DESIEABILTTY OF SOUTH ALASKA AS A HOME. 

 Averagje precipitation at points in Alaska. 



27 



In comparing the data for Sitka, Kadialv, and Unalaska it will be 

 noted that the average mean temperature of Sitka is a little higher 

 than that of Kadiak, which in turn is higher than that of Unalaska. 

 It w^ill also be noted that Sitka and Unalaska have about the same 

 rainfall — considerably greater than that of Kadiak. 



A matter of more practical consequence than either the copious 

 rainfall or the comparatively high mean temperature is the rather 

 low total of effective temperatures during the months from May to 

 September, inclusive. By effective temperature is meant that above 

 43° F., at which plant growth practically begins. These totals, as 

 compiled by Evans," are as follows : 



Sitka 1,479. ] 



Kadiak 1^ 152. i 



k Unalaska 024. 5 

 Port Angeles. Wash 1,671.0 

 Ottawa, Canada 3, 424. 7 



Scotland 1, 692. 7 



Stockholm. Sweden 2, 704. 



The difference in totals betw^een Sitka and Kadialc is very striking, 

 but not so much as that between Kadiak and Unalaska. Undoubt- 

 edly this effective temperature factor is the principal cause of the 

 sharp demarcation between the timbered and the timberless regions 

 on the Alaska coast. 



Garden products. — This same factor — the low^ total of effective tem- 

 peratures — limits also the variety of garden products that can be 

 grown, but along the whole coast a considerable variety of vegeta- 

 bles is successfully raised, such as potatoes, turnips, cabbage, cauli- 

 flower, Brussels sprouts, kale, lettuce, peas, radishes, and rhubarb. 

 Red currants and red raspberries grow wild on Cook Inlet, and these 

 hardy varieties will thrive at most places along the coast — at Sitka 

 even the ordinary garden varieties ripening. In southeastern Alaska 

 salmon berries, cranberries, and huckleberries grow wild in abun- 

 dance. 



"Bulletin No. 4.S, UUiee of Experiment Stations, U. S. Department of Agri- 

 culture. 



