240 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



temperature observations, &c, all, of course, directly in the Hue of their 

 future vocation. 



The other four accompanied one or the other of Professor Powell's 

 parties into the far West, and have had every opportunity for field work. 



The results of this experiment have been so satisfactory that it is 

 proposed to detail six more midshipmen during the present month, the 

 first >ix to continue another year, making the entire course one of two 

 years. 



The selections for this detail are made by the Xavy Department, after 

 conference with the Superintendent of the Naval Academy, from among 

 those who, while pursuing their educational course, have shown most 

 interest in scientific matters. 



The measure is extremely popular among the younger officers, although 

 of course it is decried by others, who consider it an innovation in the 

 established routine. 



One special object of the experiment is to have as a part of the regular 

 force of the Navy, officers competent to do the scientific work for which 

 it has generally been necessary to employ civilians, as also on any 

 cruise to be able to utilize to some extent at least the opportunities of 

 research which constantly present themselves to the inquirer. 



Washington, D. C, October 7, 1882. 



31.— EXPORT OF FISH Oil. FROM NORWAY, 1S78-'S2. 



By FKEDRIK I»I. WALLEM. 



[Extract from letter to Prof. S. F. Baird.] 



Official returns regarding the export from Norway of fish oil are just 

 issued. They show the export for December, 1882, to have been 4,400 

 hectoliters fish oil, aud for the past five years as follows: 



Years. 



1882. 

 1881. 

 18S0. 

 1879. 

 1878. 



Average 



Hectoliters. 



100, GOO 



128, 000 



16&.000 



143, 000 

 137, 000 



135, 520 



Gallons. 



2, 657, 550 

 3,381,376 

 4, 464, 473 



3, 777, 631 

 3, 619, 129 



3, 580, 032 



The Lofoten cod fishing has commenced, but the fish are not fat, and 

 the liver will not give so much oil as au average year, still it is too early 

 to tell how much the oil product shall be. 



Bergen, Norway, February 10, 1883. 



