[55] WOKK OF STEAMER ALBATROSS. 



Record of temperatures and specific gravities — Continued. 



659 



REPORT OF THE NATURALIST, MR. THOMAS LEE. 



The work of the Albatross for 188G began with a cruise among' the 

 Bahama Islands. Mr. James E. Benedict was in charge of the scientific 

 department, and was assisted by Messrs. Willard Nye, jr., C. H. Town- 

 send, F. L. Washburn, and myself. 



We left Norfolk February 20, and met with little of interest before 

 reaching our anchorage at Watling's Island. Before speaking of our 

 work, it is my pleasant duty to acknowledge our great indebtedness to 

 Lieut.-Commander James M. Forsyth, of the United States Navy, for 

 furnishing us with much valuable information with regard to the char- 

 acter of the islands, and for letters to Mr. R. C. Nairn, of Watling's 

 Island, and the Misses Forsyth, of Rum Cay, who showed us every 

 courtesy and attention, besides very materially aiding us in our work. 



February 27 Mr. Nye and I landed on Watling's Island, and remained 

 there till March 9. The Albatross ran over and anchored at Rum Cay. 

 We were cordially welcomed by Mr. Nairn, who furnished us with com- 

 fortable quarters, thus enabling us to get to work at once. 



