86 AXITTJAL REPORTS OF DEPAETMEITT OP AGEICUXTTJEE. 



nation can effect marked changes in conditions, especially of the 



very class of farmers whose state most critically excites interest and 



concern. 



FUR-BEARING ANIMALS IN ALASKA. 



Under the Alaska game law of May 11, 1908 (35 St?.t., 102), regu- 

 lation of the killing of certain terrestrial animals and of sea lions 

 and walruses is committed to the Department of Agriculture. For 

 several years the Congress has made appropriations to enable the 

 department to make investigations and experiments in connection 

 with rearing fur-bearing animals, including minks and martens. The 

 fisheries of Alaska are under the direction of the Department of 

 Commerce, which also administers the laws relating to fur seals and 

 those governing the killing of minks, martens, sables, and other ter- 

 restrial fur-bearing animals in Alaska. 



Early in 1915 a joint committee of the Departments of Commerce 

 and Agriculture was appointed to devise a plan to simplify the ad- 

 ministration of the Aleutian Islands Eeservation in Alaska in respect 

 to the propagation and protection of fur-bearing animals. The com- 

 mittee concluded that the problem was a broader one and reported that 

 the present distribution of authority over fur-bearing animals between 

 the two departments is unwise. It recommended that jurisdiction over 

 land fur-bearing animals be committed to the Department of Agri- 

 culture and that over aquatic fur-bearing animals to the Department 

 of Commerce. This action would adjust the powers of each depart- 

 ment to its present functions and special equipment. It would place 

 under the Department of Commerce not only fur seals and sea otters, 

 as at present, but also walruses and sea lions which are now under the 

 supervision of the Department of Agriculture ; and under the latter 

 department, land fur-bearing animals, including minks, martens, and 

 sables, which are now under the jurisdiction of the Department of 

 Commerce. The committee's report was approved by the Secretary of 

 Commerce. This department also approves it and is of the opinion 

 that the recommendations should be embodied in law at the ensuing 

 session of the Congress. 



THE ALASKA GAME LAW. 



The governor of Alaska from time to time has recommended amend- 

 ments to the Alaska game law. Some of the objects desired could be, 

 and have been, accomplished by regulations prescribed by the de- 



