82 ALASKA FISHERIES AND FUR INDUSTRIES IN 1916. 
the bidarras, made it necessary in 1916 to provide some other form of 
boat to supplement the bidarras. Two flat-bottom skiffs, built some- 
what after the pattern of the Karluk skiff, were shipped from Seattle 
and used in connection with the unloading of supplies at St. Paul 
Island. They were satisfactory in smooth water, but were not as . 
good as the bidarras in rough water. At St. George a canvas-covered 
bidarra was tried out with fairly satisfactory results. The canvas 
used was No. 0. By using heavier canvas and placing chaffing strips 
of iron bark on the bottom and sides it is believed that a canvas cover 
will be as satisfactory as one made from sea-lion skins. 
NATIVES OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 
No important changes took place among the native inhabitants of 
the islands in 1916, either in respect to their numbers or mode of life. 
The isolation of the islands naturally tends to keep the existing popu- 
lations intact, and they have remained approximately the same in 
numbers for many years. 
SUPPORT. 
Very little opportunity exists for the natives of the Pribilofs to se- 
cure for themselves the means of a livelihood. They were originally 
taken to the islands to assist in sealing operations, and with the de- 
cline of the sealing industry their most important occupation was lost 
to them. The soil and climate do not permit the raising of agricul- 
tural products except to a very slight extent, and natural resources 
susceptible of exploitation at present are almost nonexistent. The 
result is that in recent years the Government has been obliged to con- 
tribute largely to the support of these people. The Binet is en- 
deavoring to develop as far as possible opportunities whereby the 
natives may assist themselves. Among the possibilities which have 
been suggested are the development of the local fishery, the making 
of souvenirs and curios for sale to tourists and others, the develop- 
ment of the reindeer herds, and the introduction and utilization of 
various domestic animals. 
In recent years the natives have received some assistance in the 
way of employment given them by the Navy Department im connec- 
tion with the local radio stations. As a result of a decision by the 
Comptroller of the Treasury, they will be paid in cash for services 
performed in the taking of fox skins at the islands, payments to be 
made from the proceeds of the sales of the skins at the rate of $5 aS 
each skin taken. 
HEALTH. 
The services of a physician were available on each island throughout 
the year. The appropriations provide for only two physicians for 
the Pribilof Islands, and since it is manifestly essential that one 
