4 BULLETIN 1089, U. S. DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



One of the most gratifying results of the work undertaken in 1920 

 has been the appreciation and interest shown by all those in the 

 reindeer business, both natives and white men, and the open-minded 

 way in which a number of herd owners are already putting in effect 

 the improved methods suggested. It is perhaps even more gratifying 

 to be able to say that communications are being received, stating the 

 benefits that have already become evident from the change in man- 

 agement. This receptive attitude of the herd owners indicates that 

 all that is necessary for the general and rapid improvement of the 

 industry is to continue to provide the necessary skilled leadership. 



The reconnaissances already made indicate that the Territory has 

 available grazing sufficient to carry between 3,000,000 and 4,000,000 

 reindeer. The annual surplus from that number would yield a meat 

 product each year worth more than the precious metals mined in the 

 Territory and second only to the fisheries as a permanent income- 

 producing asset. 



I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of 

 the competent and energetic manner in which instructions given in 

 this work have been carried out by the staff. Doctor Hadwen and ]VIr. 

 Palmer, after 15 months of field work, submit* herewith a preliminary 

 report on the results of their investigations, which it is believed will 

 be of substantial and practical value in the development of the 

 reindeer industry. 



I desire also to acknowledge with appreciation the valuable assist- 

 ance rendered the Biological Survey in the conduct of this work. 

 In Alaska the Bureau of Education and its field representatives have 

 been very helpful, allowing the use of one of their buildings at 

 Unalakleet as the laboratory and living quarters of our staff (PI. I, 

 Fig. 1) ; the Lomen Co. and other white owners have cooperated 

 whenever occasion arose; and the Eskimos were everywhere hospi- 

 table and eagerly helpful. For assistance in laboratory studies of ma- 

 terial the Bureau of Entomology and the Bureau of Animal Indus- 

 try have rendered every assistance. Help in identifying plants has 

 been given by G. K. Merrill, of Eockland, Me. ; P. S. Williams, of 

 the Xew York Botanical Garden: Paul C. Standley. of the United 

 States National Museum; and Miss Flora Patterson, of the Bureau 

 of Plant Industry. 



E. W. Xelson, 

 Chief of Bureau. 



