252 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



found abreast of the group, the depth gradually decreasing to 3 fath- 

 oms off the north end of Hagemdster Island. We were near the shore, 

 however, and would doubtless have found more water in midchannel. 



Hagemeister Island lies 1) miles west of High Island, is 14 miles in 

 length and 8 in width. It is mountainous except for about 5 miles at 

 the north end. Hhoal ground surrounds the island and extends from 

 20 to 25 miles to the eastward, including the area between Hagemeister 

 and the Walrus (irouj). 



Hagemeister Channel is about IG miles in length and lies between 

 the island of that name and the mainland. It is from 3 to 4 miles in 

 width, but long shingle spits contract it in two ]tlaces to less than 2 

 miles. The least water was 4J fathoms. Good anchorage was found 

 under Tongue Point, the shingle spit making out from the mainland 

 about midway of the channel. From the above anchorage the Alba- 

 tross stood directly to sea, passing within a mile of the southwest 

 extremity of Hagemeister Island, thence S. ^ W., shoaling the water to 

 3 fathoms 7 miles from the island. Greater depths might i)ossil)l3'^ be 

 found by taking a more westerly course. The tides are very strong- 

 through the channel. We were Aisited by a number of Eskimos while 

 at anchor under Tongue Point. 



Cape Peirce is of moderate height and symmetrical form, while Cape 

 Newenham is high with sharp peaks and rugged lines. The Albatross 

 found anchorage under the latter cape near Seal liock during a south- 

 erly gale and rode it out very comfo rtably, notwithstanding swift cur- 

 rents and heavy tide rips. 



The Kuskokwim River is much dreaded by navigators on account of 

 its extensive shoals, strong currents, etc. The Albatross ascended it 

 between 35 and 40 miles without ditlticulty or delay, but encountered 

 extensive shoals on her return ; thick weather and the lack of time 

 prevented an extended examination. These shoals commenced about 

 1) miles WSW. from (Jood News Jjay and extended in a westerly direc- 

 tion for 10 miles or more. There was a channel between the shoal 

 and the land about 4 miles wide, having a depth of 5 fathoms. From 

 a point 5 miles W8W. from the west head of Good News Bay 

 we stood direct for Cape Newenham, the least depth being 4 fathoms. 

 Great quantities of fresh water are borne down the Kuskokwim by 

 rapid currents, and, Avhile there have been no surveys by which changes 

 can be noted, there seems no reasonable dcmbt that great alterations 

 have taken place since Cook ascended the river in the last century. 



Meteorological conditions in Tierinr/ Sea. — The winds and weather in 

 Bristol Bay and other parts of Bering Sea visited by the Albatross from 

 the last of May to the Ist of September may be summarized in a few 

 words. Southwest winds ])revailed, but we had them from southeast 

 to northwest. It was boisterous Aveather nearly half the time, but 

 seldom rough enough to interfere with our work. We had several 

 summer gales of moderate force, but no severe storms. Fog and mist 



