Viewing page 42 of 108

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

2

apparatus. After it is once installed, the staff of the proposed laboratory would be competent to look after the meteorological observations. For these we possess all apparatus except the electric sunshine, rain, and wind recorders. These recorder sets are on order and probably need a higher priority rating for delivery. 

2. [[underlined]] Oceanographic observations. [[/underlined]]
[[underlined]] Physical. [[/underlined]] Are of importance to navigators of ships and are fundamental to any studies that might be undertaken on marine life, economic or otherwise. Oceanic conditions are also correlated with the meteorological ones. 

The Navy is undertaking work of considerable magnitude along oceanographic lines and much work that we would like to see done may well be included in the present Navy program. In this connection, we possess a set of ten water bottles with necessary thermometers. The much desired fathometer is on order and requires a higher priority rating before delivery. 

[[underlined]] Biological. [[/underlined]] Marine biological investigations would be dependent upon available vessels, but some work at least could be carried on from a small motor boat, for which a winch would have to be provided. 

3. [[underlined]] Ornithological investigations. [[/underlined]] One of the great puzzles in the Galapagos is the origin of the Geospizidae and the status and relationship of the various species to one another. Serological studies would probably throw most light on this problem. For these particular studies a guest investigator is urged. Bird banding should also be undertaken and, along with it, the habits and life histories of the different species should be studied so far as practicable. These phases of the ornithological program could be carried out by the proposed staff.