4 ALASKA. 



sonal observation aud research on the ground, with maps and 

 illustrations. 



In connection with the condition of the natives of the Terri- 

 tory, on whom the successful prosecution of the fur-trade is 

 dependent, I have been led into a very careful study of the 

 history and habits of the sea-otter in this country, to the suc- 

 cessful hunting of which between four and five thousand Chris- 

 tian Aleutians and Kodiakers look for a means of livelihood. 

 Since the transfer, fire-arms, formerly proscribed, have been 

 introduced among the sea-otter hunters. This, in combination 

 -with the keenest rivalry of opposition traders, makes it only a 

 question of a very shdrt time ere these valuable and interesting 

 animals are exterminated, on the existence of which so many 

 christianized natives are totally dependent for all of the com- 

 forts, and many even of the necessities, of a semi-civilized 

 life. The remedy for this is a very simple and effective one, and 

 I beg leave to refer to my discussion of the subject in this 

 report under the head of the sea-otter and its hunters. 



In my report it will be seen that I have given the Yukon, 

 Aleutian, and Sitkan sections close attention, having yet to 

 more fully examine the Kodiak, Cook's Inlet, and Copper Eiver 

 districts ; that I have, in connection with Lieut. Washburn 

 Mayuard, United States Navy, my associate during the past 

 season, carefully resurveyed the area and position of the breed- 

 ing-grounds of the fur-seal on the Prybilov Islands. We sur- 

 veyed Saint Matthew's Island, which is contiguous and was 

 entirely unknown and uninhabited, in order to settle the ques- 

 tion, so frequently asked, and to which no definite reply could 

 be given, as to whether or not it was suitable ground for fur- 

 seals to land upon and breed, should these animals ever become 

 dissatisfied with their present locality ; and that I have com- 

 piled, from Eussiau and other authorities, facts and statistics 

 as to the extent of the fur-trade in the early days of the Terri- 

 tory, so as to compaj^e with the condition of this business at the 

 present, as I get it from traders and agents in the country gen- 

 erally. Of necessity, I have been obliged to use my judgment 

 in selecting and taking these figures, both from the written as 

 well as the verbal authorities. These I submit as being very 

 nearly correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief. The 

 remarkable increase in the catch of fur-bearing animals since 

 the change of ownership of the country is most striking, but 

 in perfect harmony with the strong contrast between the indo- 



