RV Huxley contribution to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (Scotland, the northern section, was treated differently). Fishery investigations began in September 1902 under the directorship of Walter Garstang. The work consisted of systematic exploration of the North Sea trawling grounds at different seasons of the year, together with studies of growth and migration of plaice "Pleuronectes platessa" based on tagging experiments, examination of the food of fish and the nature of the seabed. Detailed catch records from North Sea survey stations between 1902 and 1903 were summarised in a report published by Garstang in 1905. Research continued until
Smooth snake These four series of spots along the body overlay four parallel, rather shadowy stripes that also run down the back and flanks. On the top of the head is a dark marking which is often in the shape of a crown, giving rise to the generic name "Coronella" (which means coronet). A relatively thick dark stripe extends from each nostril, over the eye, and along the side of the head to a little beyond the neck. The upper labials are whitish, greyish-white or light brown, sometimes with darker spots. The tongue is reddish brown or dark red. The smooth snake