the Grand Banks to carry out a search northward along the eastern 

 edge. 



Following the aerial search of June 25th, no further aerial re- 

 connaissance was practicable until the 6th of July because of ad- 

 verse weather. On the latter date the southern slope of the banks 

 was scouted, the observations covering the waters from the banks 

 south to 40°50' N., between 47° W., and 51°20' W. On the 9th the 

 area between 40°50' N. and the southern edge of the banks was 

 scouted westward to 53°30' W. Flights made on the 11th and 12th 

 scouted out the area along the southern and eastern edge from the 

 51°10' W. on the southern slope to 50° W. on the northern slope. 

 The coverage south of the 45th parallel extended to 60 to 70 miles 

 seaward of the 100-fathom curve and to 80 to 90 miles seaward 

 north of that latitude. No bergs were sighted in this area. 



On the basis of this coverage and that accomplished on the 6th 

 and 9th, it was believed that the absence of immediate ice hazards to 

 track C had been established and the return to that route was 

 recommended. 



On the 13th the Spencer, having scouted northward along the 

 eastern slope of the banks, located a berg at 48°15' N., 49°51' W., 

 and on the 14th sighted one at 47°57' N., 49°10' W., with which she 

 drifted until the 17th, thence returning westward to relocate other 

 ice and further determine drifts. On the 19th, however, a berg was 

 reported at 44°10' N., 44°13' W., and the Spencer proceeded im- 

 mediately toward that area to investigate. Weather conditions in 

 the area surrounding that position were excellent and on the 21st 

 the Spencer had completed a search covering the maximum esti- 

 mated radius of drift without finding any remaining trace of the 

 berg. Nor had any of the numerous ships passing through the area 

 in the interim following the berg report sighted any trace of that 

 ice. On the basis of the search by the Spencer, the excellent visibility 

 existing, and the number of other vessels passing through the area, 

 it was concluded that this berg had melted in the warm water. The 

 Spencer then returned westward and relocated a berg she had 

 sighted on the 18th. By the 23d this berg had been reduced to growler 

 size and would never endure to reach or menace track C. Since 

 further aerial observations along the northern slope, made on the 

 21st and 22d, had revealed no ice considered potentially hazardous 

 to the United States-European tracks, it was recommended that the 

 International Ice Patrol be discontinued for the season. 



Fifteen bergs are estimated to have drifted south past 48° N., 

 during the month. 



AUGUST-DECEMBER 



No bergs are known to have drifted south of the 48th parallel 

 during the months of August through December inclusive. 



24 



