52 
FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA, 1909. 
Schools . — As required by its lease, the North American Commercial 
Company maintained on each island a school for children of the 
natives. The school year covered the period from September 1 to 
May 1, with five days of attendance each week, usual holidays 
excepted. On St. Paul Island the enrollment was 43; on St. George 
21. Only the English language was taught, with the usual common- 
school elementary subjects. Except during the early part of the 
year, when an epidemic of mumps prevailed, the pupils were regular 
in attendance and made good progress. 
Public health— The general health on the islands during the year 
was good. An epidemic of mumps went through both islands during 
the fall of 1908, affecting nearly all the inhabitants, but without com- 
plications or serious effect. During the winter infants on both islands 
were attacked by impetigo contagioso, while the St. Paul population, 
including all the whites, were annoyed by scabies, or itch. This 
unpleasant disorder, the eradication of which requires rather heroic 
measures, still affects some of the St. Paul natives, who can not be 
prevailed upon to take the necessary arduous steps to stamp out 
the pest. 
Earnings . — The natives on St. Paul realized during the sealing 
season ended July 31, 1909, 88,386.50 from the taking of 11,054 
fur-seal skins, at 75 cents each, and 48 sea-lion skins, at $2 each. 
The St. George natives, during the same period, earned 82,485.50 
from the taking of 3,314 fur-seal skins, at 82 each, and 81,795 
from 357 blue-fox skins, at 85 each, and 10 white-fox skins, at 
81 each. These sums, in conjunction with the appropriation of 
819,500, make a total of 832,167 available for natives’ support during 
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1910. 
The amount was allotted between the two islands as follows: 
285 tons coal for both islands, at $20 per ton $5, 700 
St. Paul Island, 41 families 18,467 
St. George Island, 19 families 8,000 
Total 32,167 
In the above allotment was included an allowance of 8650 for 
the purchase of potatoes and onions for the population of St. Paul. 
A similar allowance was not made for St. George, as the potatoes and 
onions necessary for that island were paid for from a small balance 
of funds unexpended from the previous year. 
In making the above allotment, the government appropriation was 
apportioned as follows: 
Coal for both islands $5, 700. 00 
St. Paul Island, natives’ support. 10, 080. 50 
St. George Island, natives’ support 3. 719. 50 
Total '. 19,500.00 
