PLEA FOR SYSTEMATIC ATTENTION TO AQUATIC BIOLOGY. 153
more nearly within the sphere of practical politics for a Field
Club. There are several possibilities in this direction, the simplest
perhaps, being that of a small, portable hut, capable of being
taken to pieces and re-erected in any convenient spot. Such a
dismountable and portable hut, provided of course with the
necessary fitments and appliances, was employed by Fritsch and
Vavra in Bohemia as long ago as 1888, and was in fact the first
fresh-water biological laboratory ever used. By means of such
a small laboratory, with the addition perhaps of a tent, collections
can be made in all sorts of out-of-the-way places and the material
examined at once in the living condition.
In these days of motors, however, there are possibilities for
the equipment of movable or travelling laboratories which have
not yet been properly exploited, but which really ought to be
seriously considered by all Field Clubs and similar societies.
For instance, there are many types of motor-cars which, with
some small modifications and with the addition perhaps of a
side tent or other similar contrivance, would make quite efficient
little laboratories for the collection and examination of aquatic
organisms. If the need were made known, it is surety not im-
possible that the provision of cars suitable for the purpose would
be freely placed at the disposal of the society for limited periods
by some of its members or friends. Another, but rather more
elaborate, possibility would be the fitting up as a laboratory
of a caravan type of vehicle, either with its own motor or for
use as a trailer to a motor-car. Such a caravan-laboratory
could be furnished with appliances for nearly any line of Field
Club work and need by no means be restricted to aquatic biology,
although it would be most useful for that purpose. As it could
be taken almost anywhere and left almost indefinitely in one place
if desired, irrespective of the weather, it might also serve, for
a time at least, most of the purposes of a small fixed biological
station. There are, in fact, so many attractive features about
this type of movable or travelling laboratory that I think I can
foresee the day when every Field Club worthy of the name will
possess its own caravan-laboratory for investigations in the field.
Yet one more possible type of travelling laboratory may be
mentioned, namely, a motor-boat fitted with the necessary tables
and other appliances. This would be most useful for the investi-
gation of our estuarine waters and even for a certain amount of