30 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 



seen again until April or May. A few hundred, mostly young pups, 

 are taken by the Indians around Sitka, 1,200 miles east of the islands, 

 during the month of December, and again in March on their way return- 

 ing to the islands, and in February oft' the coast of British Columbia, 

 but in such small numbers as to make no appreciable difference to the 

 immense number that visit the islands annually. This is about all that 

 is known positively of their winter habits. It is evident that sharks 

 or other voracious fish prey on the young pups while in the water, 

 from the fact that of more than a million pups annually leaving the 

 islands not one-third return to them in the spring. 



The time of the arrival of the seals in the spring varies with the 

 season from the middle of April to the middle of May, and they are 

 present in sufQcient numbers for taking their skins before the 1st of 

 June. 



In such cases a discretionary power may be granted to the officer as 

 the least interested party, but as this is the time when they are most 

 easily disturbed, it should be done with caution. 



The new system may now be considered as fairly inaugurated, and 

 although it has not been done without some friction on both sides, no 

 serious differences have arisen, and it is now working harmoniously. 

 The supplies have been abundant and of good quality and sold in 

 quantities desired, except sugar, which for reasons before stated has 

 been restricted. 



All the conditions of the lease have been as fully complied with as 

 the conditions of the situation permitted. The Alaska Commercial 

 Company, by their previous establishment on the island and acquaint- 

 ance with the business, have been able to meet these difficulties better 

 than any other less favorably situated could have done; and in the 

 suppression of intemperance and the introduction of sanitary measures 

 I have had the hearty cooperation of the agent and employees of the 

 company. 



I have the honor to remain, 



Charles Bryant, 

 Special Agent, Treasury Department. 



Hon. George S. Boutwell, 



Secretary of the Treasury. 



Incloaure with Bryant's Report, dated November- 10, 1871 : Letter Bryant to Falconer. 



Headquarters Special Agency, 

 St. Paul Island, AlasJia, August 1, 1871. 



Sir : You are hereby instructed to see that the laws of the United 

 States concerning the seal fishery under the contract with the Alaska 

 Commercial Company are observed; that the natives are protected iu 

 their right, and in general you will perform all those acts which shall 

 appear to be necessary for the interests of the United States in that 

 island, and report all facts in connection thfirewith at these head- 

 quarters. 



Charles Bryant, 

 Special Agent, Treasury Department. 



Samuel Falconer, Esq., 



St. George Island. 



