134 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



were treated to an exceptionally fine view of Sliishaldiiie Volcano in 

 active operation, sending forth a constant ilanie, with occasional belch- 

 ing', which presented a tine panoramic view of the heavily snow-capped 

 peaks and intervening ranges. In fact, bearings were frequently taken 

 of the volcano, which served in a measure as a light-house, although 

 only approximately located. 



The morning of the 21st found us entering the inside passage of the 

 chain of islands between the Sannaks and the Shnmagiii group. At 

 7 p. m. we passed out of Gorman iStrait and laid course for Sitka. 

 On the 23d we were compelled to lay to for an easterly gale. The 

 remainder of the passage to Sitka was made against a head wind and 

 sea. Mount Kdgecomb was sighted at noon of the 2Gtli, distant GO 

 miles ; at 7.40 ]). m. we came to an anchor under Mount Edgecomb in 18^ 

 fathoms, soft bottom, with St. Lazaria Island bearing SSW. (magnetic), 

 distant three- fourths of a mile. This anchorage was found to be 

 apparently unaffected by the change of tide, as we lay all night heading 

 on the beach, north (magnetic). The morning of the 27th we steamed 

 into Sitka Harbor, going alongside the dock to coal. A iihotograph 

 was taken of the Government storehouse and coal pile, which was for- 

 warded to the Bureau of Equipment at their request. A southerly 

 gale set in on the 28th, with a slowly falling barometer, giving indica- 

 tions of a spell of bad weather off the coast. It was therefore decided 

 to take the inland passage from Sitka to Port Townsend, where we 

 arrived on the morning of October 7. After receiving our mail, we 

 steamed to New Whatcom for coal, iinding the U. S. S. Monterey there. 

 We coaled and sailed for San Francisco on the 10th, stopping en route 

 at Victoria, to land Messrs. Townsend and Alexander, in order that 

 they might continue their investigation of the seal catch for the seavSou. 



A fair run was made to San Francisco, without unusual events. A 

 heavy fog set in off Point Reyes, compelling us to proceed with caution. 

 The whistling buoy in the fairway off the l)ar was picked up at 1.25 a. m., 

 and course laid inside with a strong ebb running. At 3.12 a. m., Octo- 

 ber 14, came to anchor in Sausalito Bay, having steamed, since April 11, 

 17,206.3 miles. October 17 the Albatross steamed to Mare Island for 

 repairs and general overhauling. On the 20th the Navy Department 

 telegraphed "The services of the Albatross are no longer required by 

 the Navy Department.'' The Albatross accordingly returned to duty 

 under the Fish Commission, and was so reported to the (Jommissiouer. 



Extensive repairs and changes in the hull of the vessel and her equip- 

 ment were at once begun, and occu])ied something over four months, 

 the Commissioner being telegraphed on May 11 that the Albatross 

 would be ready to sail by IMay 20. We left Mare Island at 7.20 a. m., 

 ]\Iay 18, for Sausalito anchorage preparatory to going to sea. On 

 the way down the bay adjusted new standard and steering compasses, 

 besides visiting several establishments located on the north shore of 

 San Pablo Bay (near Brothers Islands), which are engaged in catching 

 and drying large quantities of fish for the market and exportation. 



