PHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS 
OFF THE NEW ENGLAND COAST. 
403 
were in a body of warm water (70.4° F.) with a high specific gravity (1.0250). The 
only explanation possible was that we were in some of the warm outer bands of the 
Gulf Stream, which after being separated from the main current had been overpowered 
by the cold current and were thus moving westward. 
This state of affairs would be possible under the conditions which we found to 
exist, and which will be fully shown and discussed in connection with the section pro- 
files of serial temperatures which accompany this report. These profiles indicate that 
the warm surface water of the Gulf Stream has been pushed farther inshore than is 
usual, for some reason or other, or perhaps a portion of it has been impelled over the 
surface of the cold current. Upon examination of the monthly maps of the Hydro- 
graphic Ofiice since our return, I am convinced that this condition has been caused 
by long-continued winds from the southeast. Fortunately the same conditions, as far 
as wind was concerned, lasted long enough for us to test the matter slightly. At our 
next observation for latitude, station F 10, No. 67, was shown to be our position (see 
maj)), thus placing us to the eastward, as we would naturally expect to be when our 
course was so largely controlled by the currents of the main Gulf Stream. It is well 
to note that by the log record we were sailing a true south course all the time. This 
rather remarkable occurrence would not have been detected had not the conditions 
been so favorable, and further, from the fact that we were in a sailing vessel, which, 
of course, was completely at the mercy of the currents as long as we merely had wind 
enough to give us headway. These facts would never have been noticed in a steamer, 
unless especial pains had been taken to study the surface currents, and it is hoped that 
this mention of the subject will lead to a more careful study of those outlying streams 
of warm water, for it will be seen that if they exist under favorable conditions, or dis- 
appear under other conditions, they may cause the irregular distribution of the food 
which is followed up by the schools of fish. Our line had become so irregular that 
we decided to return on line J. 
August 19, 1889. (Table 14 and Plate 14.) — If the wind had continued at the 
same rate it was our intention to have verified the explanation suggested above upon 
our return trip, but the wind increased in force and we were deprived of the oppor- 
tunity. The water temperature, under an almost open sky, with moderate and steady 
