12 DEEP-SliA SOUNDING. 



the weather at the start being gloomy and disagree- 

 able. 



On the 7th a gale sprung up from the S.S.W., which 

 was followed by a succession of heavy gales in the Gulf 

 Stream on the loth, iith, 12th, and 13th, veering from 

 the S.W. to N.N.W., accompanied by high and 

 irregular seas. The ship, laden with provisions, stores, 

 and a deck-load of coal, rolled deeply. 



On the loth the second cutter was struck by a heavy 

 sea and torn from her davits. 



On the 1 6th of January it became sufficiently 

 smooth to warrant taking a cast. The reel and engine, 

 which on the appearance of bad weather had been taken 

 in-board, were again mounted on the flying platform and 

 secured in the starboard gangway, with outer end pro- 

 jecting sufficiently over the side of the ship to allow the 

 wire to run clear. 



As the apparatus had not been tried previously, the 

 first cast was taken under difficulties. The machine 

 worked stiffly and the connecting hook of the leather 

 belt broke several times. Then an improvised manila 

 belt was tried, but, failing to give satisfaction, was 

 replaced by the original leather belt, which in the mean 

 time had been repaired by discarding the hooks and 

 securing the ends together. 



A depth of 28 =i4 fathoms was found inlat. 35° 35' N., 

 long. 48° 22' W. Character of bottom, gray ooze, 

 with sand and small shells. The whole time occupied 

 in this our first cast was nearly five hours. 



