4 BULLETIN 1089, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
One of the most gratifying results of the work undertaken in 1920 
has been the appreciation and interest shown by all those in the 
reindeer business, both natives and white men, and the open-minded 
way in which a number of herd owners are already putting in effect 
the improved methods suggested. It is perhaps even more gratifying 
to be able to say that communications are being received, stating the 
benefits that have already become evident from the change in man- 
agement. This receptive attitude of the herd owners indicates that 
all that is necessary for the general and rapid improvement of the 
industry is to continue to provide the necessary skilled leadership. 
The reconnaissances already made indicate that the Territory has 
available grazing sufficient to carry between 3,000,000 and 4,000,000 
reindeer. The annual surplus from that number would yield a meat 
product each year worth more than the precious metals mined in the 
Territory and second only to the fisheries as a permanent income- 
producing asset. 
I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of 
the competent and energetic manner in which instructions given in 
this work have been carried out by the staff. Doctor Hadwen and Mr. 
Palmer, after 15 months of field work, submit herewith a preliminary 
report on the results of their investigations, which it is believed will 
be of substantial and practical value in the development of the 
reindeer industry. 
I desire also to acknowledge with appreciation the valuable assist- 
ance rendered the Biological Survey in the conduct of this work. 
In Alaska the Bureau of Education and its field representatives have 
been very helpful, allowing the use of one of their buildings at 
Unalakleet as the laboratory and living quarters of our staff (PI. I, 
Fig. 1) ; the Lomen Co. and other white owners have cooperated 
whenever occasion arose; and the Eskimos were everywhere hospi- 
table and eagerly helpful. For assistance in laboratory studies of ma- 
terial the Bureau of Entomology and the Bureau of Animal Indus- 
try have rendered every assistance. Help in identifying plants has 
been given by G. K. Merrill, of Rockland, Me. ; R. S. Williams, of 
the New York Botanical Garden; Paul C. Standley, of the United 
States National Museum; and Miss Flora Patterson, of the Bureau 
of Plant Industry. 
E. W. Nelson, 
Chief of Bureau. 
