30 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
of Big Koniushi Island, the character of the bottom at this spot not being indicative 
of a rich fanna. 
General character of the islands. — The general aspect of the Shumagins is mount- 
ainous, with numerous streams rushing down the mountain sides, often forming 
cascades of great beauty. Copious rains and a humid atmosphere favor the rank 
growth of grass, ferns, and flowers, which cover the islands during the summer mouths 
and give the impression of great fertility when viewed from a distance. There is no 
timber on the islands larger than alder bushes, but the beaches are lined with drift 
wood in sufflcient quantities to supply the probable demand for many years. 
Few dangers about the islands. — There are but few outlying dangers about these 
islands, and as a rule the shores can be approached within half a mile or less with 
safety. There are many secure harbors in the group, and vessels can find anchorage 
almost anywhere near the land in 10 to 20 fathoms. The region about Simeonofl:' is 
an exception, however, and should be navigated with great caution as there is foul 
ground surrounding the island. 
Islands and Bays in Nagai Strait; corrections. — Several inaccuracies were observed 
in U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Chart No, 806, Among the most important may 
by mentioned the following : 
(1) Spectacle Island is about 3 miles long, high and rounded at both ends, and 
connected by a narrow strip of low land near the center. A deep bight on the eastern 
side, and a prominent point projecting to the westward, give it the general form of a 
l)air of spectacles, from which it derives its name. 
(2) Peninsula Island is placed on the chart N. 35° E., about 2^ miles from its 
correct position. It lies directly raid-channel of the strait, and is, in fact, the pro- 
jection shown on the west side of Big Koniushi Island, A low spit makes off from 
the east side of the former, but there is a passage between the two islands, 
(3) The bays on Big Koniushi Island, north and south of Peninsula Island, are 
much deeper than shown on the chart. 
HUMBOLDT HARBOR, POPOFP ISLAND. 
Approaching Humboldt Harbor. — -‘Entering Popoff’ Strait we saw nothing until up 
with Barloft' Bay, when the high and bold headlands forming its southern shore emerged 
from the fog not more than 400 yards distant. Thence to Egg Islands the course was 
clear, and after making them the fog partially lifted ahead. Sand Point and Arch Rock 
being visible. When up with Sand Point the station of Lynde & Hough was seen, 
and at 12.34 p. m., July 31, we anchored off the wharf in 12 fathoms. Humboldt 
Harbor has been surveyed by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (Chart No. 814). 
The holding-ground is good, and it aftbrds excellent protection from all winds. There 
is a wharf at which ships’ boats can land at all times of the tide.” 
Collecting in the harbor. — Beaches suitable for seining are less numerous here 
than in Iliuliuk Harbor, Unalashka, but two seines were kept in almost constant opera- 
tion during the stay in port, securing an abundance of fishes, although not a great 
variety of species. Salvelinus malma was seined in great numbers in the harbor, and 
was also taken with hook and line in the fresh water creek. Many young codfish were 
secured at each haul of the seines, but flounders, mostly Lepidopsetta bilineata, exceeded 
all other fishes in abundance, both adult and young specimens being taken. The 
