14 



mitter is attached to a helium-filled balloon and as the balloon rises 

 through the atmosphere and into the stratosphere, the instrument 

 emits its signals. The signals are interpreted mechanically by the 

 receiving apparatus on board the ship and the temperature, the baro- 

 metric pressure and the humidity can be calculated for any altitude 

 desired and curves constructed. At times, due to winds of gale force 

 and boisterous seas, difficulties occurred in releasing the balloon and 

 transmitter. However, the program of observations was on the 

 whole successfully carried out. 



BIRD LIFE ON THE GRAND BANKS 



As usual, bird life on the Grand Banks was plentiful tliis j^ear. 

 There are various types of sea birds to be seen in this region; such 

 as the Sheerwater, Fulmar, Stormy Petrel, Dovekies, Murres, and 

 many others. Each of the species, their distinguishing marks, habits, 

 and times of arrival and departure from the Ice Patrol region, is an 

 interesting study in itself. Two items of particular note occurred as 

 follows: April 28, an exceptionally large flock of Murres, estimated 

 to be about 2,000 in number, were sighted in latitude 43°47' N., longi- 

 tude 50°05' W. ; May 27, several large flocks of Dovekies, continuously 

 flying, were observed south of the Tail of the Banks. The flocks of 

 Dovekies appeared to be uniting together. After each of the fore- 

 gomg dates no birds of the respective species were sighted again by 

 the patrol vessel. It was assumed that in each of these instances the 

 birds were either enroute to, or making preparations for, a large-scale 

 migration to their rookeries. 



FIRST CRUISE, "CHELAN," MARCH 9 TO MARCH 28, 1939 



In accordance with instructions, the Chelan sailed from Boston, 

 Mass., at 1132, March 9, 1939, on an ice observation cruise in the 

 interests of International Ice Patrol in the vicinity of the Grand Banks 

 of Newfoundland. 



En route to the Grand Banks region the Chelan received a message 

 from the Boston Division that the Norwegion freighter Gro was dis- 

 abled and out of control with broken rudder. She was met in latitude 

 43°37' N., longitude 52°25' W. with the Foundation Maritime limited 

 tug Foundation Franklin standing by, at 1130, March 12, 1939. The 

 tug departed at 1710 March 12, 1939. Upon request of the master, 

 the Chelan assisted the Gro in effecting temporary repairs by cutting 

 off lower portion of rudder stock trunk on March 13, thus permitting 

 repairs to rudder stock to be made. At 1925 that day the Gro pro- 

 ceeded under her own power toward Baltimore, Md. During a storm 

 of gale force that night the rudder stock broke again at the old fracture. 

 The Chelan stood by the disabled vessel until relieved by the Tahoe in 

 latitude 41°54' N., longitude 52°36' W., at 1127 March 17th. It was 

 also learned that the Gro had received a narrow gash on the starboard 



