182 AGRICULTURE IN ALASKA 



no thorough attempt has been made to introduce it. In a few 

 places alfalfa was also seen that was beginning to seed in 

 August. 



On the tide flats dense growths of sedges are common, and in 

 some places a very common vetch ( Vicin gigantea) occurs, and 

 if utilized it would add considerable to the feeding value of the 

 marsh hay. 



The nutritious character of the Alaskan grasses was not only 

 shown by their analyses, but also by the sleek and fat cattle 

 seen during the summer. Aside from pasturage, but little use 

 is made of the grasses. The amount of hay that is made is 

 wholly inadequate, and much more could undoubtedly be had 

 if more care be given the subject. 



The abundance of berries in Alaska has been a subject of re- 

 mark by every one who has written concerning this country. 

 So far as could be learned, but little attention has been given to 

 their cultivation, but the few attempts that have been made seem 

 to promise favorably. Hardly any berries are cultivated, except 

 a few strawberries, currants, and raspberries, and of these both 

 wild and cultivated forms were seen growing, and the adapta- 

 bility of the wild plants to domestication was very evident. The 

 wild strawberry was seen under cultivation at Wrangell, and 

 specimens of Rtibusstellatus, known as dewberry, " Morong " and 

 " Knesheneka," were seen growing in a garden at Sitka, and it 

 seems probable that more could be done in this line. 



The flavor of most Alaskan berries was found to be excellent, 

 and some of them might be worthy of introduction into the States. 



Of the berries which have widest distribution may be men- 

 tioned the salmon berry (Rubus spectabilis), two kinds of cran- 

 berries, the high-bush ( Viburnum paucifloriim) and the little cran- 

 berry (Vaccinium vitis-idsea), the red and black currant (Ribes 

 rubrum and R. laxiflorum), crowberries (Empetrum nigrum), 

 huckleberries (Vaccinium uliginosum and its variety mucrona- 

 tum), raspberries CRubus strigosus), elderberries (Sambucus race- 

 mosa), bunchberries (Cornus canadensis and 0. suecica), and the 

 " Molka " or baked apple berry (Rubus chamasmorus) . Of less 

 general distribution are strawberries (Fragaria chiloensis), dew- 

 berries (Rubus stellatus') , thimbleberries (R. parviflorus), salalber- 

 ries (Gaultheria shallon), bog cranberries {Vaccinium oxycoccus), 

 wine or bear berries (Arctostaphylus alpina), etc. These berries 

 are used in many ways by the native and white population, and 

 in addition to the consumption of fresh berries many are stored - 



