PREFACE 



The expedition, the results of which are recorded in 

 these volumes, was originally planned as a summer cruise 

 for the pleasure and recreation of my family and a few 

 friends. It was intended to extend along the Alaska 

 coast only as far as Kadiak Island, my attention having 

 been directed to that place by a chance conversation with 

 Mr. D. G. Elliot, who especially interested me in the 

 opportunities there offered for hunting the Kadiak bear, 

 said to be the largest in the world. 



Dr. Lewis R. Morris, our friend and physician, aided 

 me in gathering much of the information necessary for 

 arranging arid finally determining our plans. The steamer 

 1 George W. Elder ' was obtained and outfitted under the 

 direction of President A. L. Mohler of the Oregon Rail- 

 road and Navigation Company. Our comfort and safety 

 required a large vessel and crew, and preparations for the 

 voyage were consequently on a scale disproportionate to 

 the size of the party. We decided, therefore, if oppor- 

 tunity offered, to include some guests who, while adding 

 to the interest and pleasure of the expedition, would gather 

 useful information and distribute it for the benefit of others. 



With this end in view, Dr. Morris and I went to Wash- 

 ington in March, 1899, to confer with Dr. C. Hart 

 Merriam. From him we received valuable advice and 

 assistance in planning the research work and in selecting 



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