MINOR FUR-BEABTNG AISTIMAI-S. 69 



The foxes on the island run wild, and Mr. Ibach is unable to tell the 

 total number. One year 600 Belgian hares were raised for fox food. 



Simeo7iof Island, Shumagin Group. — This island was leased in 1914 

 to J. C. Smith, of Sand Point, for a period of five years, beginning 

 July 1, 1914. Mr. Smith died July 5, 1917. It is stated that the 

 number of blue-fox pelts, which have been secured on this island in 

 the years from 1901 to 1917, inclusive, is 477. 



Little Konvwji, Shumagin Group. — This island was leased in 1914 

 to Andrew Grosvold, of Sand Point, for a period of five years, be- 

 ginning July 1, 1914. Mr. Grosvold has reported that on November 

 15, 1917, there were 37 pairs of foxes on the island. 



Litigation has been carried on for a number of years between F. E. 

 Whelpley and Andrew Grosvold in respect to the latter's rights on 

 Little Koniuji Island. Foxing operations having been undertaken 

 on the island by Mr. Whelpley before Mr. Grosvold secured a lease 

 of it from the Department of Commerce, suit was instituted by Mr. 

 Whelpley contesting Mr. Grosvold's rights. On August 2, 1916, 

 Judge Brown, of the District Court of Alaska, in session at Valdez, 

 decided adversely to Mr. Whelpley. Tiie case was taken by him to 

 the Circuit Court of Appeals at San Francisco. The decision of that 

 court on April 1, 1918, affirmed the action of the lower court. 



Marmot Island. — This island is situated near Afognak Island and 

 was leased in 1916 to O. L. Grimes, of Kodiak, for a period of five 

 years, beginning September 1, 1916. Under date of February 2, 1918, 

 Mr. Grimes advised that he had forfeited the lease. 



Pearl Island, ChugacJi Group. — This island was leased in 1917 to 

 I. D. Nordyke, of Seldovia, for a period of five years, beginning 

 July 1, 1917. 



