406 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
Turning inshore, we ran a line N. 67° W., 30 miles, sounding in 87 , 
79, 50, 47, 53, and 58 fathoms at the end of the line, S. 78° E., distant 
6 miles from Cape Thompson. Hydrographic Office Chart No. 68 gives 
40 fathoms in latitude 54° SO 7 00" N., longitude 158° 25 ' 00" W., where 
we found 86 fathoms. 
The general aspect of the Shumagins is mountainous, with numerous 
streams rushing down the mountain sides, often formiug cascades of 
great beauty. Copious rains and a humid atmosphere favor the rank 
growth of grass, ferns, flowers, etc., which cover the islands during the 
summer months, and give the impression of great fertility when viewed 
from a distance. There is no timber on the islands larger than alder 
bushes, but the beaches are lined with driftwood in sufficient quanti- 
ties to supply the probable demand for many years. There are but few 
outlying dangers, and as a rule the shores can be approached within 
half a mile or less with safety. There are many secure harbors in the 
group, and vessels can find anchorage almost anywhere near the laud 
in 10 to 20 fathoms. The region off Simeonoff’ is an exception, however, 
and should be navigated with great caution, as there is foul ground 
surrounding the island. 
We ran N. 6° W., 5 miles from the last station,' and sounded in 102 
fathoms, Castle Eock bearing . S. 78° W., distant 5 miles; thence N. 
84° E., sounding at intervals of 10 miles in 103, 97, 80, 68, 56, and 46 
fathoms. Forty seven fathoms was found 5 miles farther in the same 
direction, in latitude 55° 25' 00" N., longitude 157° 28' 00" W., 65 miles 
from the point of departure, and about 19 miles to the southward of 
Light House Eocks, to which the bank undoubtedly extends. Increased 
depths on the above line indicate a marked depression between the 
Shumagins and the mainland, the extent of which can only be deter- 
mined by further investigations. 
Turning inshore we ran N. 66° W., 25 miles, then N. 45° W,, 27 
miles, sounding at about 10-mile intervals in 53, 73, 73, 64, and 68 
fathoms, the last station being in latitude 55° 54' 00" N., longitude 
158° 40' 00" W. The mainland was sighted soon after daylight, and 
Mitrofania Island at 8 a. in., but we failed to recognize the latter for 
several hours owing to fog banks which hung over the land. We were 
up with the island at 1:30 p. in., August 7, and leaving it on the port 
hand steamed into the bay of the same name, anchoring off Long Beach 
at 2:48 p. m. in 15 fathoms, latitude 55° 58' 00" N., longitude 158° 47' 
00" W. (approximate.). 
Mitrofania Bay to Old Harbor , Kadialc . — Our anchorage was near the 
SW. extremity of a steep black sand beach which lies back of the bay, 
and extends in crescent form about 3 miles NE. and SW. This beach 
is flanked on the eastern end by a nearly vertical cliff 600 or 800 feet 
in height, made conspicuous by many strata of different-colored rocks, 
and on its western extremity by a precipitous mountain covered with 
a dense growth of alder bushes. An isolated rock lies near the base of 
