312 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 



Upon this amoTint, together with what was earned, by them in working for the 

 lessees and the sum of $283 donated by the resident agent of the lessees in honsehold. 

 supplies computed at invoice prices, the natives of this island have up to this date 

 lived comfortably and Avell, nob lacking any needed thing in tlie way of fuel, food, 

 or clothing; and on March 13, 1891, there was due to them by the lessees, as shown 

 by their books, the sniii of $1,078 31, not including the amount due the priest. This, 

 I am informed by the resident agent of the lessees, is a larger amount than has stood 

 to their credit at the same time of year for several years previous. The Treasury 

 agent in charge did not, therefore, lind it necessary to involve the Government in 

 any amount for natives' support during the period covered by this report. If their 

 solicitations had been complied with and Government aid had been furnished them 

 to procure holiday finery, etc., an indebtedness of an almost indefinite amount might 

 have been incurred, for the amount of merchandise the average Aleut would pur- 

 chase at the store of the lessees would be limited only by the cash in hand, their 

 credit on the books of the company, and the amount in Government orders which 

 they could obtain from the Treasury agent in charge. 



WIDOWS, ORPHANS, AND INDIGENTS. 



This class of the popul.ation, including those styled "unmarried widows" and 

 their oifspring, have been well cared for by the lessees and reasonably well supplied 

 with fuel, food, and clothing. 



SEALS KILLED FOR NATIVES' FOOD. 



The quota of this island of seals to bo killed for natives' food for the season end- 

 ing April 30, 1892, was 400. This number was killed, the skins being all prime except 

 the 36 killed during the stagey season, as stated in my report dated November 23, 

 1891, and for reasons therein set forth. 



The first killing after the close of the stagey season was made on October 23, and 

 the last killing on November 27. The killings for the present year, under authority 

 of your telegram of October 15, 1891, have been as follows: 



At Zapadnie, in May, 19 were driven and 17 killed ; the carcasses and skins packed 

 by the natives to the village; skins all prime. 



At North Rookery, on May 20, about 50 were driven, 36 killed ; skins all prime. 

 One seal gave out, was clubbed, and skin included in above count. 



At North Rookery, on June 2, 185 were driven and 103 killed ; 82 were turned back ; 

 none ])erished by the way ; skins all prime. 



vU East Rookery, on June 8, 243 were driven. 111 killed, 132 turned away; skins 

 accepted. 



In accoi'dance with your instructions, no foxes were killed during the winter. 

 Three dead ones were ibund by the natives, and skins were delivered to the company, 

 awaiting your instructions. Having availed myself of every opportunity during the 

 winter and spring to gather data by which to make an estimate of the number of 

 foxes on this island, I am satisfied that there are not to exceed 300. 



CONDUCT OF THE NATIVES. 



The conduct of the natives has been such as to merit words of praise. It has not 

 been necessary to summon anyone before the Government otficer, and they have 

 cheerfully complied with every requirement emanating from the Government house. 



For the reason, among others, that each native head of a family was, by your 

 direction, allowed to purchase one pound of sugar per week, a reasonably close watch 

 was kept for evidences of quas, and, with two minor exceptions, no evidences of 

 intoxication or of qnas brewing have been found. If quas was manufactured, it 

 was used f|uietly in the homes of the natives. 



Attached hereto, and marked E, please find census of the native population of St. 

 George Island for the year 1891. 



Attached hereto, and marked F, please find tabulated statement of the arrival of 

 seals. 



Respectfully submitted. 



S. R. Nkttleton, 

 Assistant Special Treasury Agent. 



Maj. W. H. Williams, 



United States Treasury Agent in Charge of Seal Islands. 



