300 THE LAST CRUISE OF THE CARNEGIE 



One day Parkinson reported abnormally high values for the 

 atmospheric potential-gradient with correspondingly low readings 

 of conductivity and ion-count. Seaton had also noted a severe 

 decrease in radio signal-intensity on the seven-thousand-kilocycle 

 band. These observations indicated that the earth was having a 

 "magnetic storm" so a radiogram was sent to the Cheltenham 

 Observatory in Maryland and to Mount Wilson in California for 

 confirmation. Their instruments had indeed recorded severe 

 disturbances during this period. During these days Seaton had 

 rigged up a shorter radio antenna which increased the strength 

 of the time-signals about seventy per cent. 



Our supply of fresh food had been exhausted about a week, 

 when four "dolphins" weighing fifteen pounds each were landed 

 with a hook and line. These made up the most delicious steaks 

 we had ever served as a result of our own fishing. These beautiful 

 fish are called "mahi-mahi" in Hawaii where they are a common 

 article of diet. The play of rainbow colors on their skins when 

 they are taken from the water is exquisite. 



By this time the new men had been broken in and had become 

 accustomed to the motion of the vessel. The aid rendered us by 

 Dr. Moberg and Mr. Gish who made this passage as our guests 

 allowed a certain increase in our scientific schedule. They were 

 both favorably impressed with the conditions for work on board 

 and Dr. Moberg, at least, expressed regret that he was unable 

 to continue as a permanent member of the party. 



By the effort of our little engine we were now nearing the 

 Hawaiian Islands. Bo'son-birds and flying-fish were seen every 

 day. On the morning of September 22, Maui was sighted with 

 Molokai Light blinking its welcome all evening. After an un- 

 usually quiet approach, we docked in Honolulu about noon on 

 the twenty-third. 



Our short stay in this port gave us an opportunity to visit 

 the Honolulu Magnetic Observatory, the Bishop Museum for 

 Polynesian Studies, and the Seismological Observatory on the 

 Island of Hawaii. The marvelous collections in the Bishop 

 Museum, which is under the direction of Dr. Gregory, enabled 

 us to identify many plants and animals, besides native products. 



