DOMESTICATED REINDEER INTO ALASKA. 29 



ment. His knowledge of the native language made him especially com- 

 petent to pursue inquiries in regard to the country back from theeoast 

 along which he traveled, and I am glad to be able to state that his 

 report confirmed my hopes in regard to that region as a good reindeer 

 country. 



Thus, it is fair to presume that the country in which competent and 

 reliable investigation has been made during the past year possesses an 

 abundance of food and is capable of supporting many thousands of 

 reindeer. Taken in connection with what information has heretofore 

 been obtained concerning the country still further north, and also east 

 into the interior, almost without limit, the whole section known as 

 Arctic Alaska is a vast natural reindeer range and capable of supply- 

 ing food for thousands of these valuable animals that are calculated to 

 supply the great needs of the native inhabitants and it is to be hoped 

 in the not far future contribute to their comfort and civilization. 



During the past year Ave have been thrown consta ^tly in contact with 

 the natives of this country. The inaugurating of an enterprise involv- 

 ing so much importance to these people, and its future depending so 

 much upon the first year's venture, made our association with them at 

 times very close, and afforded us an opportunity to learn many of their 

 customs and much of their history that otherwise might not be obtained 

 in a number of years. 



Our nearest white neighbors are two teachers and their wives GO miles 

 west and one white man 150 miles south. The only time during the 

 past year that we have heard an English word spoken was on two 

 occasions, when we visited those in the west for a few clays and when 

 our neighbor on the south visited us. 



One of the great difficulties we have had to contend with has beeu 

 our utter ignorance of the native language, but at this writing I am 

 happy to state we are able to speak and understand it sufficiently for 

 all practical purposes. 



REINDEER. 



In this report I will first discuss the reindeer, following which will 

 appear affairs concerning the station and, last, my recommendations. 



There were 171 reindeer landed at the station, purchased by yourself 

 and brought hither from Siberia on the U. S. revenue steamer Bear, 

 Capt. M. A. Healy, commanding, as follows: 



July 4, 1892 53 



July 10, 1892 14 



July 22, 1892 27 



July 29, 1892 65 



August 10,1892 12 



Total 171 



