i8 Natl'kai- History Bui.i.etin. 



more effective work. ;4"i\'ing each one a special group of marine 

 animals to study, it being understood that each person should 

 be prepared to care for and keep track of his or her special 

 group, when dredging or collecting was in progress. This 

 method worked excellently, and resvilted in larger and better 

 cared for collections, as well as more effective concentration 

 in the W'Ork of each member of the party. 



The •• commissary committee," in charge of Mr. G. L. 

 Houser. had bv no means a light task before it in determining 

 the amount and variety of stores which would be needed. It 

 was decided to take a sufficient supply from Baltimore to last 

 through the entire cruise, as it would not do to take chances 

 in the matter of securing stores in out of the ^vay ports. It 

 was estimated that twelve dollars per month for every person 

 on board would furnish good wholesome food in adequate 

 abundance and variety. The result proved this estimate to be 

 very nearly correct. Mr. Houser has kindly furnished a list 

 of these supplies, amended so as to include changes which our 

 experience would suggest as desirable.^ 



i\n important item was the matter of transportation from 

 Iowa City to Baltimore and return. We found that the Chi- 

 cago, Rock Island & Pacific, and the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- 

 roads were inclined to be generous in the matter of rates, and 

 when the party went over their roads, it was treated with great 

 courtesy, and everything within reason was cheerfully and 

 voluntarily done to make th(i trip pleasant and comfortable. 



Early in April. 1893, the writer went east to complete the 

 arrangements and have ever^'thing in readiness for the recep- 

 tion of the party on May ist. Persistent rainy weather delayed 

 the painting of the vessel, and, as usual. \'arious unforseen 

 complications arose at the last. In spite of these drawbacks, 

 however, the vessel was in readiness for occupancy in four days 

 after she was turned over to us. The party arri\-ed on the 

 evening of May 4th. The next da}' water was taken aboard 

 and stowed in the hold, twenty-seven barrels being the orig- 

 inal supply, and they were refilled three times during the 



1 See Appendix A. 



