EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 15 



nental North America, and forming a part of the purchase by the United 

 States from Eussia in 1867. 



In 1881 a thoroughly organized party was sent to that region by the 

 Chief Signal Officer, under the command of Lieutenant Eay, with 

 Dr. Oldmixon as surgeon, and Professors Smith and Murdoch as 

 meteorological observers and naturalists ; the latter gentlemen having 

 been nominated by the Smithsonian Institution at the request of Gen- 

 eral Hazen. Both of them trained and accomplished naturalists, and 

 of much experience in practical work, a great deal is hoped from them, 

 as well as from the party generally, in the thorough investigation of the 

 anthropology and biology of the northern coast. 



A vessel sent by the United States Signal Office to Point Barrow with 

 supplies, under Lieutenant Powell, found the party in admirable condi- 

 tion, and brought back a large number of very interesting specimens, 

 which have already greatly increased our knowledge of the Eskimo 

 and of the animal life of the region. The labor of getting settled, and 

 of organizing the station, jirevented the full utilization of the occasion 

 by the naturalists of the expedition. It is expected, however, that by 

 the next year's return the objects secured will be of very great interest, 

 surpassing even those that have already come to hand. 



Among the most noted features of the collections returned from the 

 expedition are the many implements, such as hammers, chisels, scrap- 

 ers, &c., made of a form of Jadite, closely allied to the precious Jad- 

 ite of China and New Zealand; and many other objects of Eskimo 

 workmanship are scarcely less interesting. 



Among the birds, the eggs of three species of Arctic wading birds 

 constitute important novelties in the collections of the National Mu- 

 seum. There were also some rare fishes, marine invertebrates, &c. 



Among the most important coRections received from Alaska during 

 the year are the ethnological objects transmitted by Mr. J. J. McLean, 

 Signal Service observer at Sitka. This gentleman has well utilized the 

 opportunities at his command by securing several very fine collections 

 both of modern and prehistoric workmanship of the Alaskan Indians ; 

 adding much to the richness of the material in the National Museum. 



While engaged in his surveying work in Alaskan waters, on the Coast 

 Survey steamer Hassler, Commander Henry E. Nichols of the Navy has 

 continued his important service begun several years before on the Gulf 

 of California, in obtaining rare specimens of animals, especially fishes. 

 A large collection of marine animals, made by him, is now on its way 

 from California. 



Saint MichaeVs. — No collections were received during the year from 

 Saint Michael's; a station which while in charge first of Mr. Turner, 

 and next of Mr. Nelson, has been so great a source of supply to the 

 National Museum. It is, however, expected that a consignment of in- 

 terest will be received next year. 



