FUR-SEAL INDUSTRY. 



PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 

 GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE WORK. 



In 1921 the seal and fox herds on the Pribilof Islands were given 

 the greatest possible care and attention. A different method of 

 skinning seals, whereby the use of the knife is practically eliminated 

 in removing the skin, was successfully tried. A large number of 

 skins were blubbered on the islands, resulting in a better cured and 

 more easily handled product. The fox herd, if the take of skins on 

 St. George Island during the winter of 1920-21 is indicative of its 

 size, will break all previous records in a few years. The amount of 

 winter food available will soon be an important influence upon its 

 size. Construction work was continued on several native dwellings. 

 On St. George Island a large shop and warehouse was built, providing 

 necessary facilities for handling the increasing catch of fox skins. 

 An electric lighting system was installed. On St. Paul Island addi- 

 tions were made to both salt houses and the installation of a water- 

 supply system was begun. The usual seal census was made. Annual 

 supplies were transported to the islands by the Navy Department 

 and completely discharged at both islands in record time. The Coast 

 Guard vessels performed their usual patrols and rendered valuable 

 assistance in the transportation of personnel and supplies. The 

 bureau's vessel Eider proved indispensable, especially early in the 

 year, in carrying necessary supplies to the islands. 



PERSONNEL. 



Agent and Caretaker C. E. Crompton, who had been detailed to 

 the Washington ofSce during the previous winter, returned to duty 

 on St. George Island on the U. S. S. Saturn, arriving there August 3. 

 Superintendent A. H. Proctor left for the States on October 19 on 

 the Unalga, and after a period of annual leave spent on the Pacific 

 coast reported at Washington January 6, 1922, for duty through the 

 winter. On departure of Mr. Proctor, Agent and Caretaker H. D. 

 Aller was designated acting superintendent. Storekeeper E. C. John- 

 ston left St. George Island August 13 on the Saturn for the States, 

 and after a period of annual leave reported at the Washington office 

 November 9 for duty during the winter. Henry C. Scudder, store- 

 keeper assigned to St. Paul Island, was transferred to St. George 

 Island on August 5. Richard Culbertson, school-teacher on St. Paul 

 Island, left on the Saturn June 17 for a visit to his home and returned 

 on the next trip of the Saturn, early in August. Dr. G. B. Bowlby, 

 who was appointed physician on St. Paul Island late in 1920 and was 

 en route to the islands at the end of the year, was landed at St. Paul 

 Island March 11 by the Eider, storms having prevented an earlier 

 passage from Unalaska. Mrs. A. H. Proctor resigned as school- 

 teacher on St. Paul Island October 16, and left the islands on the 



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