MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION OF SOUNDINGS, 



MADE OFF THE COAST OF THE UNITED STATES, BY THE 



U. S. COAST SURVEY. 



To Joseph Henry, LL. D., 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 



Coast Survey Office, 



Washington., Dec. 24, 1850. 



Sir. 



The accompanying paper, containing an examination, by Prof. Bailey, of the 

 Mihtary Academy, West Point, of specimens of the bottom of the sea, obtained 

 in sounding between Montauk Point, New York, and Cape May, New Jersey, 

 was presented to the meeting of the American Association of Geologists and Natu- 

 ralists at Boston, by Prof Agassiz, and its publication recommended. Besides 

 the practical value to navigators of the examination of specimens of the bottom 

 to ascertain the forms peculiar to different positions of our coast, the investiga- 

 tions of Professor Bailey have a scientific interest for the naturalist, and his 

 descriptions, especially of new species, should be made known for the benefit of 

 those engaged in similar pursuits. By authority of the Treasury Department, I, 

 therefore, transmit the report of Prof Bailey to you for publication in the Smith- 

 sonian Contributions to Knowledge, if on examination it is found to be of the 

 proper character for insertion. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



A. D. BACHE, 

 Superintendent U. S. Coast Survey. 



