20 ALASKA. 



and chains of mountains seem to run parallel with its course on either side. 

 This section of the Kuskokwim Valley is but thinly populated, though appar- 

 ently the natural advantages are far greater than on the corresponding section 

 of the Yukon. The soil is of better quality and is sufficiently drained to permit 

 of a more luxuriant growth of forest trees, shrubs, and herbs. 



Such indications of minerals as have been found here are the most promising 

 of those in any portion of western Alaska, consisting of well-defined veins of 

 cinnabar, antimony, and silver-bearing quartz. 



Game and fur-bearing animals do not abound in this section of the river val- 

 ley, as it is an old hunting ground, and has been drained by constant traffic for 

 more than half a century. The principal business of the traders at Kalma- 

 kovsky is derived from the almost unknown head waters of the river, where the 

 beaver, marten, and fox are still plentiful. 



The people of the lower Kuskokwim, adds Mr. PetrofF, live from 

 the abundant supply of salmon. Over 4,000 people lay in the 

 winter supply for themselves and for their dogs during a few 

 months of summer. The fish is dried in a wasteful manner, and 

 with better methods four times the number could be provided for. 

 This section of the country teems with population. The estuary 

 of the river is capacious, and the tides have a surprising velocity 

 and an enormous rise and fall. 



THE YUKON REGION. 



The following descriptions are also taken from Mr. Petroffs 

 report : 



The people of the United States will not be quick to realize that the volume 

 of water in an x'\laskan river is greater than that discharged by the mighty Mis- 

 sissippi; but it is entirely within the bounds of honest statement to say that 

 the Yukon River, the vast deltoid mouth of which opens into Norton Sound of 

 Bering Sea, discharges every hour one-third more water than the "Father of 

 Waters." There is room for some very important measurements in this con- 

 nection, which I hope will soon be made. Entering the mouth, or rather any 

 one of the mouths, of this large river, we are impressed first by the exceeding 

 shallowness of the sea 50 miles out from it, varying in depth from 2 to 3 fathoms ; 

 and, second, by the mournful, desolate appearance of the country itself, which 

 is scarcely above the level of the tide, and which is covered with a monotonous 



