20 



normal. The last half of the month was unmarked b}' high winds or 

 the passage of any intense disturbance. The percentage of fog for 

 the month was remarkably low, only 16.8 percent, and the average 

 temperature was 37.6° F. 



MAY 



This month was also remarkably clear and cold for the time of year 

 and was marked by only two deep disturbances, one of the Tth and 

 another during the 9tli, 10th, and 11th. The deep pohir continental 

 air masses which flowed southward over the Ice Patrol area behind 

 these storms brought fresh northwesterly winds with snow flurries 

 followed b}' cold, clear weather. The remainder of the month was not 

 unusual except for the continued freedom from fog which might be 

 called a characteristic of the season. The percentage of fog was only 

 14.7 percent for the month and the average temperature -17° F. 



JUNE 



This month was characterized by liglit Avinds, cahn seas, and con- 

 tinuous fog. Only one storm of marked intensity passed through the 

 area. This disturbance centered just east of Newfoundland and caused 

 westerly w-inds, approaching gale force the 17th. Fog constituted a 

 real handicap to the conduct of the Patrol for the first time during this 

 month. Only 5 complete days were available, clear enough for effec- 

 tive scouting. The percentage of fog was 54.6 percent and the average 

 temperature was 52.2° F. 



JULY 



The first days of July, 1st to 9th, were seasonably mild, with no 

 marked disturbances. The percentage of fog was 13.6 percent and the 

 average temperature was 57.8° F. 



CRUISE REPORTS 



FIRST CRUISE, "MENDOTA", MARCH 9 TO MARCH 25, 1935 



The Mendota sailed from Boston at 1500, March 9, 1935, on an ice 

 observation cruise and laid a course for latitude 43°00', longitude 

 50°00'. the tail of the Grand Banks to begin a search for ice. Light 

 or moderate wind and sea with good visibility were experienced en 

 route to the ice area. The Mendota arrived at the tail of the Grand 

 Banks at 1830, March 12, 1935, and lay to that night to await day- 

 light and connnence scouting for ice. Dense fog ^ 't in earl}'^ March 



13, and continued throughout that day and night until 0430, March 



14. With the clear weather, the Mendota commenced running search 

 courses in the cold water south of the tail and northeast along the 

 eastern edge of the Banks. On March 12, two bergs were reported 



