x-2 



PREFATORY NOTE TO SECOND VOLUME. 



In the preparation of this, the second volume of my report, I have continued to keep in view 

 a determination, formed at the outset of the Expedition, of giving full credit to every individual 

 who might contribute to the general stock of information I was desirous of collecting during 

 the progress of my mission; and, in accordance with this intention, an invitation by " General 

 Order" was given to all who might be disposed to aid me in this design.* 



I was well satisfied, and more than once so expressed myself, that if the talents and acquire- 

 ments of the officers of the navy, serving in various parts of the world, were properly developed, 

 and their labors in pursuit of knowledge duly encouraged and appreciated, a vast amount of 

 interesting and useful information would be constantly added to science. 



To those who responded to my invitation I again, and finally, tender my thanks; they will 

 find that ample justice has been done to their contributions by the entire publication of their 

 valuable papers. 



And so in regard to the construction of the charts, and the assistance rendered in the accom- 

 plishment of the original surveys by the several officers employed in the hydrographical 

 department. The names of all who mainly contributed to the work have been especially noticed. 



It is true that I took upon myself the general direction and supervision of the various branches 

 of investigation prosecuted during the cruise, but this should not lessen' the obligations I am 

 under to those who so ably aided me in these researches. 



M. 0. PERRY. 



New York, June 10, 1857. 



s See General Order No. 2, Appendix. 



