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25

2731 fathoms were made, with very important biological and physical results. On the return trip to Washington, in October, explorations were carried on off the coasts of North and South Carolina, between Capes Hatteras and Romain, 37 hauls (2592-2628) being taken in depths of 9 to 528 fathoms.
     
The spring explorations of the Albatross in the region of the Bahama Islands began the last part of February and terminated early in May. They were conducted in the combined interests of the U.S. Hydrographic Office and the Fish Commission, but consisted mainly of deep sea soundings for the benefit of the former service. Dredgings were made in the so-called "Tongue of Ocean", in some parts of which the depths exceed 1000 fathoms, with unexpected results, the bottom nearly everywhere being composed of coral mud, utterly barren of life, and, therefore, of little