Excerpt from Report on the Polyzoa of the Queen Charlotte Islands

They are included in north latitude between 54° 15' and 51° 55, in west longitude between 131° 2' and 133° 5'.The extreme length from point to point is 156 miles, the greatest width, in a direction at right angles to the length, 52 miles (Dawson).

The average temperature of the surface-water in the neighbourhood of the islands was determined by frequent observations to be 53°.8 F. for the summer months (June to August inclusive). Fifteen observations taken between September 12th and October 7th gave a mean of 50°.7 F.

The dredgings which have been placed in my hands were taken chiefly at three or four stations - one at the extreme north of the islands, and the rest off the south-eastern portions of the coast.

I shall reserve all remarks on the facies of the Polyzoan fauna of the islands and its relation to the general subject of distribution for the close of the Keport. The number of undescribed species is large, including some very striking and interesting forms, but so far no new generic type has occurred. The beauty and the luxuriant growth of the specimens are remarkable, the old shells taken up are thickly incrusted by splendid masses of the different species, each valve usually presenting a rich variety of forms. The fauna, so far as the Polyzoa are concerned, points to very favourable climatic conditions.

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