Letter from Dr. Agassiz.

The United States Fish Commission has recently received a second letter from Dr. Agassiz, dated Nov. 6, 1899, which further describes his cruise in the Albatross. The work has been largely of the same character as before, but more attention has been paid to the construction and nature of the coral islands of the Paumotu, Gloucester, and Fiji Groups. This includes a study of the growth of the different islands into groups, and the animal life in the lagoons as compared with that outside in the ocean. He has thus been able to test the statements made by other explorers. Only one island has been found where the inhabitants had not come into contact with civilization.

Part of Dr. Agassiz's work has consisted in sounding and trawling in shallow and deep water for animal life. The result of the trawls were, however, very barren, both outside and inside the lagoons. The temperature of the water at 500 fathoms was found to be quite generally 40 degrees Farenheit. During the trip many photographs of the structure and mode of formation of the Paumotu Islands have been taken, and Mr. Mayer has devoted much time to drawing the medusae which have been collected.

Dr. Agassiz's next letter will describe the work of the expedition in the Society Islands.