608 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [4] 



the northward and southward did not lead us to expect more than 2,S00 

 fathoms. A line was then run to the southward, terminating in 677 

 fathoms, latitude 27° 38' K, longitude 70° 23' 24" W., thence to the 

 northward and eastward to latitude 27° 51/ X., longitude 75° 53' 30'' 

 W., where a depth of 2,599 fathoms was found. The wire parted while 

 reeling in, and we lost the specimen cup and thermometer. The break 

 was attributed to an imperfect splice, but we subsequently learned that 

 it was caused by a partial collapse of the drum. 



The weather was boisterous during the day, and although the work 

 was carried on successfully, it was at considerable expense of labor 

 ansl fuel and no little personal discomfort. 



The wind continued from east to south during the 25th, with a heavy 

 head sea. One sounding only was taken during the day, in 2,701 fath- 

 oms, latitude 27° 30' jST., longitude 75° 35' W. The wire parted again 

 while heaving in, and the thermometer and specimen cup were lost. The 

 line was continued to San Salvador, or Watling's Island, the greatest 

 depth found being 2,709 fathoms. We reached the island and anchored 

 off Cockburn Town at 9 p. m. on the 20th. The settlement as seen 

 from seaward consists of a small group of white houses, a tall flagstaff, 

 and two or three boat-houses on the beach. In approaching from the 

 northward, Hiding Rock Point will be recognized by three isolated palm 

 trees just back of it, overtopping all other foliage. The coast from the 

 point to the settlement is a series of low rocky cliffs, a white sand 

 beach commencing at the latter point. To reach the anchorage, bring 

 the flagstaff to bear cast and stand in slowly, keeping the lead going, 

 and anchor in from 14 to 7 fathoms, white sand bottom. Boats land on 

 the sand beach in front of the settlement. 



There is a light house iu process of construction on Dixon's Hill, 

 about two miles from XE. point, and one mile from the eastern shore. 

 The tower is of limestone and is being built in the most substantial 

 manner. Its base is 100 feet above the sea, and the center of focus 05 

 feet above the base, making a total height of 165 feet above the sea. 

 It is to' have a first-order lens, and will be completed in about a year. 



Water is procured from wells, and is very hard. Good mutton, fowls, 

 eggs, sweet potatoes, and the fruits of the season can be procured at 

 fair prices. 



The magistrate, Maxwell Nairn, esq., the only white man living on 

 the island, is a naturalized American citizen, and was formerly a ship- 

 master sailing from Philadelphia. Lieut-Commander James M. For- 

 syth, U. S. X., a relative of Mr. Nairn, had written him of our coming, 

 and he had been looking for us for several weeks. He received us very 

 kindly and made prompt and very satisfactory arrangements for the 

 accommodation of a couple of naturalists we wished to leave on the 

 island while the vessel went to Rum Cay. He gave his office for a 

 laboratory and sleeping quarters, and took them to his own table for 

 meals. 



