PHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS OFF THE NEW ENGLAND COAST. 
593 
I have embodied in this report a complete copy of our meteorological records upon 
the days when we were conducting deep-sea serial observations ; the complete record 
of the series of deep-sea temperatures, together with the observations upon the 
specific gravity of the water at various depths. Accompanying the report are also a 
map showing the stations occupied during the cruise with the soundings obtained in 
each instance, and a series of profiles giving the plotted results of the deep-sea serial 
temperature observations, upon which the bathyisothermal lines of 50°, 60°, 65°, and 
70° F. have been traced. In all 136 stations were occupied, 46 being in water over 100 
fathoms deep. A total of over 1,600 observations of temperature of the sea water were 
made and, in addition to these, 360 meteorological observations were taken each day. 
Besides the regular work of the party. Professor Magie took the opportunity of 
securing observations upon the electric conditions of the atmosphere. His report 
upon the subject is appended. 
While upon the Gulf Stream, during calm weather, in the intervals between 
observations, the members of the party occupied themselves in collecting the various 
forms of surlace life which floated past the vessel within reach of the dip nets. The 
material obtained in this manner was refei'red to Dr. W. K. Brooks, of Johns Hoj)kins 
University, whose report is also submitted herewith. 
While the results of the past season’s operations clearly indicate the importance of 
further investigations in the same direction, it is still too early to venture upon any 
extended generalizations. Further data are required to afford a substantial basis for 
deductions. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAMPUS. 
The Orampus is a wooden, two-masted, keel schooner, built in 1886 especially for 
the service of the U. S. Fish Commission, being ada^jted to a wide range of practical 
and scientific work. Her length over all is 90 feet; width, 22 feet and 2 inches; depth 
in the hold, 10 feet. Although of comparatively limited dimensions, she is thoroughly 
seaworthy, and fitted to encounter the heaviest gales. She is capacious under deck, 
and a swift sailer, especially in fresh winds, having attained a speed of 13 knots and 
upwards during the past summer. 
An idea of her appearance may be derived from the figure published herewith. 
In general terms, however, it may be stated that she has a sharp bow, with nearly 
straight vertical stem above the water, the bow closely resembling that of a typical 
American pilot-boat or British cutter. The midship section is rather full, with a 
slight “ tumble-in ” on the top side; she has a long, clean run, symmetrical sheer, and 
rather deej) but gracefully formed elliptical stern. Thelong, low quarter deck extends 
about 3 feet forward of the mainmast, and the waist, including the rails, is 27 inches 
high ; the quarter-rail having the same height as the quarter-deck makes the depth 
of the waist uniform throughout the entire length of the vessel. A very noticeable 
feature is the “ box well” amidships, in which there is a free circulation of sea water 
for keeping live fishes and other marine animals. 
The arrangement on deck is as follows : A wooden pump-brake windlass, of the 
kind ordinarily used on fishing vessels of the same size, is located 3 feet forward of the 
foremast ; the forecastle companion is immediately abaft the foremast ; 6 feet aft of this 
is the main-hatch, over which is a booby-hatch or sort of companion entrance to the 
forehold. Between the main-hatch and the quarter-deck is the “ curb” or deck-opening 
