FUR-SEAL INDUSTRY. 



PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 

 GENERAL ADMIXISTRATm: WORK. 



In 1920 the work of the Bureau at the Pribilof Islands was car- 

 ried on in the usual manner. Sealing operations were upon prac- 

 tically the same scale as in the previous year, but a more extensive 

 study of experim.ental methods in taking and curing skins was made, 

 the results of which will be applied upon a commercial scale in suc- 

 ceeding seasons. The take of pelts from the blue fox herds was the 

 largest for man}' years. Progress was made in construction work, 

 additional housing facilities being provided for natives on St. Paul 

 Island and increased salt house and workshop space on both islands 

 to handle larger takes of fur-seal and fox skins. The census of the 

 fur-seal herd was taken as usual. The annual supplies for the islands 

 were transported chiefly by the Xavy Department, but considerable 

 assistance was given by Coast Guard vessels, and the Bureau's vessel 

 Eider rendered valuable service between Unalaska and the Pribilofs. 



PERSONNEL. 



Effective July 1, Agent and Caretaker A. H. Proctor, of St. Paul 

 Island, was appointed to the new position of superintendent, Pribilof 

 Islands, to have general direction of the work on the two islands. 

 Storekeeper H. D. Aller, who had been detailed to the Washington 

 office during the previous winter, was appointed agent and caretaker 

 of St. Paul Island, arriving there October 2G on the U. S. S. Saturn. 

 When Agent and Caretaker Charles E. Crompton left for the States 

 September 9 on the Saturn.^ St. George Island was placed in charge 

 of Storekeeper E. C. John.ston. After taking leave of absence, Mr. 

 Crompton proceeded east via St. Louis, arriving at the Washington 

 office January 5, 1921^ for duty through the winter. School-teacher 

 E. C. John.ston, of ot. George Island, was appointed storekeeper, 

 effective April 27; he was succeeded by Carl E. FleU-her, who reached 

 the island on the Saturn June 16, and, having tendered his resigna- 

 tion, left on the same vessel in October. John M. Orchard was then 

 ajjpointed school-tear-her of St. George Island and arrived there on 

 the Saturn October 29. Ilerschel Silverstone, assistant to tlie agent 

 on St. Paul Island, tendered his resignation and left by the Coast 

 Guard cutter Bear in October. Mr. Silverstone was succeeded by 

 Henry Mygatt, who arrived on the Saturn October 26. Assistant 

 Agent H. C. Scudder was appointed storekeeper on St. Paul Island, 

 arriving there October 26. George Haley resigned as school-teacher 

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