14 REPORT ON INTRODUCTION OP 



Breaking and driving. — Special attention was given during the year 

 in breaking the deer to harness and practicing the apprentices in 

 driving. 



In the fall of 1893 there were only 11 trained deer in the herd. Dur- 

 ing the winter 13 additional ones were broken in. 



Harness. — Experiments were also continued with regard to harness. 

 The Siberian harness consists of a strap around the neck of the deer 

 and connected with a trace which passes between the forelegs and out- 

 side the hind legs to the sled. In long drives or hauling heavy loads 

 the trace necessarily chafes the hind leg, and often disables the animal. 

 Superintendent Lopp tried a harness consisting of collar, back and 

 bellyband, and two traces, which doubled the drawing powers of the 

 deer. 



Milking. — Experiments with milking were not much of a success. For 

 6 herders to catch 5 cows, throw and hold them down, and milk with 

 thumb and forefinger 1 quart of milk, usually required two hours. 



Upon the arrival of the Lapps in the summer of 1894, a change was 

 at once inaugurated. The Lapps milk the deer standing, just as cows 

 are milked in the States. 



When I left the station in the fall the Lapps were securing about 60 

 quarts of milk per day, which was being manufactured into cheese for 

 winter use. Under their management much better results should be 

 obtained this present year. 



Distribution. — In August last 1L8 head of deer were given to Mr. W. 

 T. Lopp, in charge of the mission of the American Missionary Associa- 

 tion at Cape Prince of Wales, for the use of that station. (Appendix, 

 p. 81.) This is the commencement of the policy of the Government to 

 secure the active cooperation and assistance of all the missionaries in 

 Alaska. 



The missionaries being the most intelligent and disinterested friends 

 of the natives, the Government naturally looks to them as the best 

 agents through whom to reach them. From their position and work, 

 having learned the character and needs of the people, they are best 

 fitted to wisely plan and carry out methods for transferring the owner- 

 ship of the deer from the Government to the natives in such a manner 

 as will best facilitate the reindeer industry. 



The Government further realizes the fact that the natives who most 

 completely come under mission influence, civilization, and education 

 are the coming men of affairs among their own people, and therefore 

 are the best men to lead in a new movement. 



At an early day herds will be turned over to the Episcopalian, Pres- 

 byterian, Roman Catholic, Moravian, Methodist, and Swedish mission 

 stations. 



I have also perfected arrangements by which on January 1, 1895, a 

 herd of 100 should be loaned to Antesilook, Iziksic, Koktowak, Iupuk, 

 and Soovawhasie (natives) for five years, at the expiration of which 



