PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 89 
tains. ‘They overlooked the fact, however, that both forms infest their 
houses and huts in equal numbers. 
It is very remarkable how enormously the number of this Arvicola 
has increased since its introduction. For in not more than ten years 
it has spread all over the island from the utmost point in the north to 
its southernmost end. Now it is abundant in every locality, in the 
Swamps and among the sand-dunes, on the flats, and in the mountains, 
in the interior, and everywhere along the beach. All the huts on the 
island inhabited by the fox-hunters during winter are occupied by them, 
and they become a veritable annoyance by eating and gnawing every- 
thing they can get at. Imyself have been greatly troubled by them. My 
various collections seemed a special attraction to them, and many a nice 
specimen fell a victim.to their destruction. It is almost incredible how 
they find their way to places thought to be absolutely ‘‘ mouse-proof.” 
None of these animals have yet reached Copper Island, but their 
introduction seems to be only a question of time. 
Whether the red field-mouse was introduced by ships or by birds of 
prey, or in any other way from Kamtschatka, cannot be decided. At 
all events, the introduction of these two animals took place much 
against the will of men. 
I finally wish to mention the introduction of another terrestrial mam- 
mal, which was imported with the intention of having it acclimatized 
for the use of the natives in the near future. It is the experiment of 
transferring tame reindeers (Rangifer tarandus L.) from Kamtschatka 
to Bering Island, where the rich pastures seem to justify the hope of 
success. 
Dr. Dybowski and the Alaska Commercial Company share the honor 
of this enterprise, he by taking the trouble of procuring the animals 
from the interior of Kamtschatka and taking care of their transporta- 
tion to Petropaulski; the company, by bearing, with never-failing lib- 
erality, the heavy expenses of an undertaking which never can be of any 
direct benefit to them, but only to the natives of the island. 
Four males and eleven females were successfully transferred on board 
the company’s steamer Alexander, where they fed on the fresh leaves 
of birch and willow procured in Petropaulski, much against the pre- 
dictions of experts. After the leaves were consumed, they even put 
up with hay, and were safely landed at Bering Island on the 15th of 
July, 1882. On shore they eagerly began to graze the fresh herbs, but 
within half an hour the whole herd was en route southward for the 
mountains. All fifteen have been seen very lately. The natives com- 
plain that they have eaten all the cloud berries (Rubus chamemorus) 
and crake berries (Lmpetrum nigrum) in the neighborhood of the South- 
ern hookery, a trifle, however, compared with the self-evident utility of 
the animal. 
LEONARD STEJNEGER. 
BERING ISLAND, September 30, 1882. 
