44 BrXLETi:X 1089, U. S. DEPAETMEXT OF AGPJCIJLTrEE. 



Men are stationed at the various plaiforms and gates, two on the 

 platform at the end of the chute (PL XVII. Fig. 2), to hold back 

 the reindeer by catching their horns, in order to prevent overcrowd- 

 ing at the exit. The chief herder is usually the one stationed at 

 the swing gate, and he decides what disposition is to be made of 

 each animal as it passes. 



As a rule the Lapps build the corral just over the brow of a hill, 

 so that the reindeer do not see it until they are practically inside. 

 The animals are driven in through the entrance driveway between 

 long wing fences, which in some cases extend out a quarter of a mile 

 or more on each side. (PL ^YJ. Fig. 2.) 



The present slow system of corralling often results in keeping a 

 herd in the immediate vicinity of the corral for long periods, in some 

 cases for weeks at a time. This causes undue trampling and dam- 

 age to the near-by range and exposes the animals to gTazing on con- 

 taminated ground, where they pick up large numbers of parasites, 

 and further emphasizes the need for improvement. If for un- 

 avoidable reasons the improvement advocated can not be made at 

 once, the herd should always be driven to the corral by the same 

 route, in order to limit as much as possible the damage to the range 

 and the danger of parasitic infection. Furthermore, when liberated 

 the animals should not be allowed to remain about the corral, but 

 should be driven away at once to fresh feed. 



Choice of site and selection of building material are two important 

 considerations in constructing the main corral on the summer range. 

 It is particularly important to build the corral in a dry place, as it 

 is readily apparent that a herd may be handled more efficienth^ and 

 with less danger of injury here than on wet ground. When the 

 corral is on wet ground, the tramping of the " milling " animals 

 soon converts it into a dangerous mud hole. The best sites along 

 the coast are on sandy spits immediately adjoining the beach. 



In the selection of building material, it should be kept in mind that 

 a closely constructed corral fence or wall is preferable to an open one. 

 There is the possibility of considerable injury to animals in an openly 

 constructed corral. When pushed and frightened, reindeer often 

 try to break out of the inclosure at any point they can readily see 

 through ; and. in the attempt, may get their legs or horns caught and. 

 as often happens, broken. Consequently a closely built split-pole 

 or board corral is preferable to one constructed of wire or of open 

 paneling. 



METHOD OF ROPING. 



The lasso, or lariat, used in Alaska diflPers from the rope commonly 

 seen in the Western States. Reindeer men prefer a flexible cotton 

 rope about one-fourth inch in diameter. The eye is made from a 

 piece of reindeer horn, and is of considerable weight. The entire 



