REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION 



and acknowledges the fact that the Laplander is far ahead in that matter and 

 practically the only people who could be used to satisfactorily train the native 

 Eskimo. 



In 1897, reindeer were purchased from Siberia at an average cost of $2.50 

 to $4 in barter goods. 



A further purchase of reindeer was made in 1898 in Siberia, amounting 

 to 161. 



Dr. Jackson reports that there were on December 31, 1903, 6,505 reindeer 

 gathered in eleven herds at nine central stations, and that during the spring of 

 1903, 1,877 fawns were born and lived. The total appropriations up to this 

 time covering a period of twelve years made by the United States Government 



Reindeer on the Trail, Alaska. 



Courtesy of Carl Lomen, Nome. Alaska. 



for the introduction of reindeer amounted to $183,000, for which the Govern- 

 ment had to show 6,505 reindeer used for the instruction and support of about 

 300 natives. 



The North Eastern Siberian Company, Limited, had agreed to deliver 800 

 female reindeer to the Government at Teller Reindeer Station. The company 

 is said to have secured in Siberia 700 deer in fulfilment of its agreement wnth the 

 Government, but before navigation opened in northern Bering sea the Russian 

 Government recalled its permission to export the deer to Alaska. On account 

 of this action of the Russian Government, no deer were exported from Siberia 

 to Alaska during the year 1903. 



In the same year it was pointed out that owing to interbreeding within 

 the herds they were deteriorating, and it was then suggested that there should 

 be an interchange of bucks between the various reindeer stations. 



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