of movement from place to place, one or more launches, such as the VELELLA or DARWIN, should be provided, in order to keep in touch with field parties and the base of supplies.

No matter what vessel is acquired, a base or shore station would be a prime necessity, if only for the purpose of warehousing supplies, storing water and fuel, and installing an evaporator of greater capacity than could be carried on any of the boats.

Respectfully,

Waldo L. Schmitt, Curator,
Division of Marine Invertebrates.

WLS:LMc