78 ALASKA FISHERIES AND FUR INDUSTRIES IN 1919. 



especially in the case of the smaller ones. There is naturally less 

 danger from this source in removing blubber from the heavy large 

 pelts as the hide is much thicker. Instructions will be issued that 

 1,000 skins be blubbered at the islands in 1920 in order to work out 

 the best practice along this line. After results have been observed 

 at the dressing and dyeing plant, it will be possible to determine the 

 most advantageous course of action. 



NATIVES OF PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 

 HEAIiTH CONDITIONS. 



The health of the natives on both St. Paul and St. George Islands 

 throughout the year 1919 was generally fair. The native com- 

 munity on St. George Island numbers about 120 people. For the 

 full census year from April 1, 1919, to March 31, 1920, not one death 

 occurred. When the circumstances and conditions are taken into 

 consideration this is a noteworthy fact. 



Undoubtedly more suitable supplies of food and clothing are tell- 

 ing in their effect upon the general health of the natives of the 

 Pribilofs. Much remains, however, to be done. A great deal de- 

 pends upon the attitude and interest taken in the natives by the em- 

 ployees of the Bureau stationed on the islands, but present efforts are 

 hampered and the best results will never be attained until better 

 housing conditions are provided on both islands, as well as facilities 

 for obtaining suitable supplies of water for domestic purposes. To 

 rebuild the natives' houses and install a water-supply system will 

 require an expenditure of funds which can not be allotted from the 

 current appropriations for the Alaska service, and specific action, 

 therefore, is necessary by Congress in the matter. Such action can 

 not be taken too soon, for every year the work is postponed means 

 so much added loss. Tlie efficiency with which the Department's 

 work at the islands is performed depends to a degree, which is not 

 likely to be overestimated, upon the maintenance of a community 

 of strong, healthy laborers. 



The people on the Pribilof Islands were exceptionally fortunate in 

 1919 in that they were not subjected to the ravages oi the influenza 

 which worked such havoc among other native communities in the 

 Bering Sea region. At Unalaska, the port through which practically 

 all travel between the Pribilof Islands and the rest of the world passes, 

 there were upwards of 40 deaths due to influenza, most if not all the 

 victims being natives. When the conditions at Unalaska became 

 known at the Pribilofs*, steps were immediately taken by the physician 

 at St. Paul, through the agent in charge, to prevent the arrival of any 

 vessel at the Pribilofs coming from Unalaska. The necessary action 

 was taken, and while it resulted in depriving the Bureau of some 

 assistance in sealing operations, the islands were in all probability 

 spared from a very serious epidemic. The results secured by the 

 Bureau's physicians during the year were very satisfactory in all mat- 

 ters requiring their attention. 



A not unexpected epidemic of colds and allied disorders occurred 

 shortly after the arrival of the first vessel at the islands in the spring 

 of 1919. This was repeated again, on St. Paul Island at least, upon 

 the arrival of the Nanshan later in the season. 



