INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 2ES 
- off Port Orford, where we found good anchorage in. 7 fathoms, pro- 
_ tected from the prevailing coast winds. <A destructive forest fire was 
observed to the northward of Cape Orford, steadily working its way 
south and approaching the coast. It was just back of the first range 
of hills when we anchored, and soon after reached the sawmill, lumber 
yard, and buildings adjoining, quickly sweeping them away. 
A dense fog and smoke prevailed until 7:35 the following morning, 
when it began to clear, and, getting under way, we carried the sound- 
ings to the vicinity of Cape Sebastian during the day, the last one being 
taken at 7:13 p.m. Owing to high winds and sea we laid a course to 
the northward, and, under moderate speed, faced the swell during the 
night. Reaching the vicinity of Koos Bay at 8:30 the following morn- 
ing, we ran a line of soundings off shore, to fill in a space left on the 
former examination, then started for Astoria, arriving at 2 p. n., Sep- 
tember 15. 
Orders were received on the 16th to proceed to Portland, Oregon, and 
place the Albatross on exhibition for about ten days, in connection with 
the Northern Pacific Industrial Exposition. We coaled on the 19th, 
taking 943 tons; cleaned and painted ship, and early on the morning 
of the 26th got under way for Portland, anchoring below the city at 
6:20 p.m. There was a dense fog next morning, and while waiting for 
it to clear, the Bonita, a river steamer, collided with this vessel and 
received considerable damage. Our injury was slight and was repaired 
by the crew. The Albatross was opened to visitors at 10 a.m., Sep- 
tember 28, and every day thereafter, between 10 a. m. and 4 p.m., until 
the evening of October 9. The decks and laboratories were literally 
packed with people, anxious to see the various specimens of marine 
life. Many of them showed great interest in the apparatus and meth- 
ods of investigation. The navigator prepared a chart of the coasts of 
Washington and Oregon on a large scale, showing in graphic form the 
results of the Albatross explorations. It was placed under glass on 
one of the bulkheads in the laboratory, and proved of great interest 
generally, and a veritable revelation to fishermen and the seafaring 
community. Details of officers and men were constantly on duty ex- 
plaining matters of interest. Between 25,000 and 30,000 people visited 
the ship during the twelve days she was open for inspection. 
We left Portland at 6 a. m., October 10, arrived at Astoria at 3.50 
p. m., where we remained until 9 a.m. the following day, when we got 
under way and proceeded to sea. Crossing the bar at 10:20 we steamed 
to the southward, and at meridian on the 12th took up our work off 
Cape Sebastian. 
Coast of northern California.—We developed the 200-fathom line to 
the southward, until at 1:47 a. m., on the 14th, we had reached Cape 
Mendocino, where we were compelled to cease work on account of 
boisterous weather. As the indications were unfavorable we started 
for San Francisco, under steam and sail, arriving at the quarantine 
