72 



ALASKA FISHERIES AND FUR INDUSTRIES IN 1919. 



SHIPMENTS OF FURS FROM ALASKA. 



As in prev^ious seasons, shipments of furs from Alaska were reported 

 on special blanks prepared by the Bureau. Supplies of blanks were 

 furnished to all postmasters in Alaska and to commercial companies, 

 express companies, and all persons known to be shippers of furs. 

 Postmasters indorsed the reports of mail shipments after they were 

 properly filled out and forwarded them to the Bureau. 



Reported shipments in 1919 confirm the general belief that the 

 fur-bearing animals in Alaska are decreasing in numbers. In spite of 

 the continued high prices of furs, there was an increased ca^ch of only 

 a few species, the chief of which were ermine, mink, and muskrat. 

 The most notable declines were in the catch of foxes and lynx. As in 

 previous reports, the fur year is reckoned from November 16 of one 

 year to November 15 of the following year. 



The following table shows the detailed statistics as compiled from 

 information furnished the Bureau in regard to furs shipped from 

 Alaska in 1917, 1918, and 1919: 



Furs Shipped from Alaska in 1917, 1918, and 1919. 



a The killing of polar bears in Alaska is unlawful. 



b A considerable number were seized skins. It is unlawful to kill beavers in Alaska. 



c Seized skins. It is unlawful to kill beaver.s in Alaska. 



d Checked against affidavits permitting shipments. It is unlawful to kill martens in Alaska. 



e Includes 93 seized skins. It is unlawful to kUl martens in Alaska. 



/Unlawfully killed by natives. 



B Found dead. 



ft Figures are for shipments during calendar year rather than killings. 



i Taken by natives. 



> Seized skins. 



