18 RECONNAISSANCE IX NORTHERN ALASKA IN 1901. 



were usually taken to show the character and relations of surrounding rock masses 

 and to supplement topographic sketches. 



Si> far as possible the geologic section was continuously examined, and. -whew 

 conditions permitted, detailed sketches and diagrammatic notes were made of 

 contacts, structures, mineral zones, and other important features. 



ITINERARY AND TOPOGRAPHIC METHODS. 



By AT. J. Peters. 



Following is an extract from the letter of instructions from the Director of the 

 Survey: 



PLAN OF OPERATIONS. 



"The object of the expedition under your charge is to execute a reconnaissance 

 survey from Bergman to the Arctic Ocean. The advance will be made by ascending 

 some tributary of the Koyukuk to the divide against which head streams flowing 

 northward to the Arctic Ocean, and thence down such a stream to the Arctic. The 

 return trip will be preferably overland over a route east of that traversed in reaching 

 the Arctic, so as to obtain as much information relating to the interior as possible. 

 If the main branch of the Colville is not descended, however, in going northward, it 

 will probably be advantageous to return along its course. If time or other circum- 

 stances do not permit of the overland return, the most practicable alternative route 

 will probably be along the shore via Point Barrow, until the party may be picked up 

 by a vessel of the Revenue-Cutter Service or a steam whaler cruising in the Arctic. 

 If relief should not be obtained from the above sources, the journey should be con- 

 tinued southward until a vessel becomes available or the mining camps are reached. 



"As the territory to be traversed is so entirely unknown, you are especially 

 instructed to secure all topographic and geographic information that can possibly 

 be obtained. Sights to all mountain peaks should be taken, distances estimated if 

 intersections are not practicable, and sketches made. In short, no opportunity 

 should be neglected for locating, however approximately, all features that can be 

 seen, especialty in view of the fact that it is proposed to prepare a general map of 

 Alaska on the scale of about 40 miles to the inch, and that 3 T our party will probably 

 be the only one that will penetrate this region on a geographic mission for many years. 



"You are further instructed to afford every facility to the geologist accom- 

 panying the party for the prosecution of his special work, and to consult with him 

 in regard to all important emergencies." 



In accordance with the above instructions I left Seattle February 9 on the steamer 

 Victorian, accompanied by three men — Gaston Philip, assistant, Tom Hunt, and 

 Charles Stuver. It had been arranged that the rest of the party, under Mr. Schrader, 

 should join us at Bergman before the thawing of the ice and snow. We arrived at 

 Skagway" February 15, where we were obliged to wait three days on account of 

 the snow blockade on the White Pass and Yukon Railway. 



al wish here to make acknowledgment of the courteous treatment shown us by Mr. E. S. Bushy, supervising officer 

 Canadian customs, on presentation of the letter of Mr. John McDougald, commissioner of customs (Canadian), furnished 

 me through the Director of the Geological Survey. 



