INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 215 



off Port Orford, wlieic m'c found good aiiclioiage in 7 fathonis, pro- 

 tected from the prevailing coast winds. A destructive forest fire was 

 observed to tl.ie northward of Cape Orford, steadily working its way 

 south and approaching the coast. It was just back of the first range 

 of hills when we anchored, and soon after reached the sawmill, lumber 

 yard, and buildings adjoining, quickly sweeping them away. 



A dense fog nnd smoice prevailed until 7:35 the following morning, 

 when it began to clear, and, getting under way, we carried the sound- 

 ings to the vicinity of Capo Sebastian during the day, the last one being 

 taken at 7 :13 p. m. Owing to high winds and sea we laid a course to 

 the northward, and, under moderate speed, faced the swell during the 

 •night. Eeaching the vicinity of Koos Bay at 8:30 the lollowing morn- 

 ing, we ran a line of soundings off shore, to fill in a space left on the 

 former examination, then started for Astoria, arriving at 2 p. m., Sep- 

 tember 15. 



" Orders were received on the IGth to proceed to Portland, Oregon, and 

 place the Alhatrosfi on exhibition for about ten days, in connection with 

 the Northern Pacific Industrial Exposition. We coaled on the 10th, 

 taking 91^ tons; cleaned and painted ship, and early on the morning 

 of the 20tli got under way for Portlan'd, anchoring l)elow the city at 

 0:20 p. m. There was a dense fog next morning, and while waiting for 

 it to clear, the Bonita, a river steamer, collided with this vessel and 

 received considerable damage. Our injury was slight and was repaired 

 by the crew. The Albatross was o])ened to visitors at 10 a. m., Sep- 

 tember 2S, and every day thereafter, between 10 a. m. and l p.m., until 

 the evening of October 9. The decks and laboratories were literally 

 pocked with people, anxious to see the various specimens of marine 

 life. Many of them showed great interest in the a|)paratus and meth- 

 ods of investigation. The navigator prei)ared a chart of the coasts of 

 Washington and Oregon on a large scale, showing in gra])hicform tlie 

 results of the Alhafyoss ex])lorations. It was placed under glass on 

 one of the bulkheads in the laboratory, and proved of great interest 

 generally, and a veritable revelation to fishermen and the seafaring 

 (community. Details of olilicers and men were constantly on duty ex- 

 plaining matters of interest. I>etweeu_25,000 and 30,000 people visited 

 the ship during the twelve days she was open for inspection. 



We left Portland at a. m., October 10, arrived at Astoria at 3.50 

 p. m., where we remained until 9 a. m. the following day, when we got 

 under way and proceeded to sea. Crossing the bar at 10 :20 we steamed 

 to the southward, and at meridian on the 12th took up our work off' 

 Cape Sebastian. 



(Joast of northern Californui. — We developed the 200-fathom line to 

 the southward, until at 1:17 a. m., on the 14th, we had reached Cape 

 Mendocino, Avhere we were compelled to cease work on account of 

 boisterous Avejither. As tlic iiulications were unfaAorabU^ we started 

 for San Francisco, under steam and sail, arriving at the <piiirantine 



