44 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 



of exploitation. A representative of tlie l)ureiiu in Seattle was de- 

 tailed to assist the small packers in securin<>; supplies and by Jjiving 

 them valnal)le instrnction as to trade requirements in Scotch-cure 

 herrin<j. Preparations have been made in 1922 for an unusually 

 larjje pack, which will be prepared principally by the Scotch-cure 

 method introduced by the bureau in 1917 and succeeding seasons 

 through extensive demonstrations at all of the chief herring centers 

 of Alaska. This expansion is due largely to the poor quality of 

 herring that has been received from other sections of the country, 

 which has stimulated efforts of the Alaska packers to sup]ily the 

 ready market offered. Processes should also })e developed whereby 

 the small herring can be packed in tin and made a valuable source 

 of food. It seems not beyond the bounds of probability that the 

 herring industry of Alaska may some day rival the salmon industry 

 in importance. Another industry of growing importance, particu- 

 larly in the southeast district, is the shrimp fishery. The crab fishery 

 also showed a promising development in 1921. 



ALASKA FUR-SEAL SERVICE. 

 GENERAL ACTIVITIES AT THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 



The administration of the Pribilof Islands, including the super- 

 vision and care of the native inhabitants and the carrying on of 

 operations connected with the valuable fur-seal and blue-fox herds, 

 is steadily growing in importance among the activities of the bureau. 

 The size of the herds of both fur seals and foxes and the lartre finan- 

 cial return to the Government, as well as the interest of foreign 

 governments in the fur-seal herd, make this a business imdertaking 

 of considerable magnitude, requiring the best attention of techni- 

 cally trained and experienced administrators. 



The work on the Pribilof Islands is carried on by the bureau's 

 staff of about 15 white employees, with the assistance of the native 

 inhabitants, numbering more than 800 persons. Remuneration for 

 general services rendered by the natives is given in the form of sub- 

 sistence, including food, fuel, clothing, and miscellaneous supplies, 

 and living quarters, medical attention, and school facilities are fur- 

 nished by the bureau. A dentist also was at the islands during 

 practically the whole of the fiscal year 1922 for treatment of the 

 natives. The workmen also receive cash payments for taking seal- 

 skins and fox skins and for certain other activities connected with 

 the stations. In addition, from 40 to 50 native workmen from the 

 Aleutian Islands are employed on St. Paul Island during the active 

 sealing season. 



Considerable construction work was completed during the year, par- 

 ticularly to provide facilities for washing and blubbering sealskins by 

 the new method and to furnish necessary additional salt-house space. 

 An electric-lighting system was installed and a concrete house for 

 native use was completed on St. George Island. A large shop and a 

 warehouse were also built on St. George Island for handling the in- 

 creasing catch of fox skins. General repairs were made to buildings 

 on both islands. Attempts by the Navy Department to drill an 



