2G4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



peratures were frequently obtained, the beam trawl and surface nets 

 used at all the stations, and the Tanner net was frequently operated at 

 intermediate depths, after getting- well clear of the laud, to ascertain 

 the distribution of pelagic fauna. 



The surface life was greater than we had found in the Gulf of Pan- 

 ama, and the results of the deep-sea hauls of the trawl were fairly good, 

 but the southern approach to the Galapagos, where ^ve anticipated a 

 rich field, ])roved to be practically barren and did not compare favoral)ly 

 even with the northeast approach. The greatest depth, 1,832 fathoms, 

 was found about IGO miles from the South American coast; thence to 

 the vicinity of the islands it gradually decreased. 



Galapac/os Islands. — The highlands of Chatham Island were sighted 

 at daylight, INIarch 28, and alter s])ending most of the day in running 

 a line of dredging along its southern api^roach, Ave stood into Wieck 

 Bay and anchored at 5 :30 \). m. Senor Manuel A. Cobos came on 

 board soon after our anival to extend the hospitalities of the Hacienda 

 del Progreso, and Mr. Townsend returned with him that evening on a 

 collecting trip. Prof. Agassiz, several oflicers, and myself went to tlie 

 plantation next day, and were met and entertained by the pro])rietor, 

 Seiior INlanuel J. Cobos. The rains had been unusually heavy during 

 the season, and the fine carriage road from the port to the hacienda, 

 which we admired so nuich three years ago, was a complete wreck. 



At the time of our former visit cattle Avere the principal source of 

 revenue, but that is changed uoav. A i)laut of modern sugar machin- 

 ery has been installed, and the growing of cane and the manufacture 

 of sugar is prosecuted with the greatest energy. The natural ad- 

 vantages of soil and climate, cheapness of labor, and the privileges of 

 the McKinley bill insure large returns from this industrJ^ The young 

 colfce i)lantation, mentioned in my report of 1888, bids tair to realize 

 th(; anticipations of the proiDrietor. I tested some of the product and 

 found it excellent. 



The settlement on Chatham Island was formerly a penal colony, the 

 convicts ])erlbrming all the labor on the ])lantation. This was the case 

 at the time of our visit in 1888, but is no longer so, the criminals hav- 

 ing been removed and free labor employed, greatly to the advantage 

 of the estate. Sup])lies Avere procured from the hacienda and a fine 

 young bullock Avas presented to the ship by Senor Cobos. The natu- 

 ralists increased their list of specimens somewhat, besides procuring 

 many duplicates. The Aveather was hot and rainy at (Chatham Tslan<l, 

 and during slioAvcrs, Avhen skylights, ports, etc., Avere closed, the interior 

 of the vessel was as hot as an oven. 



Leaving Wreck Pay at 10:25 a. m., March .'U, avc steamed to Charles 

 Island direct, anchoring in Blackbeach Koad at 8 p. m. The crew 

 were given liberty the next day, Avhen many of them went to the old 

 plantation, Avhere fruit was found in abundance, several bushels of 

 oranges, limes, alligator pears, etc., being brought on board. The mit- 



