INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 237 
great beds of ophiurans were found, 10 bushels or more having been 
brought up at a haul. Shells, such as Trophon and other forms, were 
abundant on the same ground, most of them being occupied by hermit- 
crabs. A number of large crabs were also taken. Large holothurians 
and astrophytons were common, and naked mollusks were conspicuous 
as we deepened the water. Flounders, sculpins, young pollock, alli- 
gator-fish, and the other small species were distributed generally over 
the ground; in fact, the contents of the net varied but little after the 
first few hauls. 
From the Northwest Cape of Unimak to Port M@ller, including the 
region called Slime Bank and a portion of Baird Bank, a uniform 
richness of life on the bottom was observed. The depths varied from 
12 to 50 fathoms, with sand, or sand and gravel, bottom. Codfish were 
abundant, and the variety of fishes obtained exceeded anything seen in 
localities previously visited. While the great mass of invertebrates re- 
semble those taken on other grounds in Bristol Bay, special attention 
was attached to the variety of sponges and the great numbers of me- 
duse. The latter float near the bottom in such masses as to become a 
Serious detriment to the fishermen. Gorgonians of various kinds, and 
bryozoa were found near the shores. 
There was one exception to the general richness of the fauna in this 
region, the vicinity of Amak Island being found exceedingly barren. 
The following is a brief summary of the general movements and ope- 
rations of the ship during the year: 
Total number of days at sea.c.......5....6.-2 cee bs 0! 114 
Total distance run by observation ....-........-..-miles.. 12, 963 
otal distance runaD yp lO Maas = osteo era caalerse aap. do.... 18, 236 
Total number of deep-sea soundings...-....---.---.,------ 1, 025 
Total number of dredging stations -...--..-.- Goucsubae socdue 275 
Total number of deep-sea fishing stations..........-.....-- 149 
PERSONNEL. 
The following officers were attached to the vessel at the end of the 
fiscal year: Lieut. Commander Z. L. Tanner, U.S. N., commanding; 
Lieut. C. G. Calkins, U.S. N., executive officer and navigator; Ensign 
Marbury Johnston, U.S. N.; Ensign E. W. Eberle, U.S. N.; Ensign 
©. M. McCormick, U. S. N.; Ensign Wm. W. Gilmer, U. S. N.; Passed 
Assistant Surgeon Jas. EH. Gardner, U.S. N.; Passed Assistant Pay- 
master Charles S. Williams, U.S.N.; Passed Assistant Engineer C. R. 
Roelker, U.S. N. 
The civilian staff was as follows: Prof. Charles H. Gilbert, naturalist 
in charge; Charles H. Townsend, resident naturalist; A. B. Alexander, 
fishery expert; N. B. Miller ,assistant naturalist; H. C. Fassett, cap- 
tain’s: clerk, 
