54 
I would express my thanks to Prof. J. E. Hilgard, Superintendent, 
and to General Rickard D. Cutts, Assistant in charge of the U. S. 
Coast and Geodetic Survey Office, for the many favors received from 
them during the year. Assistant Gershom Bradford has conducted 
his part of the work in much the same spirit and manner that he 
would had the work been personal. I cheerfully acknowledge the 
great value of such an associate. . 
Messrs. Henry J. Lewis, Henry C. Rowe, and William A. Cum- 
ming have on a number of occasions placed their steamers at my dis- 
posal, without expense to the Commission. These courtesies com- 
ing at critical times enabled me to materially expedite the work. 
Judge Daniel S. Mead, Jr., tendered the use of his sloop for the sur- 
vey of applications off Greenwich. ‘The disposition of the oyster- 
men throughout the State has been to assist in the surveys. To 
fully appreciate the value of their good will, one has only to attempt 
like work. 
During the year many disputes have been amicably adjusted by 
your equitable dealing and your ability to produce safe maps. Obser- 
vation leads me to think that confidence in the tenure of oyster fran- 
chises is steadily growing. 
Respectfully submitted, 
JAMES P. BOGART, 
Engineer for Commissioners of Shell Fisheries. 
