REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 23 



the tbird at Sitka, in cbarge of Mr. Jobu J. McLean. Some very in- 

 teresting arcbjpological collections bave already been received from 

 Mr. McLean, and otbers are expected from tbe otlier gentlemen men- 

 tioned. All were provided by tbe Smitbsonian Institution with ap- 

 paratus and material for collecting and i)reserving specimens and tlio 

 means of procuring goods for making excbanges with tbe natives. 



Of tbe localities mentioned Bristol Bay is tlie one least known to 

 naturalists and promising tbe largest returns. 



In the system of international meteorological research, decided upon at 

 a convention held a year or two ago, it was desired that the United States 

 should establish a station at Point Barrow, tbe northernmost point of 

 Continental America and in Greenland, and both these measures were 

 carried out by the signal service during tbe past year, and a specific 

 approi^riation was made by Congress for tbe iiurchase of a vessel at 

 Newfoundland, at which point the Franklin Bay party, under Lieuten- 

 ant Greely, embarked on board tbe whaling steamer " Proteus," a 

 vessel admirably adapted for its purpose, which had been previously 

 selected by Capt. H. C. Chester, an employ^ of the TJ. S. Fish Com- 

 mission. The vessel made a brief but successful voyage, landing 

 its party without any impediment and returning — after but a short ab- 

 sence, to Newfoundland. It is expected that this vessel will be sent 

 np during the coming summer to carry additional supplies and bring 

 back the reports'and collections. 



No special detail of a naturalist was made for this expedition, as 

 Dr. Pavy, of the Howgate expedition of 1880, was expected to join it, 

 and did so in Greenland. 



A second international station — that at Point Barrow — was also es- 

 tablished by the Signal Ofiice during the year, and was placed in charge 

 of Lieutenant Ray, an experienced army officer, and provided with 

 suitable apparatus. At the request of General Hazen, the Smithsonian 

 Institution nominated Professors Murdock of Madison, Wis., and 

 Smith of the Westfield Normal School, both experienced naturalists 

 and (;ollectors, as observers. They were ordered to Washington to un- 

 dergo a training for physical research, especially as to more detailed 

 observations in meteorology, terrestrial magnetism, and astronomy. 

 The party proceeded from San Francisco by a schooner, cbartei-ed for 

 the purpose, and reached their destination without any untoward event. 

 It is expected that the advices of next summer will report them as com- 

 fortably established and in the successful prosecution of their work. A 

 part of the expense of this party is borne by the Coast and Geodetic 

 Survey. 



For some years one of the most valued coadjutors of the National 

 Museum has been Capt. Charles Bendire, of tbe First Cavalry, a distin- 

 guished officer of tbe service and a competent naturalist and observer. 

 Keference has already been made to his services in 1880, in visiting the 

 interior of Oregon and Washington Territory for the purpose of solving 



