480 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
% 
The deviation of the standard compass was found to increase rapidly 
on easterly and westerly courses with an increase of latitude, the points 
of no deviation remaining constant at about N. by W. and S. J E. 
The ship was swung for compass observations on the following dates: 
Date. 
Position. 
Lat. N. 
Long. W. 
J uly 7 
o / 
45 38 
55 00 
58 00 
34 00 
o • 
124 00 
160 15 
151 30 
120 20 
August, 3 
August 22 
January 6 
Compass cards showing graphically the amount of deviation on each 
point are appended. 
On March 28 a survey was made of Willard Bay, on the west side 
of the Gulf of California. The base line was obtained in the following 
manner: The two extremities of the line were occupied by observers, 
who measured simultaneously the angle subtended by the foremast of 
the Albatross. One observer also measured the horizontal angle be- 
tween the foremast and the other observer. The height of the foremast 
being known, the distance from the ship of each observer was com- 
puted. Then with the measured horizontal angle and the two computed 
distances, the third side of the triangle— the base line — was computed. 
From the two stations at the ends of the base line cuts were taken on 
all the prominent points. Willard’s Point, the northern point of the 
bay, was also occupied, and a third round of angles taken as a check. 
The astronomical bearing of the base line was obtained by two 
methods, the results agreeing very closely. The first was by compass 
bearing, applying the local variation as taken from the chart. The 
second by measuring the angle made by the intersection of the base line 
and a true north and south line. The latter was obtained by observ- 
ing the shadow cast by a perpendicular stake 10 feet high at apparent 
noon. The latitude was obtained by observing the meridian altitude 
of the sun with a sextant and artificial horizon ; the longitude, by 
equal altitudes of the sun observed before and after noon. The mean 
of four chronometers, rated at San Diego 32 days previously, was taken 
in making the computation. 
Several zigzag lines of sounding were run in the northern portion of 
the bay, but lack of time prevented a thorough examination of the 
bottom. 
The angles were all measured with a sextant, the ship having no 
theodolite on board. 
The four chronometers in use on board this vessel were last cleaned 
and overhauled in August, 1887. They run well together, and as yet 
show no indications of needing attention. 
