38 TIREE CRUISES OF THE “BLAKE.” 
best possible results. Their interest in the work never flagged, 
and they have now attained a proficiency in deep-sea work 
hardly deemed possible ten years ago. By the, old methods a 
single dredging at depths of from twelve hundred to eighteen 
hundred fathoms occupied nearly twenty-four hours. It was 
not an uncommon occurrence for the “ Blake” to make six, or 
even seven hauls a day in depths varying from seven hundred 
to eighteen hundred fathoms. The deepest sounding made by 
the “ Blake” was in 3,428 fathoms; the deepest haul of the 
trawl in 2,412 fathoms. 
During the second cruise among the West India Islands and 
the third cruise along the eastern coast of the United States, 
the “Blake” was commanded by Commander J. R. Bartlett, 
whose interest in the work was not less than that of his prede- 
cessor in command. 16 is pleasant to notice that the harmony 
between the naturalists and the officers of the “Blake” was 
not for an instant disturbed during the time they were working 
in common. Everything in the way of naval routine was sacri- 
ficed for the time to the objects of the cruise, and the appear- 
ance of the deck and bow of the * Blake" was often more that 
of a mud-scow than of a vessel in the service of the United 
States. 
