Exploration of Alaska in 1890. 303 
detail of Mr. I. C. Russell, geologist, and Mr. Mark B. Kerr, 
topographer, for the scientific work of the expedition. 
A long and earnest discussion was had on ¢he advisability of 
starting the expedition out on this basis. The lateness of the 
season and the low condition of the funds were urged as reasons 
for delaying till next year. It was finally decided, however, by 
a vote of 7 to 5 to adopt the proposition now and start the expedi- 
tion forthwith. 
Thus, by the aid and codperation of the U. 8. Geological Sur- 
vey and of the Secretary of the Navy, the expedition was organ- 
ized. Mr. I. C. Russell, geologist, was placed in charge, and Mr. 
Mark B. Kerr was assigned as topographer of the party. The plan 
of work was to proceed to Yakutat Bay and to study and map as 
large an area in the vicinity of Mt. St. Elias as practicable. It 
was also planned to redetermine the height of the mountain, and, 
if practicable, to ascend it. 
The party consisted all told of ten persons; Messrs. Russell and 
Kerr before mentioned, Mr. E. 8. Hosmer, a volunteer assistant 
from Washington, and seven camp hands, hired in Seattle, of 
whom James H. Christie was foreman. On June 17, they sailed 
on the steamer Queen for Sitka, where, on arriving, they found 
the U. 8. S. Pinta in readiness to take them to Yakutat, in 
accordance with instructions previously received from the Secre- 
tary of the Navy. They were at once transferred with all their 
outfit from the Queen to the Pinta, and sailed for Yakutat Bay, 
arriving June 25, in fog and rain. 
Three days later the party, with all stores and equipment, had 
been landed ; and bidding good-bye to the courteous officers of the 
Pinta, they entered upon the serious work of the season. 
The area to be examined was found to consist of a majestic 
mountain range, trending southeast and northwest, in front of 
which was a broad, ice-covered plateau. The range is snow-clad 
down toa level of 1500 feet above the sea, and is filled with 
glaciers of vast magnitude. Excursions into this area and a 
study of its glacial and geological phenomena were at once begun. 
At the same time Mr. Kerr measured a base line and began the 
work of mapping the region. A system of triangulation starting 
from this measured base was carried on, the prominent peaks were 
located by intersection, and heights were determined by vertical 
angles. Sketches and photographs were taken from many points, 
VOL. IL. 21 
