78 introduction of domestic reindeer into alaska. 



memoranda concerning reindeer route between bethel and 

 copper center, alaska. 



Department of the Interior, 

 United States Geological Survey, 



Waslnrifjton, D. C, May 3, 1904. 



Dear Sir: I inclose the two Alaskan maps, with the proposed 

 rontes ])racticable for reindeer indicated in red from Bethel on the 

 Kuskokwim, to Copper Center on the Copper. Tlu-ough the crest of 

 the Alaskan Range I have indicated three passes within a distance of 

 40 miles, which are numbered respectively 1.2, and 3. The southern 

 or No. o, which makes a great bend to the south, is the one used b}^ 

 Mr. Spurr; but I find on consultation that the others (1 and 2), which 

 are both shorter than the southern, are also perfecth' practicable for 

 reindeer, having beeii used by pack horses. Mr. Spurr says that the 

 Kuskokwim Indians know and make use of these passes. 



Having passed the Alaskan Range and gotten into the Sushitna 

 Basin, at the suggestion of Mr. Eldridge who has ascended the Sush- 

 itna and reports the going fine for pack and sledge animals on the high 

 ground between the Talkeet and the head of the Sushitna and an 

 easy passage to the Copper, I would recommend the upper or northern 

 route, and do not believe I should take the southern unless compelled 

 to drop down to some post at the mouth of the Sushitna for supplies, 

 etc., in case of emergency. 

 Very truly yours, 



F. C. SCHRADER, 



Geologist. 

 Dr. Sheldon Jackson, 



United States Bureau of Education, 



Eighth and G streets NW., Washington, D. G. 



Chicago, III., Aipril 27, 190^. 



Dear Sir: I have delaj^ed answering your favor of April 6, but 

 it arrived in due time, also the map, for which accept my thanks. 



In measuring the distance from Bethel to Copper Center by the 

 upper route and the lower, I find the distance to be about the same both 

 wa3"s. and if I were to take a herd from one place to the other I should 

 surely select the lower route. It has many advantages, such as known 

 territory, moss, and mostly timberless, as well as easy to resupply 

 necessities. The upper route may be good, but no one knows what 

 there may be, except that it is a timbered countiy and therefore slow 

 to travel through without a trail of any kind; then, too, there may be 

 wolves encountered and other unknown or unforeseen ol)structions. 

 My plan would be to send a small supply of food to Bethel and the 



