68 ALASKA. 



as it drives out from the wash of aiirf, and rocks lifted and 

 l)ushed np by ice-fiekls. 



The saud which plays so important a part in the formation 

 of Saint Paul's Island, and which is almost entirely wanting on 

 and around the others in this group, i.s largely composed of J^o- 

 raminifera, together with Biatomacca nuxed in with the volcanic 

 base. It changes color like a chamelet)n as it passes from wet 

 to dry, being a rich steely-black at the snrC-margin, then dry- 

 ing out to a soft purplish brown and gray, succeeding to tints 

 n)ost delicate, of reddish and pale gray when warmed by the 

 sun and drifting with the wind. The sand-dune tracts on this 

 island are really attractive in the summer at certain times 

 when the weather is pleasant; the most luxuriant grass and a 

 variety of beautiful flowers exist in profusion on them. 



As these sand and bowlder bars were forming on Saint Paul's 

 Island, in making across from inlet to inlet, they inclosed small 

 collections of sea-water, thus giving rise to a number of lakes, 

 which nearly all become fresh ; in them are no reptiles or fish, 

 but a great number of minute Ixotifera sport about in all of 

 them whenever the water is examined 5 several water-plants 

 and algai flourish, especially so in the large lake, which is very 

 shallow. 



The total absence of a harbor in the group is much to be re- 

 gretted. The village of Saint Paul, as will be seen by reference 

 to the map, is located so as to command the best landings that 

 can be made from vessels during the prevalence of any wiutls 

 other than southerly ; from these there is no shelter for vessels, 

 unless they run around to the north side, where they are unable 

 to hold communication or to discharge. At Saint George mat- 

 ters are still worse, for all northerly, westerly, and easterly 

 winds drive the shipping away from the village roadstead, and 

 weeks often pass at either island before a cargo is landed at its 

 destination. The approach to Saint Paul during thick weather 

 is ver^' hazardous, for the land is mostly low, and does not loom 

 uj) like Saint George through the fog; there are, besides, nu- 

 merous reefs making out, which are not found around the other 

 island. Captain Baker carefully sounded out these localities 

 last summer, while waiting for us, and I have placed the result 

 of this valuable work on my chart, so that the next captain of 

 a revenue-vessel coming here will be able to feel his way in 

 with some degree of security. 



Saint Geokge's Islan'd is next in order of importance and 



