6.-DEEl>-SEA EXPLORATION: A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OE THE 
STEAMER ALBATROSS, HER APPLIANCES AND METHODS. 
By Z. L. TANNER, Commander, United States Navy. 
INTRODUCTION. 
Eixrly in September, 1880, immediately after tlie return of the U. S. Fisli Com- 
mission steamer Finh Ilaivlc from her initial trip off shore, to the region subseipiently 
knoAvn as the Gnlf-stream slope. Prof. S. P. Baird Avas imin-essed with the necessity of 
a larger vessel for deep-sea investigations. The remarkable results of the Fish IfaivFs 
operations, though limited to depths of a few hundred fathoms, convinced him that his 
investigations should be extended into more remote and deeper Avaters. 
In discussing the subject witli the writer he remarked, in effect, that the profit- 
able study of useful sea fishes could not be prosecuted without a knowledge of their 
food, the food of their food, their resiiective friends and foes, the habitat of the sev- 
eral species, and their means of passing from one region to another in the embryonic 
as Avell as the adult stage; the temperatures, currents, and specific gravity of the 
waters of the ocean should be studied in connection with the migratory habits of 
pelagic forms, hence investigations must be extended seaward Ayherever life exists, 
until a complete history of both the economical and contributory siiecies is obtained. 
To prosecute these researches a sea-going steamer, specially coustructeil and e(j[uipped 
to carry on this Avork, Avas an absolute necessity. 
Subsequent off' shore trips made by the Fish llawh further convinced him of the 
imiAortance of having a larger ship. The subject was frequently under discussion, 
and a few months later he requested the writer to make general plans and estimates for 
the construction and equipment of a thorougldy seaworthy steamer, capable of making 
extended cruises and working with dredge and trawl in all depths to 3,000 fathoms. 
A rough plan was accordingly prepared, showing the tyjie of atsscI contemplated, 
and distribution of weights and spaces, from which the final designs Avere made by 
the late Charles W. Copeland, an eminent marine architect and engineer, of New 
York. After the usual competitive bids required for Government work, the contract 
Avas awarded to the Pusey & Jones Company, of Wilmington, Del., in March, 1882, 
for the sum of $145,800, exclusiv^e of outfit and special equipment, Avldch cost an addi- 
tional $45,000. She was launched August 10, 1882, was christened the Albatross, and 
went into commission on the 11th of the following November. 
The writer was ordered to suiierintend lier construction in addition to his duties 
as commanding officer of the Fish llawh. Passed Assistant Engineer George W. 
Baird, United States Navy, superintended the construction of machinery and also had 
general supervision of all work in the absence of the writer. lie rendered efficient 
service in devising and perfecting many novel mechanical appliances with Avhich the 
259 
