12 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 



only to the natives, who in the hunting season segregate the males from 

 the females with astonishing adroitness and agility, and should there- 

 fore alone be permitted to kill them ; besides it is the vital interest of 

 the natives to protect and husband this their only source of and only 

 means of existence. It is therefore thought by persons acquainted 

 with those islands that the Government should limit the number of 

 seals to be killed each year so as to protect the natives and also prevent 

 the extermination of the fur seal. 



As for the sea otter, I can give but little information about them, any 

 more than that from 1,500 to 2,000 are captured yearly about the Aleu- 

 tian Islands, and by the natives only, who receive from the traders from 

 $20 to $40 per skin — the skins selling in San Francisco for from $50 

 to $100. 



It is my opinion that the most important resources of the Territory of 

 Alaska are the fur-bearing animals, and that in no case should the indis- 

 criminate slaughtering of these animals be permitted. Proper protec- 

 tion by the Government and a royalty imposed upon each skin would 

 be the means of protecting the native population and a source of great 

 revenue to the Government of the United States. 



Being unacquainted with the liussian language, my knowledge is but 

 limited; but should the few items above, which hav^e come under my 

 observation, help to form an idea of the fur trade of Alaska, I will feel 

 happy at the thought of contributing to so worthy an end. 

 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



E. C. Jordan, 

 Inspector of Customs. 



Jno. T. McLean, 



Special Agent, San Francisco, Cal. 



1870. 



Extract from report of Capt. G. W. Eaymo7id, United States Engineer 

 Corps and acthig inspector of customs for Alaska. 



San Francisco, Cal., January 1, 1870. 



Sir: 



******* 



My opportunities for observation at the various points in Alaska at 

 which we touched in our journey to and from Norton Sound were so 

 limited in comparison with those of many others who have visited and 

 written concerning them that I refrain from attempting to give any 

 account of them ; but I should be remiss iu my duty were I to close 

 this report without making any reference to the most important and 

 valuable portion of our newly acquired territory, the seal islands of St. 

 Paul and St. George. 



However candid and intelligent observers may differ as regards the 

 value and resources of other portions of the Territory, with reference to 

 the immense value of the seal islands there can be but one opinion; 

 but owing to peculiar circumstances the value of the seal fishery 

 depends almost entirely upon the manner in which it is conducted, and 

 I desire to record my opinion, with whatever weight may attach thereto, 

 in favor of its being placed in the hands of one company of character, 

 means, and ability, which should be held strictly responsible to the 

 Government for the manner in which it is carried on. 



