268 REPORTS ON IISrVESTIGATlONS AND PROJECTS. 



On August 5 the Galilee sailed from San Francisco, secured mag- 

 netic observations daily to a greater or less extent, according to con- 

 ditions of the weather and sea, swung twice under sail, and arrived 

 at San Diego August 12. This first short cruise was an experimental 

 one, various instruments and methods having been subjected to trials 

 under the direction of the director, who accompanied the expedition 

 as far as San Diego. The deflection apparatus devised by him for 

 determining horizontal intensity has proven successful. In a separate 

 communication the methods, instruments, and results will be more 

 fully described. 



After some further alterations had been made at San Diego and 

 the deviation coefl&cients had been redetermined, the Galilee again 

 set sail on September i , this time for the Hawaiian and Midway 

 Islands, and is expected to return to San Francisco about Decem- 

 ber I . After these two experimental voyages, she is to sail from 

 San Francisco earl}^ in 1906 on a more lengthy cruise — one embracing 

 the entire circuit of the North Pacific Ocean — if the necessary funds 

 have been provided. 



The present scientific leader and commander of the vessel, Mr. 

 J. F. Pratt, of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, has had 

 thirty years' experience in astronomical, geodetic, hydrographic, and 

 magnetic work, and has had command of both sailing-vessels and 

 steamers engaged in coast survey work. By the courtesy of the Sec- 

 retary of Commerce and Labor and the Superintendent of the Coast 

 and Geodetic Survey, he was granted the necessary furlough, and 

 entered the temporary employ of the Institution for the purpose of 

 assisting in the inauguration of the magnetic survey of oceanic areas. 

 The vessel was prepared for the purposes of the expedition under his 

 superintendence. The other members of the scientific corps are Dr. 

 J. Hobart Egbert, magnetic observer, surgeon, and naturalist; Mr. 

 J. P. Ault, magnetic observer, and Mr. P. C. Whitney, magnetic 

 observer and watch officer. The sailing master is Capt. J. T. Hayes, 

 who has made some record sailing trips in the Galilee — one voyage 

 of 3,000 miles from the South Pacific islands to San Francisco in 

 fifteen days, and having made as much as 308 miles in one day. 



The successful and expeditious inauguration of this promising 

 work is due in no small degree to the active and hearty cooperation 

 extended on all sides. Especial acknowledgments of valuable advice 

 given and assistance rendered are due Capt. E. W. Creak, formerly 

 superintendent of the compass department of the British Admiralty, 

 now retired ; Mr. O. H. Tittmann, Superintendent of the United States 

 Coast and Geodetic Survey, and to the officers of his staff, notably 



