136 REPORT OF ALASKA INVESTIGATIONS. 



FOXES. 



The question of the foxes on the islands is interesting, as the prospects are bright. On St. Paul Island 

 to-day they are raised at very little expense to the Government. Owing to a favorable topographical 

 feature — the existence of a large beach area — they practically feed themselves. The question of the 

 number to be killed each year should be decided by the man in charge on each island, and he should be 

 thoroughly familiar with the situation and know what the resources are and what should be left for propa- 

 gating purposes. There is no doubt in my mind but that with the very healthy condition that obtains 

 with the St. Paul herd the supply on this island can be increased. 



The condition of the fox herd on St. George was, unfortunately, not so good. Partly owing to some 

 fault in feeding, a great many died the previous winter; but it is hoped and believed that the trouble is now 

 understood and will not occur again. On account of the many steep bluffs and the fact of a general absence 

 of natural food for these foxes, they have to be fed during the winter months. It is planned to send to 

 this island some new breeding stock from St. Paul Island, and there is no reason why the herd should not 

 in the near future be as good and as paying as the one on St. Paul, though perhaps not so large. 



The question of selling a portion of these foxes on bids to those who care to embark in fox farming in 

 Alaska is admirable, but it should be done with discretion and in no way interfere with the future supply 

 on each island; furthermore, they should be sold only to people who are engaged in legitimate business in 

 Alaska, and not used for shipping outside of the Territorial limits. 



REINDEER. 



There is nothing that will prove more beneficial to both islands than the already established herds of 

 reindeer. On June 30, 1914, there were 75 on St. Paul Island (51 old and 24 young ones) and 58 on St. 

 George Island (37 old and 21 young) . They are all doing well, have an abundance of food, and the prospects 

 are bright for their proving of great benefit to the natives and also to Government officials. 



POSSIBILITY OF CATTLE RAISING. 



An item in connection with the economic resources of the islands that impressed me very much is the 

 prevalence during four or more months of the year of a most luxuriant growth of grass upon parts of both 

 islands. The fact that the reindeer do not disturb or eat it, subsisting principally upon the reindeer or 

 white moss, suggested the question as to whether this grass could not be utilized in the summer for feeding a 

 certain number of cattle, by cutting a portion of it and making ensilage, without much cost to the Gov- 

 ernment. A few hundred dollars would assure a practical trial, which might mean the establishment of a 

 herd of cattle on these two islands that would be not only beneficial to the islands but another source of 

 income to the Government. 



ROADS FOR ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 



The fact that there is no road on St. George Island is unfortunate. The greatest evil of this is that the 

 seals have to be driven so far from the rookeries, otherwise the natives would have to carry the carcasses 

 and skins. The present driving method requires much time and is also detrimental to the seals. In view 

 of these facts, it would seem highly desirable that two first-class mules be purchased and sent to St. George 

 Island next spring. With these mules the natives would be enabled to construct roads which would be 

 very advantageous, as already outlined, besides giving work to the men. 



SUPPLY SHIP. 



The question of chartering a ship to carry supplies from the States to the Pribilof Islands each year is a 

 serious one. It has cost the Government more than $100,000 in five years to make these trips. Thirty- 

 five per cent of this cost is incurred because of the antiquated and impracticable manner of un'oading the 

 supplies. To give those who are not familiar with conditions an insight as to how the supply ship is 

 unloaded, I will explain. The vessel lies offshore from one-half mile to one and one-quarter miles, neces- 

 sitating trips of a small, slow launch to draw a bidarrah, or native skin boat, back and forth from this 

 vessel. Fair progress is made if the water is still and nothing arises to hinder the trips, but quiet days are 

 not common, and the result is that for days at a time no unloading can be done, the consequence being that 



