THE METLAKATLA MISSION IN DANGER 187 



comparing what has been accomplished in regions having some- 

 what similar conditions. Agriculture as it exists in Alaska has 

 been described in the previous pages. It is not expected that 

 this country will ever rival the Mississippi valley in its product- 

 iveness, but it does seem probable that agriculture and horti- 

 culture could be extended so as to supply local demands for 

 many products. When the climatic conditions, topography, 

 soils, etc., of Norway, Iceland, the Orkney islands, as well as 

 Scotland, Sweden, and Finland, are compared with those of 

 Alaska, it seems probable that what has been accomplished in 

 European stations could also be done in this country, if properly 

 undertaken. It is well established that many agricultural pro- 

 ducts flourish in parts of northern Europe having approximately 

 the same temperature during the growing season as we find to 

 exist in portions of Alaska, and if temperature is the controlling 

 factor in plant distribution there would seem no reason why the 

 same varieties of plants would not succeed in both countries if 

 properly introduced and cultivated. Rye, oats, and barley are 

 grown in sufficient abundance in the north of Europe, not only 

 to supply local demands, but also to some extent for export. 



Comparing Alaskan data, secured from agricultural experi- 

 ments that have not always been conducted in the best manner, 

 with the results secured from other regions having a somewhat 

 comparable climate, it seems safe to say that the coast region of 

 Alaska possesses agricultural possibilities of no little importance, 

 and with an enlightened native population and a permanent 

 white one it seems possible that the demand for many of the 

 agricultural products could be supplied. 



THE METLAKATLA MISSION IN DANGER 



The history of missions from the earliest epoch has been a 

 struggle, not only against the natural obstacles of the situation, 

 but against the indifference or criticism of opponents in the 

 rear. It is not 'difficult to criticise, " For John came neither 

 eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of 

 Man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man 

 gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners." 



There are two modes of "mission work among the Indians: 

 one which draws its sinews of war from friends in the churches 

 and sends out salaried missionaries, who devote themselves to 



