64 THE FISHERIES OF ALASKA IN 1906. 



entirely submerged. Throughout the winter, when the snow lies 

 deep through forest and tundi-a, and hunting is impossible, the natives 

 of this region depend almost entirely upon whitefish for sustenance. 

 Early in the morning the men visit the traps, armed with ice picks 

 fashioned from walrus tusks or reindeer antlers, for on each succeeding 

 night a new, solid ice covering forms over the trap and must be re- 

 moved to get at the fish. 



I The same style of trap, only larger, is used in catching the various 

 species of salmon. In the Arctic streams the natives fish with gill 

 nets through the ice in October and early November, and again in 

 February, March, and April; whitefish are caught also in the streams 

 during the summer. 



Other fishes. — Among other species of fishes used locally for food the 

 following more important ones may be mentioned : 



In fresh waters: The common pike {Esox lucius); the Arctic gray- 

 ling {Thymallus signifer); the inconnu (Stenodus mackenzii), which 

 attains a length of 5 feet and a weight of 50 pounds; burbot, or 

 losh {Lota maculatus) , and sucker ( Catostomus catostomus) . 



In salt waters: The redfish or ''black bass" of Sitka (Sehastodes 

 melanops), an excellent food fish and quite abundant; sculpins 

 (Cottidae) are quite abundant, and at Atka, in the Aleutian chain, are 

 salted for food; flounders are abundant everywhere, while capelin and 

 lance, or lant, are abundant and make excellent bait for the better 

 species. 



Crabs. — Crabs are exceedingly abundant in Southeast and Central 

 Alaska, where i\\ej attain a very large size, and are much relished as 

 food b}' both whites and natives. At several places in southeast 

 Alaska they can be purchased in the local markets, but usually must 

 be caught by the consumer. 



Shrimj). — The investigations of the Albatross show that shrimp are 

 abundant in the waters of Central Alaska, south of the Alaska Penin- 

 sula, and it is probable that they would be found in equal numbers if 

 sought for in other parts of the district. But slight use is made of 

 them at present. 



Shellfish. — Clams, especially Machsera yatula, or the razor clam, are 

 found in abundance throughout Southeast and Central Alaska. Small 

 quantities have been canned in Southeast Alaska in various years, but 

 lack of cheap labor and capital has prevented development in this 

 line. Many clams are gathered and consumed locally. Mussels are 

 said to be plentiful and large along the Aleutian chain. 



Octopus. — Although abundant in Alaskan waters, but little use is 

 made of this animal, even by the natives. One of the reported 

 methods of capture is unique. T\Tien an octopus is found, the native, 

 instead of attempting to tear it loose from its lair, to which it is 

 firmly attached by its sucker-like arms, removes the stem from his 



