2 
INTRODUCTION 
John Muir, of Martinez, California, Professor Benjamin 
K. Emerson, of Amherst, Massachusetts, Dr. Charles 
Palache, of the geologic staff of Harvard University, 
and Mr. G. K. Gilbert, of the United States Geological 
Survey. Before reaching the field of active work they 
arranged a division of labor, so that each might give prin¬ 
cipal attention to some special subject, with a view to 
ultimate publication. Dr. Dali, already the foremost 
authority on the physical geography, paleontology, eth¬ 
nology and resources of Alaska, took charge of paleon- 
tologic work; Mr. Muir, already distinguished as an 
explorer of Alaska glaciers, continued his studies of their 
general distribution and broader features; Mr. Gilbert 
also gave principal attention to glaciers, but studied 
especially their variation in size and the features bear¬ 
ing on the interpretation of Pleistocene glaciation in 
the eastern United States; Professor Emerson and Dr. 
Palache undertook the observation of the sedimentary, 
igneous and metamorphic rocks. 
The opportunities for geologic work were conditioned 
by the mode of travel, the route, and the distribution and 
duration of the various stops. The Expedition was essen¬ 
tially a voyage, much the greater part of the two months 
being spent on the ship and in motion. But the time 
thus spent was not wasted. With unimportant exception 
we were continually in sight of land, and the physio¬ 
graphic expression of the country was the subject of 
nearly constant study. Brief landings were made almost 
daily, and in regions of special interest the vessel lingered 
for periods of several days, while excursions were made 
in launches and rowboats to various parts of the coast. 
On such occasions the ship remained the principal base of 
operations, but small parties operated independently with 
the aid of camping outfits. In a number of instances local 
studies were prolonged by leaving parties, either in camp 
