b ALASKA. 



ally engaged io fishing in tliese waters. The value and proba- 

 ble yield of the cod-banks of Alaska have been greatly overrated, 

 but it may be reasonably anticipated that the success attending 

 the canning of salmon on the Columbia Eiver will stimulate the 

 prosecution of this industry at the mouths of all the large 

 streams and rivers of the Territory. 



In connection with my survey of affairs in the Territory, the 

 Seal Islands in especial, I have been most fortunate in being 

 associated with a gentleman so efficient and conscientious as 

 Lieut. Washburn Maynard, the ofBcer selected by the Secre- 

 tary of the l^Tavy, in compliance with the act of Congress, tO' 

 accompany me on this tour of investigation, and to report in- 

 dependently. 



It is also fitting that I should speak in flattering terms of the 

 high character of the service rendered us this season by Capt. 

 J. G. Baker, commanding the United States revenue-cutter 

 Eeliance, who carried us with all care and expedition to such 

 points as we saw fit to designate, and which it was possible to 

 visit in a sailing-vessel, with the time allotted. 



The several subjects within the scope of my report I have 

 arranged, and herewith respectfully present in the following 

 order, viz : 

 CHAPTER I. The ohaeacter of the country. 



II. The natives or people op Alaska-; their 



CONDITION, &C. 



III. The duty of the Goyerniment in the Ter- 

 ritory OF Alaska. 

 lY. Trade in the Territory and the traders, 



stations, &c. 

 V. The sea-otter and its hunting. 

 YI. The condition of affairs on the Seal 



Islands ; Prybilov group. 

 YII. The habits of the fur seal. 

 YIII. Fish and fisheries. 

 IX. Ornithology of the Prybilov Islands. 



APPENDIX. 



I have endeavored in the preparation of this report to be 

 as concise as possible, perhaps so to a fault, but the enumer- 

 ation of the thousand and one little things that have combined 

 to form opinion, and indirectly influence one's judgment, can 

 interest no one but the writer. 



