18 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [16] 



is something of a surprise. The water deepens to 1,040 fathoms 15' to 

 the northward and eastward of the ishmd, and to 1,347 fathoms 8' NW. of 

 Cape Dame Marie. From this point we ran E. by N. 60', sounding at 

 intervals of L'O', the second cast giving us 1,974 fathoms and the third 

 343 fathoms about 10' to the westward of Gonaive Island. From this 

 point we steamed N. by E. ^ E. (mag.) 20', where we found 800 fathoms, 

 and 20' W. by S. (mag.), 502 fathoms, which was of course a surprise. 

 From this point we ran a line WNW. (mag.) 76', sounding at intervals 

 of 20'. The maximum depth found in the windward passage was 1,923 

 fathoms. 



At 12.40 p. m., February 25, we sounded in 1,639 fathoms, green sand, 

 latitude 19° 45' 00" N., longitude 75° 04' 00" W., took serial temperatures, 

 and at 2.50 p. m. put the trawl over, veering to 2,400 fathoms, lauding it 

 on deck again at 6.35 p. m., having made a successful haul. There were 

 a variety of sponges, some very large shrimp, one fish, numerous shells, 

 small crabs, holothurians, and an interesting octopus, the arms all of 

 the same length and connected by a membrane. The color was cherry- 

 red on its head, becoming gradually darker towards the extremities. 



After the trawl was on deck we started ahead, sounding at various 

 intervals along the southern coast of Cuba during the night. The wind 

 was light, with smooth sea. Heavy clouds hung over the island and 

 frequent bright flashes of lightning were seen. 



The light of Santiago de Cuba was sighted at 12.40 a. m., and the 

 vessel was hove to soon after till daylight, when we steamed in and 

 anchored in the harbor at 8 a. m., February 26. A boat was sent for the 

 United States consul, John C. Landreau, who visited the ship. Board- 

 ing-oflicers were received from the Spanish iron-clad ram Sanchez Bar- 

 caiztagui, from the captain of the port, and health oflicer. 



At noon, accompanied by the United States consul, I made an official 

 call on the governor and the captain of the port, and at 1.30 p. m. I 

 called on the commander of the Spanish ram, who returned the visit at 

 3 p. m. A mail was received from the consulate, provisions taken on 

 board, and at 9.30 a. m. the following day we got under way, stood out 

 of the harbor, and made ten hauls of the tangles in search of Penta- 

 crinus. Several hauls were made before we succeeded in getting a 

 specimen. Finally, however, after working until late in the evening, 

 we procured four fine ones in perfect condition. We left the ground 

 reluctantly, for we wished to procure a large su])ply, but the small 

 amount of coal in the bunkers admonished us to be moving towards 

 Kingston without further delay. 



We ran a line SSE. f E. (mag.) 93' in the direction of Navassa, 

 sounding at intervals of 10' to 20'. The maximum depth, 2,275 fathoms, 

 was found 44' from Santiago de Cuba light-house. The soundings grad- 

 ually decreased to 870 fathoms about 0' from iSTavassa, from which point 

 we ran a line W. i S. (mag.) 30' sounding at intervals of 15', the first 

 cast giving 1,015 tathoms, and the second 620 fathoms, 7' E. ^ Is. from 



