REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLIX 



During the shad distribution in May and June the Department de- 

 tailed Mr. H. E. Quinu to assist in the work. 



Bureau of Construction and Repair. — The loan of two launches was 

 continued during the present year. 



Bureau of Steam Engineering. — By order of Mr. Charles H. Loring, 

 Chief of the Bureau, a lot of engines, tools, etc., which were no longer 

 required by the Department, were lent to the Commission and proved 

 very useful. 



Bureau of Yards and Docks. — A dredge and some scows belongiug to 

 the Washington navy-yard were lent to the Commission in June. 



Hydrographic Office. — Upon the fitting out of the Grampus the Hy- 

 drographic Office furnished a valuable set of charts for her use in nav- 

 igation. 



Bureau of Navigation. — Commodore J. G. Walker furnished the Gram- 

 pus with the Nautical Almanac, azimuth tables, and other books. He 

 assisted also in procuring her instruments. 



Naval Observatory. — Allan D. Brown, Superintendent of the U. S. 

 Naval Observatory, detailed Mr. W. F. Gardiner in July to oversee the 

 work of erecting a time-ball at Wood's Holl Station. 



State Department. — When it became desirable to have the Rooseu 

 apparatus for experiments upon the preservation of bait, the Secretary 

 of State directed the United States consul at Leith, Scotland, to procure 

 and forward a set to the Wood's Holl Station. 



In June the Secretary furnished, upon application, a circular letter 

 to all consular officers of the United States in British North America, 

 introducing Capt. J. W. Collins, commanding the schooner Grampus, 

 and asking for him such official aid and facilities as might be required 

 during a cruise in Canadian waters. The Secretary also addressed a 

 letter to Sir Lionel Sackville West, requesting him to inform the Mar- 

 quis of Lansdowue of the proposed scientific expedition of the vessel. 



Interior Department. — Patent Office. — The Official Gazette of the 

 Patent Office has been supplied as heretofore; also specifications and 

 drawings of various patents relating to fish and fishing apparatus. 



Geological Survey. — The Director of the Survey allowed Prof. W. J. 

 McGee to make a reconnaissance of Battery Island, with a view to de- 

 termining the feasibility of sinking wells at that station. 



Government Printing Office. — The Government Priuter has ren- 

 dered much aid in advancing the publications of the Commission. Mr. 

 James W. White, foreman of binding, wrapped the Commission's quota 

 of its annual report. 



Botanical Gardens. — Mr. William A. Smith, superintendent, at 

 various times has furnished plants for the use of the Commission. 



B. — By Railiioad Companies of the United States. 



The distribution of fish and eggs is greatly facilitated by the cour- 

 tesies of the railroad companies in transporting the cars free or at are- 

 S. Mis. 90 iv 



