DOMESTICATED REINDEER* INTO ALASKA. 177 



watering places. The reindeer herders in Lapland are no resident dwellers any- 

 where, but move about constantly and live in tents like nomads, wherever they find 

 good pastures for their herds. 



I suppose that the men who were engaged as herdsmen are quite familiar with the 

 raising and handling of reindeer, and asking you to excuse my poor writing, I remain, 

 Very respectfully, 



Otto Carlson. 



February 3, 1894. 

 Dr. Shkldox Jackuon: 



I see from your letter that I have not been taken in consideration in your selection 

 of herdsmen. I guess I was not thought efficient for the service, yet I would have 

 done all in my power to fulfill my duties. 



You wish to learn some facts concerning reindeer breeding in Lapland, and I shall 

 with pleasure comply with your request and give you some points. 



The Laplanders lead a nomad life and move from place to place in search of pas- 

 ture for their herds. In the spring they move from the interior highland tracts down 

 toward the tracts along the coast and remain there during the summer. 



Upon the highland tracts, in the interior of the country, there grows a certain 

 kind of moss which is the only food that is fit for reindeer. Before moving, one 

 should select a number of the strongest bucks (oxen) that can be found in the flock, 

 and these are tied together, one behind the other, and are then used for carrying loads. 

 The loads are usually fastened across (over) the back of the animals. The reindeer 

 heading the expedition is led by a Laplander, and the whole herd then follows 

 after them. The dogs are on this occasion of the greatest use and indispensable to 

 the Laplander. They keep the reindeer together and take care that none remain 

 behind. 



The Laplanders milk the cows during the summer season and this milk is extremely 

 nourishing. The cows must be driven into some inclosure before being milked. 

 The herds are not driven from place to place during the winter, but go as they 

 choose; however, it is necessary that the herders keep watch over them. 



The reindeer arc by nature social and like to live in flocks. 



In case you wisli to learn any other facts on this subject, I shall be pleased to com 

 municate them to you, if I am able to do so. 

 Respectfully, yours, 



Fred. Solly, 

 Box 6, Barron P. 0., Ban-on County, Wis. 



Paradise, March S, 1894. 

 Dr. Sheldon Jackson: 



Your honored letter has been received and its contents noted. I will try to answer 

 your question to the extent of my knowledge. 



Lapland, as we Norwegians call it, includes the northern counties of Sweden and 

 adjoins the boundaries of the northern Norland and southern Finuiark of the 

 Kingdom of Norway. 



The Laplander moves with his reindeer to the Norwegian highlands for the sum- 

 mer season and for the winter to the Swedish highlands. I come from Norland, 

 Norway, and have lived with the Laplanders and worked together with them. 



In the spring, when the cows have calves, one must watch them in order to prevent 

 them from forsaking their offspring, who would be starved to death without their 

 care. The calves must be castrated when they are 3 years old, because the older 

 oxen are very dangerous about harvest time, which is the pairing season. The cas- 

 trated oxen, when they are botweou 4 and 5 years old, should be taught to drag 



S. Ex. 70 12 



