NO. 1 FRASER: SCIENTIFIC WORK, VELERO III, EASTERN PACIFIC 21 



tion obtained had so much to do with the success of the later expeditions 

 into the same region for more definitely scientific exploration. 



Satisfactory as this cruise was, it was only enough to whet the appe- 

 tite for more. To satisfy this appetite even temporarily, a larger vessel was 

 required, and so the Velero II was designed and constructed in 1922. 

 This 125-foot, 195-ton cruiser, equipped with twin Winton-Diesel, six- 

 cylinder engines, developed a speed of ten knots, with a cruising radius of 

 5,000 miles. 



With the Velero II in commission, a much more extensive expedition 

 was soon initiated, and this one had a somewhat stronger biological tinge 

 than the previous expedition. Calls were made at Guadalupe Island, 

 Cerros Island, Magdalena Bay, Cape San Lucas, Clarion Island, Socorro 

 Island, Clipperton Island, several points in the Gulf of California, Maz- 

 atlan and other points on the mainland coast of Mexico, La Union, El 

 Salvador, and Panama, and, on the return, Cape San Lucas and Mazat- 

 lan. 



As a follow-up of this cruise, Captain Hancock purchased the Haci- 

 enda Barron, a short distance inland from Mazatlan, with the idea of 

 introducing more modern methods of agriculture into this region. This 

 is mentioned because it had much to do with the next distinct develop- 

 ment in navigation. 



There was little to be gained by an increase in agricultural produc- 

 tion in western Mexico unless some means were provided to carry the 

 produce, still in good condition, to northern markets. To overcome this 

 difficulty the steamer Oaxaca was purchased from the British Admiralty. 

 The Oaxaca was much larger and more powerful than Velero II. It was 

 255 feet in length, with a beam of 35 feet, and a normal draft of 18 feet 

 6 inches, gross tonnage 1,683, normal horsepower 1,800, extreme speed 

 16 knots, normal cruising speed 12.5 knots, cruising radius 4;500 miles. 

 There were large cargo space and passenger accommodation. Air-cooled 

 facilities for the preservation of fruit and vegetables were installed, and, 

 for easier navigation, a gyro compass, and a "Metal Mike." 



The ship was put into service as a produce transport, operating under 

 the West Coast Transportation Company. As to its vocation nothing 

 more need be said, as it was its avocation that is of scientific interest. 

 Produce transport is a seasonal occupation. In off seasons, the Oaxaca 

 could be, and actually was, used for extended expeditions. 



For some time, Captain Hancock had been nurturing the desire to 

 sponsor a scientific expedition to the Galapagos Islands. Now, with the 



