GSO REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [26] 



Having completed our search for Hope Bank, we ran a line of sound- 

 ings to the westward to George's Bank without finding any indications 

 of shoal water to the eastward of it. 



Having definitely proven that Hope Bank does not exist in the 

 locality assigned it on H. O. chart 21a, it may not be out of place here 

 to inquire into fhe probable reasons for its having been frequently re- 

 ported. Beference to the chart will show its assigned position to be 

 near the northern edge of the Gulf Stream, where its deep blue waters, 

 with temperatures above the normal and high specific gravity, impinges 

 upon the colder green water of the Arctic current. The first sight of 

 this green water on emerging from the Gulf Stream gives one the im- 

 pression that he has suddenly struck soundings. The bank once placed 

 on the chart, the navigator who found himself in green water any- 

 where in that region during foggy weather, or when from any cause he 

 was uncertain of his position, would conclude at once that he was in 

 shoal water, and locate himself on the position assigned to Hope Bank. 

 The difference in color and specific gravity between the waters of the 

 Gulf Stream and the region adjacent varies with the seasons, and is 

 more marked during summer and autumn, when the fresh water from 

 melting ice finds its way from the Arctic. 



On August 3, at meridian, in latitude 40° 26' 30" K, longitude G6° 

 19' W., surface temperature 7S° F., the specific gravity reduced to G0° 

 F. was 1.027808, and at noon of the 5th, latitude 11° 48' N., longitude 

 G2° 51' 30" W., surface temperature 07° F., the reduced specific gravity 

 was 1.025008, a difference of .0028, quite sufficient to account for the 

 change of color. Thus it will be seen that the various indications of 

 shoal water are accounted for from natural causes wholly independent 

 of the existence of banks or shoals, and the depths developed by our 

 soundings show positively, that none exist in that locality. The navi- 

 gator in passing over the region had neither time nor the means at 

 hand for satisfactory investigation; therefore he was forced to judge 

 from appearances, which, we have shown, are deceptive. 



It may not be out of place here to call attention to a report concern- 

 ing Hope Bank, which to a casual observer would be considered definite 

 and final as to its existence in the locality mentioned. 



We have what purports to be a complete copy of the log of the fish- 

 ing schooner Marguerite on a voyage from Gloucester, Mass., to Iceland, 

 extending from April 27 to September 24, 1S85. On September 21, on 

 the return trip, the following remarks are found relating to the bank 

 above mentioned : 



" From 4 to 8 a. m. — Wind steady in force and direction. At 7 a. in., 

 water being discolored, sounded; depth 03 fathoms, with coarse sand. 

 At 7.30 a. m., water looking whiter, sounded again, found 45 fathoms, 

 with small black pebbles. At first thought the vessel had overrun the 

 log and was on soundings on George's Bank. At 8 a. in. sounded; 

 depth 38 fathoms. 



