[5] WORK OF STEAMER ALBATROSS. 609 



Messrs. Lee and Nye were detailed to remain behind, and they were 

 landed on the morning of the 27th with everything necessary for the 

 prosecution of their work. After seeing them established in their new 

 quarters we got under way about noon and ran a line of soundings to 

 Enm Cay, the greatest depth of water being 1,264 fathoms, white coral 

 ooze. 



We arrived and anchored in Port Nelson, Eum Cay, at 5.30 p. m., 

 hauled fires, and made preparations for work on and about the island. 



We were met here by still other friends and relatives of Lieut.-Com- 

 niander Forsyth, whom he had informed of our expected arrival. They 

 exerted themselves to make our stay pleasant and rendered material 

 assistance in the prosecution of our work. 



The following day being Sunday no work was done. The collectors 

 were away at early daylight on Monday, and their explorations were 

 prosecuted vigorously during the remainder of our stay. On board ship 

 we overhauled the sounding apparatus, and while transferring the wire 

 from the working reel for the jmrpose of overhauling splices, &c, we 

 found the drum partially collapsed, thus accounting for our loss of wire 

 on the outward trip. We then mounted a new and heavier reel. Should 

 it show signs of weakness, it would be advisable to adopt some other 

 and stronger type, which can, I think, be readily procured. 



A plan of Port Nelson and St. George's Bay, or Man-of- War anchorage 

 was made by Lieutenant Scott, assisted by Ensign Hogg. 



We made a fair collection of the fishes of the island, but our attempts 

 to gain information regarding their spawning habits resulted in abso- 

 lute failure, the natives having little or no knowledge of the subject. 

 When questioned about migratory fishes, such as mackerel, shad, and 

 menhaden, they said they were unknown among the islands, but blue- 

 fish were taken at any season of the year. I was unable to identify the 

 blue-fish of the islands with our northern fish of that name, those I saw 

 being " parrot fish," of a deep blue color and called blue-fish by the 

 natives. 



We continued our practice of rendering medical aid to the people of 

 the islands where they had no resident physician, the ship furnishing 

 necessary medicines if they could be spared from the stores. Dr. Flint 

 gave a portion of each day to the care of the sick, and his name will be 

 long remembered by the people of Eum Cay for his kindness and at- 

 tention. 



The harbor and settlement of Port Nelson lie on the south side of 

 Eum Cay, about 6 miles east of Sandy Point, the western extremity 

 of the island. The harbor is formed by a reef running westward from 

 Sumner's Point. Tke channel is narrow and intricate for vessels of 

 more than 10 feet draught, and should not be attempted without a pilot ; 

 18 feet can be carried through the channel. 



St. George's Bay, or Man -of- War anchorage, lies to the westward of 

 Port Nelson, and is in fact a part of the same bay, separate names being 

 S. Mis. 90 39 



