164 University of California Publications in Zoology \Vou.9 
to the association, accompanying his gift with another of $1500 
toward fitting her with a propelling engine and scientific gear. 
She was taken to San Francisco, refitted and returned to San 
Diego in time for the summer’s work of 1905. This was the 
largest, most efficient boat that had thus far been in the service, 
and the first one owned by the station. 
The ‘‘Loma’”’ was originally built for a pilot boat and there- 
fore was sturdy and suited to dredging and trawling as well 
as being seaworthy for considerable distances from shore. Our 
area for work being outlined roughly by Poimt Conception on 
the north and the Santa Catalina, San Clemente, and Coronado 
islands on the west, stations for repeated observations were 
established at many points within this area. A more detailed 
account of these and how the work at sea is carried on will be 
given in another place. The ‘‘Loma’’ was wrecked near the 
lighthouse on Point Loma in July, 1906, while attempting to 
make the run from La Jolla to San Diego Bay between the shore 
and the kelp beds that skirt the coast. The mishap being due 
to striking a shore rock and not to a storm, the boat was com- 
pletely dismantled and nearly everything saved. 
The gift of $50,000 by Miss Seripps being available for equip- 
ment at sea as well as on land, planning for a new boat was 
? 
begun soon after the loss of the ‘‘Loma.’’ Although construction 
of the new craft was commenced in what was supposed to be 
ample time to assure her readiness for the summer’s work of 
1907, delays in securing material put off the launching until 
August 16. Resort was had, consequently, to Captain Cabral 
and his fishing boat, the ‘‘St. Joseph,’’ for sea work that year. 
, 
The description of the new boat, the ‘‘ Alexander Agassiz,’’ is 
furnished by her present master, Captain W. C. Crandall. 
