140 ALASKA FISHERIES AND FUR INDUSTRIES IN 1915. 
Land otter.—These animals are believed to be holding their own 
everywhere in southeast Alaska. Their habits are such that the 
trapping of them is attended with difficulty. 
Lynzx.—A large increase in the numbers of these animals is reported 
from the interior of Alaska. 
Marmot.—W arden Gray reports these animals abundant along the 
mainland in the region of Wrangell and suggests that some economic 
use might be found for their pelts. 
Marten.—In connection with his fox farming, J. W. Evans, Koyu- 
kuk, has also experimented with martens, a pair of which were raised 
in captivity. It is reported that the pair are the offspring of captive 
parents. 
More of these animals were taken in the region about Wrangell in 
the winter of 1915-16 than usual, and trappers reported the signs of 
these animals to be more common than for several years previous. 
Sea otter.—Very little information has reached the Bureau indi- 
cating that the sea otter has undergone any appreciable increase in 
numbers as the result of the present absolute suspension of legal 
killings. It is reported that two were seen near Forrester Island and 
one near Warren Island, southeast Alaska, in 1915. 
LEASING OF ISLANDS. 
No additional islands were leased by the department for the pur- 
pose of propagating foxes and other fur-bearing animals. The leases 
executed in 1914 remained in force, the islands under lease being as. 
follows: 
Island. Lessee. : 
Carlson (Crafton): ..-....:.2.2.---- Moose Bay Fur & Trading Co., Tacoma, Wash. 
Middletomn.2 : hset.. sot 5 3c pee Joseph Ibach, Valdez, Alaska, vice Tim Marcum. 
SHMEONOL su. >. s hase soe pee bere J. ©. Smith, Sand Point, Alaska. 
Tittle: Kontajitss tet ie eee A. Grosvold, Sand Point, Alaska. 
