ALBATROSS EXPLORATIONS; ALASKA, WASHINGTON, AND OREGON. 23 
doned it on account of the sea fleas (Amphipod crustaceans), which were very abun- 
dant on the bottom, and devoured or injured the fish before the lines could be hauled. 
Trawl lines were again tried this season by the Arago, bui with no better success, and 
they were obliged to return to hand-line fishing, 
Mr. Edwin Torbin, first mate of the Arago, states that they found the best fishing 
in latitude 50° 40' N., 10 to 15 miles off shore, in depths of 19 to 24 fathoms, sandy 
bottom, A few herring were taken along for the first baiting of the lines to secure 
halibut, after which the latter species was exclusively used as bait. Mr, Torbin has 
engaged in fishing on the banks both to the south and north of the Aliaska Peninsula, 
and considers Bering Sea cod superior to the others. Fogs and rains are also much less 
prevalent during the fishing season in Bering Sea than to the south of the peninsula. 
A bank lying about 20 miles to the northward of Unimak Pass has yielded some 
of the largest cod taken in Alaska, and is occasionally resorted to by the fishing ves- 
sels. It is called “ Slime Bank ” by the fishermen, who report that it is covered at a 
fathom or two above the bottom with a dense layer of slimy Medusce, which gener- 
ally prevents the hooks reaching bottom in a clean condition. The nature of this 
peculiar phenomenon is unexplained, but it may be due to a deuse growth of large 
algae. Cod are said to respond quickly to the bait Avheu it is not covered with slime, 
Only two vessels were fishing in Bering Sea during 1888, and it is customary to 
make only a single trip to that region during a season. This year the Dashing Wave, 
of San Francisco, contemplated starting upon a second trip, but the attempt was finally 
abandoned. The gear employed by these fishermen is similar to that used by the haml- 
liue dory fishermen on the Western Bank, but it is not so neatly rigged. The fishing 
leads are made by the crews of the vessels, and therefore do not compare in finish 
with those of New England. The lines are not tarred, and soon show signs of wear. 
Patent swivels are apparently unknown ; none of the crew of the Arago had ever 
seen or used them; but after the method of working them, and their advantages, had 
been explained the fishermen exjiressed their intention of giving them a trial next 
year. The dories correspond in shape and size with those used upon the eastern coast, 
the only perceptible difierence noticed being that the stem, timbers, and planking are 
a trifle heavier. They are manufactured in San Francisco by Lynde & Hough, Gal- 
vauized-irou rowlocks are used instead of thole pins. 
7. DAVIDSON BANK. 
Hydrography . — Davidson Bank, so named in honor of Prof. George Davidson, of 
the U, S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, who first reported it, lies south of Unimak 
Island, and extends westward from the vicinity of the Saunakh Islands to about the 
longitude of the southern entrance to Unimak Pass (longitude about 163° 18' to about 
104° 40' W.). Its area inside of the 100 fathom curve is estimated to be about 1,600 
square miles. 
The 100-fathom line was located approximately by the steamer Albatross. It 
makes a rather strong outward bend in about longitude 164° W., where it is distant 
45 to 50 miles from the nearest point of Unimak Island. 
Five lines of soundings were run across this region inside of the 100-fathom line. 
The shoalest water discovered was 41 fathoms, in latitude 54° 06' N., longitude 164° 
17' W. ; but depths less than 50 fathoms were found over a considerable area, the 
