HOMEWARD BOUND. lo;^ 



and only 32 fathoms less than that in depth. The cast 

 referred to being taken by Lieutenant-Commander W. 

 H. Brovvnson, U. S. N., when in command of the Coast 

 Survey Steamer Blake. In the afternoon we sounded 

 again in 2990 fathoms, lat. 21° 00' N., long. 66° 14' W. ; 

 brown mud. 



On the 7th we sounded at 5.30 a.m. in 3079 fathoms, 

 lat. 22° 06' N., long. 66° 44' W. — light brown mud; and 

 again at 5.30 p.m. in 3101 fathoms, lat. 23° 07' N., long. 

 67° 08' VV., finding the same kind of bottom. 



On the 8th, at 5.30 a.m., a oast was taken in 3133, 

 fathoms, lat. 24° 23' N., long. 67° 58' W. — light brown 

 mud ; and in the afternoon in 3006 fathoms, lat. 

 25° 22' N., long. 68° 41' W., in the same bottom, light 

 brown mud. 



On the 9th, at 5.30 a.m., sounded in 2880 fathoms. 

 In reeling in the wire parted, losing 1400 fathoms and 

 a specimen-cup. Again in the afternoon we sounded 

 in 3004 fathoms, lat. 27° 36' N., long. 70° 14' W.; 

 brown mud. 



On the loth there was a stiff breeze with squalls and 

 falling barometer, giving evidence of a coming gale. 

 Sail was therefore furled and our last cast taken in 2956 

 fathoms, lat. 29° 36' N., long. 71° ■^-X) ^v the character 

 of the bottom being brown mud as before. There was y 

 general rejoicing when this last sinker was expended. 

 By the time the cast was finished the gale had freshened 

 causing a rough sea. We therefore lay to until daylight 

 of the morning of the 12th, when the vessel proceeded 



