CRUISE OF THE STEAMER CORWIN. 17 



Di edgings were also made at intervals during the cruise, m- as often as the nature of the 

 bottom woulil permit, and quite a collection of sjiecimens, iiu-ludiiig some that are new, were 

 obtained. These sijecinnens were jireserved in spirits, and on our arrival at San Francisco 

 were forwarded to the Snatlisoniari Institution, where they will \iv projierly identified and 



classified. 



MEDICAL AID LX THE AHCTIV. 



The value of the services of a medical officer in tlie Arctic cannot be too highly estimated, 

 the attendance on tlie ofiicers and crew of the Cvrivin fornung l)nt a small portion of the duty 

 which he is called on to perform. The Alaska Commercial Company employs one doctor at 

 C)iinalaska and two at the seal islands, but they are so far removed from the Arctic that their 

 services are seldom, if ever, called iido requisition l)y any of the whaling fleet. The crews of 

 the fleet comprise ujjwards of one thousand men, and a large percentage of these are annually 

 treated by the medical officer of the Coriciii. 



Wlien the Coririii first went north the Indians had a great repxignance to receiving med- 

 ical attendance from a doctor, -but would resort to tlieir shaman to cure all their ailments. 

 Now, however, the doctor is sought by them in all their ills, arid their faith in his power is 



truly suri)risiug. 



FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 



In relation to the salmon ami cod fisheries of Alaska mentioned in my rejiort of la.st year, 

 I have but few remarks to add. 



It is almost impossible to conceive of the immense quantities of these fish that abound in 

 the Alaskan Territory, principally in the waters adjacent to Bristol Bay. Fish canneries have 

 been established along the bay, and the enterju'ise is destined t(j become one of the leading 

 indiistries of Alaska. 



From people who are interested in the undertaking I learn that the yield of salmon in the 

 Koskoguim and Mishagak Rivers, tributaries of Bristol Bay, exceeds that of the Columbia 

 River, and that they are of a quality not excelled by any. The yield of codfish in the bay is 

 nearly as great as that of salmon. It is a matter of great regret that the labors of our Coast 

 Survey vessels have not been directed to these waters. 



No thorough or reliable survey has ever been made of the I'ivers, and it is sincerely to be 

 hoped that the Government will cause a survey to be made of that jjortion of the country, and 

 thus by its assistance add an impetus to navigation and a stimulus to the new enterprise. 



Capt. C. T. Hague, with the steamer Dora, ascended the Koskoguim River as far as lati- 

 tude 59° 32' N. the past summer, and he is of the opinion that the river is navigable for a dis- 

 tance of fifty or one hundred miles farther up than that point, Init it requires proper survey 

 and delineation. 



THE SEAL FISHERIES. 



In previous reports I have called the attention of the Department to the importance of 

 greater protection to seal-life in Alaskan waters, and especially in the vicinity of the Pribyloflf 

 Islands. 



Last year the schooner Adcle was seized by an officer connected with this vessel for unlaw- 

 fully killing seals and delivered liy him to the United States authorities at San Francisco. 

 Instead of being forfeited, a-s provided by section 195(J, Revised Statutes, she was suljsequently 

 released on technical in formalities. 



The same vessel has juirsued her illegal occupation during the past summer, and her release 

 from justice has very genca-ally led to the belief that the seizure of the Adele was an act unwar- 

 ranted by law. 



Other vessels had previously been seized for the same offense, but in no instance has 

 jmnishment been inflicted. The Department can readily see what the result will be if this 

 state of aft'airs be allowed to continue. 



During the year quite a number of vessels have I'aideil Alaskan waters for seals and other 

 fur-bearing animals. Among the number the following, with theii" catches, are noted : Look' 

 H. Ex. loo 3 



