50 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH A^D FISHERIES. [48] 



duriug the day, nearly all of tliein bringing up a variety of specimens. 

 Large numbers of crabs, sponges, worms, corals, and fish were taken. 

 Many of the latter we were unable to identify. A large number of mi- 

 uute shells were brought up in the mud-l)ag. We stood offshore a few 

 miles after the last haul and lay to for the night, keeping within range 

 of the light. At daylight the following morning we ran into 7 fathoms, 

 latitude*35o 22' 30" N., longitude 7oO 20' 00" W., and commenced work, 

 running a line of fourteen hauls offshore, the last one being G71 fath- 

 oms, latitude 350 41' 30" N., longitude 740 48' 30" W. Crabs were found 

 very abundant, and worms, sea-anemones, hermit-crabs, &c., were taken 

 in large numbers. A single specimen of a full-grown lobster [Homarus 

 americanus) was taken in 49 fathoms. It would be difBcult to tell which 

 was the most surprised, the lobster or ourselves, as it is the first time 

 on record of a lobster having been found in these regions. Fish were 

 taken in considerable numbers, and many minute shells were found in 



the mud-bag. , +-^ i 



At 6 a. m. on the 21st we put the tangles over in 57 lathoms, latitude 

 350 11' 30" N., longitude 75° 05' 00" W., in search of the coral bed over 

 which we had dragged the trawl on the previous day, and although we 

 ' were unable to tind^he spot, we succeeded in obtaining a number of 

 interesting specimens. Ten hauls with tangles and trawl were made 

 during the day, with fair success ; although much time was consumed 

 in an attempt to make a haul with the trawl in the current of the Gulf 

 Stream, which was running nearly four knots an hour. 



From 1.10 to 2.35 p. m. we were experimenting with Bead's photome- 

 ter for determining the penetration of light in sea-water. A series of 

 three photographs were taken at 5 fathoms, and another at 25 fathoms ; 

 the exposures being 5, 10, and 15 minutes for each depth. The appara- 

 tus performed its work satisfactorily at the depths indicated, but it will 

 require some alterations to make it practicable in great depths, where 

 it must necessarily be used. 



At 7.56 p. m we started for Washington, D. C, anchoring near Upper 

 Cedar Point at 5.30 p. m. on the 22d, and arriving at the navy-yard at 

 10.30 a. m on the 23d. 



The specimens taken during the trip and other articles consigned to 

 the Smithsonian Institution were landed, and the work of overhauling 

 and refitting commenced. The holds and store-rooms were broken out, 

 cleaned, and restowed ; the bilges were cleaned, chains overhauled, the 

 ship painted inside and out, rigging overhauled, &c. 



The dredge-rope was examined and an additional quantity reeled on 

 the drum. New trawls and dredges were procured, and a new accumu- 

 lator of greater length and larger buffers, was substituted for the old 



one. , ^ , 17 • 



Ensign L. M. Garrett reported for duty November 1, and i^nsign 

 Franklin Swift on the Ist of December. The weather became very cold 



