VII.— REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE UNITED STATES FISH 

 COMMISSION STEAMER ALBATROSS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 

 DECEMBER 31, 1886. 



By Lieut.-Comma.nder Z. L. Tanner, U. S. N., Commanding. 



The vessel was at the navy -yard, Washington, D. 0., on the first of 

 January, practically ready for sea, although the mechanics were still 

 at work on one of the boilers. Cold weather coming on at this time, 

 the Potomac was frozen over and all navigation ceased. 



Lieut. Seaton Schroeder, executive officer and navigator, was de- 

 tached on January 2, and Lieut. H. S. Waring assumed his duties. 

 Ensign W. S. Benson reported for duty on the 13th, and Ensign W. S. 

 Hogg on the lGth. 



We were detained by ice until 7 a. m., February 17, when we cast off 

 from the wharf and steamed down the Potomac river. Several buoys 

 were out of place, and after passing Glymont considerable floating ice 

 was encountered. A heavy gorge was found between Upper and Lower 

 Cedar Points, but we passed it without difficulty or delay. We an- 

 chored in Hampton Eoads at 1.30 a. m., February 18, and at daylight 

 got underway for the navy-yard, Norfolk, Va., where we arrived and 

 moored to the coal wharf at 8.30 a. m. Having telegraphed our de- 

 parture to the commandant, we found 100 tons of coal on the wharf 

 awaiting our arrival, thus saving us a day in coaling. 



At meridian February 20 we left Norfolk, and proceeded to sea under 

 the following orders : 



H. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 



Washington, B. C, February 1, 1886. 

 Sir : For the purpose of extending researches commenced by the 

 Albatross into the distribution and habits of the more important food- 

 fishes of the United States, especially of the mackerel, menhaden, blue- 

 fish, etc., you will proceed, as soou as the steamer is ready, to Norfolk, 

 Va., there, if convenient, to go into dock, and then take on board coal 

 for the trip. After that you will continue the voyage, at the earliest 

 possible moment, to the waters of the Bahama Islands, as there is 

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