6 ALASKA. 



ally engaged iu fishing in these waters. The value and proba- 

 ble yield of the cod-banks of Alaska have been greatly overrated, 

 but it may be reasonably anticipated that the success attending 

 the canning of salmon on the Columbia lUverwill stimulate the 

 prosecution of this industry at the mouths of all the large 

 streams and rivers of the Territory. 



In connection with my survey of affairs iu the Territory, the 

 Seal Islands in especial, I have been most fortunate iu being 

 associated with a gentleman so efficient and conscientious as 

 Lieut. Washburn Maynard, the officer selected by the Secre- 

 tary of the Navy, in compliance with the act of Congress, to 

 accom]iany me ou this tour of investigation, and to report in- 

 dependently. 



It is also fitting that I should speak in flattering terms of the 

 high character of tlie service rendered us this season by C^pt. 

 J. G. Baker, commanding the United States revenue-cutter 

 Eeliauce, who carried us with all care and expedition to such 

 poiuts as we saw fit to designate, and which it was possible to 

 visit in a sailing-vessel, with the time allotted. 



The several subjects within the scope of my report I have 

 arranged, and herewith respectfully present in the following 

 order, viz : 

 CHAPTER I. The chaeacter of the country. 



II. The natives or people of Alaska ; their 



CONDITION, &C. 



III. The duty of the Govern3Ient in the Ter- 

 ritory OF Alaska. 

 IV. Trade in the Territory and the traders, 



STATIONS, &C. 



Y. The sea-otter and its hunting. 

 YI. The condition of affairs on the Seal 



Islands ; Prybilov group. 

 YII. The habits of the fur seal. 

 YIII. Fish and fisheries. 

 IX. Oknithology OF THE Prybilov Islands. 



APPENDIX. 



I have endeavored in the preparation of this report to be 

 as concise as possible, perliaps so to a fault, but the enumer- 

 ation of the thousand and one little things that have combined 

 to form opinion, and indirectly influence one's judgment, can 

 interest no one but the writer. 



