ALASKA. 
By J. B. PARKER, M. D.,* Surgeon U. S. Navy. 
Our subject, Alaska, is not a popular one, and consequently 
not often referred to. Much indifference prevails concerning it, 
yet for many years it has been the most extensive of our territorial 
possessions. This indifference is due, we think, to an impression 
that it is destitute of the resources necessary for civilized man. 
Alaska has been mentioned more frequently during the past 
year than during many preceding years; and this is due to the 
fact that Congress has recently considered and finally authorized 
a civil government for the Territory. As a result of this new 
government we may expect more scientific knowledge of its re¬ 
sources during the next few years than we have gained since its 
acquisition. 
It is necessary to state that the paper I will read was not pre¬ 
pared for this occasion, and was intended as a word in defense of 
the Territory against the charge of utter worthlessness. It is 
hoped it may not be entirely devoid of interest. 
Our chart is the latest issue of the United States Coast Survey 
office and contains the geography of the Territory so far as 
known. It is evident from the extensive blank spaces, apart from 
the coast and here and there along the Yukon River, that we have 
much to learn of the interior. 
The boundary line between Alaska and British America north 
of Mt. St. Elias is the 141st meridian of longitude. From Mt. 
St. Elias its general direction is south and east to nearly the 130th 
meridian, and embraces a small portion of the mainland and the 
large group of islands known as the Alexandria Archipelago. 
Much of the Territory is volcanic and contains many peaks in 
a partial state of eruption or giving evidence of recent action. It 
contains three ranges of mountains—the Coast, Rocky and Alaskan 
Mountains, the last being an offshoot of the Rocky Mountains. 
% Read before the Society July 3d, 1SS4. 
