"(b) TliG absence of sea ottor on the northern shore of the island 

 insofar as could bo observed from land, 



"(c) A herd of sea lions wore found on the rocky boach near the 

 castorn extremity of the Boring Sea side of 1ho island. (Those animals 

 furnish a source of food supply to the natives of the island during the 

 trapping season, ) 



"(d) The prosenco oh the island of at least two unknown persons. 

 One man had been observed on sliorc from the LAPHIJE as she approached, 

 Ti,70 men were soon by one scouting group, but, duo to the easy concoal- 

 mont afforded by tall grass and the numerous ravines, on attcnipt to 

 catch up with them, failed. Their tracks were closely inspected whore 

 found in soft imid. Their feet were small, both mon wearing about a 

 size 7-1- boot. One haid rubber boots and the other leather onos. The 

 lengths of the steps indicated men of smaller than average stature, 



"(e) The topography of the eastern half of the island: low rolling 

 hills with numerous lakes and pot-holes; steep and generally rocl-cy cliffs 

 along the shore, cut by ravines and fissures; a rock-strewn shore line 

 and some fresh water streams. Tundra, with soft moss, believed to be 

 reindeer moss, and lush grass growing in the 15. vines and stream bods 

 makes walking difficult* 



"The plan adopted for carrying out the survey was to divide the 

 party into tv/o eq.uo.1 groups, one group in charge of Ensign Opp to move to 

 the southern side of the island and traverse that side, establishing : .■ 

 successive temporary ccmps as the counting progressed. The other group 

 was to remain .-.t the base camp to further inspect the Bering Sea side of 

 the island, using the 19-foot surf boat with outboard motor, if practicable; 

 maintain radio coramuni cations with the CHELiiN; maintain contact with the 

 counting party by messenger and assist that party in moving camp and supply 

 them with any additional provisions req.uired. In this maimer the eastern 

 half of the island would be covered. Survey of the western half of the 

 island in a similar manner was contemplated, provided a suitable landing 

 place could be located there, 



"The foregoing plan was placed in effect and a camp established on 

 the southern shore of the island on 13 August, 1936, at approximately 

 179° 17 1-' East, The counting of the sea otter was commenced the following 

 day. Ensign Opp, with one assistant, counting, 



"Some of the otter were close enough to-, the shore to be counted 

 separately, vfhile others remained in groups or herds, too distant to be 

 counted individually and making it possible to only estimate their numbers, 

 Gonseq.uently, two sets of figures were necessary, the number actually 

 counted In an area and the total number estimated to bo in that area. 

 Care was taken to undorostimato rather than ovorestii.iatc. Results of the 

 counting aro as follows: 



69 



