FUR-SEAL INDUSTRY. 73 
physician on St. Paul Island in respect to supplies in 1915, and it is 
expected that a similar plan will be followed for St. George Island in 
1916. 
St. Paul Island.—A report of the physician for the period from 
January 1, 1915, to September 1, 1915, shows that during this period 
683 cases were treated. Of these, 649 recovered, 30 showed improve- 
ment, and 4 died. One death was from chronic pulmonary tuber- 
culosis,1 from meningeal tuberculosis, and 2 (infants) from accidents. 
It was felt that improved conditions involving regular hours, out- 
of-doors work the year round, and the employment of mind and body 
in useful activities were being reflected in the general health of the 
natives. 
As evidence of improving health conditions on the island the physi- 
cian records the following interesting observation: 
Twenty-five per cent of the people on St. Paul have scrofulous scars, indicative of 
tubercular adenitis. The average age of this number is 25 years, while 85 per cent 
are above 10 years of age. I have had only one case since my arrival in July, 1914. 
This shows that living conditions are gradually getting better and tuberculosis— 
especially this form which, I think, is usually primary to the pulmonary form—is 
gradually disappearing. 
The island hospital was opened on January 1, 1915, and down to 
September 1 five operations had been performed there. All were 
successful but one, the unsuccessful case being that of a man from 
the U. S. S. Prometheus, who was in a practically hopeless condition 
when brought ashore. 
Twice a week during February, March, and April instruction was 
given native girls in nursing. They were shown the organisms which 
caused various diseases and taught the use of antiseptics and other 
means of prevention and cure of disease. They were instructed in 
the care of the sick; in the value of cleanliness, proper diet, bathing, 
fresh air, and sunshine; how to prepare various surgical dressings; 
how to use the clinical thermometer and to keep the clinical chart. 
They were also given an elementary course in physiology, anatomy, 
materia medica, and hygiene. They were present and assisted at 
operations and showed a natural ability for nursing not far exceeded 
by trained nurses in the States. It is believed that much may be 
expected of them when given suitable opportunities. 
Subsequent to the landing on the island of a party of workmen 
from the U. S. S. Prometheus for making repairs and improvements 
to the Navy radio station, certain observations were made that are of 
considerable interest, and the following extract in regard thereto is 
taken from the physician’s report: 
An interesting fact, and one that proves its contagiousness, is that the ordinary 
“cold” dies out during the winter to return on the first ship reaching the island. On 
July 4, 1915, the U. S. S. Prometheus arrived. * * * On July 12 an epidemic of 
