; Paine of
Division of Fishes,
f U.S. National Museum A
N AND SALMON RIVERS OF ALASKA WITH NOTES
-METHOJDS, AND NEEDS OF THE SALMON FISHERIES.
iouse Rep. Mise. Document. No. 211. ' y
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Division of Fishes,

» U. S. National Museum
3 i j i) Noah }
51st CONGRESS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Mis. Doc.
1st Session. } No. 211.
Beh SORT

ON THE

SALMON AND SALMON RIVERS OF ALASKA,

WITH

NOTES ON THE CONDITIONS, METHODS, AND NEEDS

OF THE SALMON FISHERIES.

BY

TARLETON H. BEAN,

ICHTHYOLOGIST, U. S. FISH COMMISSION.

JUNE 9, 1890.—Referred to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

WASHINGTON :
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1890.

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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

U. S. CoMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES,
Washington, D. C., June 6, 1890.

Simm: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of an investigation of the
habits, abundance, and distribution of the salmon of Alaska, as well as the present
conditions of the fisheries and the methods employed in the prosecution of the same,
such investigation having been made under the authority of Congress, as conveyed in
section 2 of act approved March 2, 1889, and entitled “ An act to provide for the pro-
tection of the salmon fisheries of Alaska,” as follows:

Src. 2. That the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries is hereby empowered and directed toinstitute
aD investigation into the habits, abundance, and distribution of the salmon of Alaska, as well as the
present conditions and methods of the fisheries, with a view of recommending to Congress such addi-
tional legislation as may be necessary to prevent the impairment or exhaustion of these valuable

fisheries, and placing them under regular and permanent conditions of production.
* * * * * * *

No appropriation was made to cover the expenses of such investigation, but con-
sidering the act mandatory, and realizing the importance of placing before Congress
at the earliest date practicable the information necessary to indicate the additional
legislation required for the protection and maintenance of the river fisheries of
Alaska, I arranged to provide for the expenses of the investigation out of the general
appropriation for the propagation of food-fishes, and with the opening of the season
placed a party of investigators in the field, with instructions to proceed directly to the
island of Kadiak and, after a thorough study of the conditions and methods of the
salmon fisheries there, to extend their investigations to Cook’s Inlet and its affluents,
if the brief season available for field investigation would permit.

Kadiak Island was selected as the initial point because the salmon fisheries there
have at present the greatest development and importance and because there the im-
pending destruction of the salmon fisheries is most evident and the flagrant abuses
requiring the restraint of law most obvious.

Dr. T. H. Bean, the ichthyologist of the Commission, was placed in charge of the
party, his previous knowledge of this region and his training as a naturalist and
scientific observer having specially qualified him for this service. Associated with
him were Mr. Livingston Stone, the superintendent of our California and Oregon
salmon-hatching stations, and Mr. Franklin Booth, of San Francisco. Mr. Stone was
charged with the duty of reporting upon suitable sites for hatching stations and Mr.
Booth with the study of the topographical features of the region and the physical
features of the different river basins. This party continued in the field to as late a

3

4 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

period as the season permitted. By reason of the short time available for field work
the investigation did not extend beyond the islands of Kadiak and Afognak. Here,
however, the fisheries are best organized and most extensively prosecuted, and con-
clusions based upon the investigation of the salmon fisheries of this region will prob-
ably have general application.

As an introduction to the report proper I have presented and discussed in as
concise form as practicable the results of the field investigation and submitted cer-
tain recommendations as to the additional legislation necessary to “ place the salmon
fisheries of Alaska under permanent conditions of production.”

Very respectfully,
M. McDonaLpD,
Commissioner.
Hon. THomAS B. REED,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.

INVESTIGATION OF THE SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

INTRODUCTORY.

The marvelous abundance of several species of salmon in Alaskan waters has been
long known, but in consequence of the remoteness of this region and its inaccessi-
bility, the abundant supply in rivers nearer markets, and a disposition on the part of
buyers to underrate Alaskan products, its fishery resources have not been laid under
contribution for market supply until within a few years, during which we have seen,
as the result of reckless and improvident fishing, the practical destruction of the
salmon fisheries of the Sacramento and the reduction of the take on the Columbia
to hardly one-third of what it was in the early history of the salmon-canning indus-
try on that river. At present the streams of Alaska furnish the larger proportion of
the canned salmon which find their way to the markets.

Whether these fisheries shall continue to furnish the opportunity for profitable
enterprise and investment depends upon the policy to be inaugurated and maintained
by the Government. Under judicious regulation and restraint these fisheries may be
made a continuing source of wealth to the inhabitants of the Territory and an impor-
tant food resource to the nation; without such regulation and restraint, we shall
have repeated in Alaskan rivers the story of the Sacramento and the Columbia; and
the destruction in Alaska will be more rapid because of the small size of the rivers
and the ease with which salmou can be prevented from ascending them. For a
few years there will be wanton waste of that marvelous abundance, which the fisher-
men—concerned only for immediate profit and utterly improvident of the future—
declare to be inexhaustible. This season of prosperity will be followed by a rapid de-
cline in the value and production of these fisheries, and a point will be eventually
reached where the salmon-canning industry will be no longer profitable.

SPECIES OF SALMON OF ECONOMIC VALUE.

The species of salmon found in Alaska in quantities sufficient to constitute an
economic resource are as follows:
(1) The Red Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka).
(2) The King Salmon (Oncorhynchus chouicha).
(3) The Silver Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).
(4) The Hump-back Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha).
(5) The Dog Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta).
(6) The Steel Head (Salmo gairdneri).
(7) The Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma).

6 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

The species at present constituting the principal motive and object of canning
operations is—

THE RED SALMON.

The southern limit of the range of this species is the Columbia River, in which it
is known as the Blue Back Salmon. Its range extends northward to the Yukon River,
and it makes its appearance in southern Alaskan waters early in June, the run begin-
ning later as we proceed farther to the north. A succession of schools continue to
arrive until August and, after tarrying a short time in the coast waters, begin to ascend
to their spawning grounds, which are in the cold snow-fed lakes from which issue the
head-waters of the streams that are frequented by this species for the purpose of repro-
duction. The run is confined chiefly to the smaller streams, such as the Karluk, in
which they crowd in numbers absolutely incredible to one who is not an eye witness, and
actually force each other out of the water in their eager struggles to reach the sources
of the rivers and deposit their spawn.

THE KING SALMON

Is the principal canning species of the Columbia and other rivers of Oregon and Cali-
fornia, but at present it has relatively little importance in the Alaskan salmon fisheries.
It is distinctively the salmon of the larger rivers, like the Yukon, on which the canning
industry has not yet attained much development. It is, however, an abundant species,
and, with the growth of the canning industry on the larger rivers, will attain great com-
mercial importance.

THE SILVER SALMON

Isin great request for canning in the l’uget Sound region, but is not held in much esteem
by the canners of Alaska, because it becomes soft very soon after its capture and can not
be kept like the Red Salmon. It spawns in the fall of the year, but does not make its
appearance on the coast until shortly before canning operations close for the season,
and, consequently, the opportunity for natural reproduction is more favorable than for
the Red Salmon and King. Salmon. The species is abundant now, and under present
conditions of the fisheries will doubtless maintain itself. The flesh, though not highly
colored, is probably not inferior in table qualities to the Red Salmon, and in the future,
with the extension of canning operations, it will doubtless be utilized more extensively
than at present.
THE HUMP-BACK SALMON °

Is the smallest, the most abundant, and most widely distributed species of the Alaskan
salmon. It arrives on the coast of Kadiak from the 1st to the 10th of July, and con-
tinues to run for about five weeks, the height of the spawning season being early in
August. It does not ascend far from salt water, and usually enters streams which are
too shallow to cover its back fins. This species is not much used at present for canning
purposes, butis dried by the natives in large quantities for winter use, and moderately
large quantities are salted for the San Francisco and other markets. When fresh run
its flesh is not inferior in edible qualities to the Red Salmon, and has a beautiful red
color, but rapidly deteriorates after it enters the estuaries of the rivers. This species,
from its abundance and wide distribution, will attain great commercial importance
when its good qualities are better known.

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 7

THE DOG SALMON

occurs very abundantly in the small rivers and creeks of the islands and the main
land. It makes its appearance at Kadiak about the middle of June and continues
abundant for a month, after which the numbers rapidly diminish. It leaves the coast
with the first appearance of ice. The flesh of this species will hardly ever be in
request for canning, but it is one of the most important species to the natives, who
dry it for winter use.

REPRODUCTION.

*

The species of salmon above enumerated, though differing in their seasons of
reproduction and in their spawning habits and requiring different conditions and envi-
ronment, are all subject to the constraint of one common law—they must have access
to their natural spawning grounds in the rapids of the rivers or in the cold snow-fed
lakes from which they issue—and in this natural law is to be found the suggestion of
such legislation as may be necessary “ to maintain the salmon fisheries under perma-
nent conditions of production.”

We must provide that reproduction, natural or artificial, shall be on such a scale
as will compensate for natural waste and man’s destructive agencies. This may be
accomplished in several ways: First, by legislation prescribing and enforcing such
regulations in the conduct of the fisheries as will permit the salmon to enter the rivers
and ascend to their spawning grounds in sufficient numbers to maintain the supply
by natural reproduction; second, by the artificial fertilization and hatching of eggs
taken from salmon caught for the supply of the canneries and the distribution of the
fry thus obtained to the streams and lakes, which are the natural feeding grounds of
the young salmon for some months after hatching.

Existing legislation concerning the protection of the salmon dates from the Fiftieth
Congress and provides for the accomplishment of the first of these objects in the act
following :

[PuBLIc—No. 158.]

An act to provide for the protection of the salmon fisheries of Alaska.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, That the erection of dams, barricades, or other obstructions in any of the rivers of Alaska,
with the purpose or result of preventing or impeding the ascent of salmon or other anadromous species
to their spawning grounds, is hereby declared to be unlawful, and the Secretary of the Treasury is
hereby authorized and directed to establish such regulations and surveillance as may be necessary to
insure that this prohibition is strictly enforced and to otherwise protect the salmon fisheries of Alaska;
and every person who shall be found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section shall be fined
not less than two hundred and fifty dollars for each day of the continuance of such obstruction.

Src. 2. That the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries is hereby empowered and directed to institute
an investigation into the habits, abundance, and distribution of the salmon of Alaska, as well as the
present conditions and methods of the fisheries, with a view of recommending to Congress such addi-
tional legislation as may be necessary to prevent the impairment or exhaustion of these valuable fish-
eries, and placing them under regular and permanent conditions of production.

Sc. 3. That section nineteen hundred and fifty-six of the Revised Statutes of the United States is
hereby declared to include and apply to all the dominion of the United States in the waters of Behring
Sea; and it shall be the duty of the President, at a timely season in each year, to issue his proclama-
tion and cause the same to be published for one month in at least one newspaper if any such there be

8 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

published at each United States port of entry on the Pacific coast, warning all persons against entering

said waters for the purpose of violating the provisions of said section; and he shall also cause one or

more vessels of the United States to diligently cruise said waters and arrest all persons, and seize all

vessels found to be, or to have been, engaged in any violation of the laws of the United States therein.
Approved, March 2, 1889.

Additional legislation should provide for an increased production of salmon by fish-
cultural methods, thus avoiding the enormous waste of eggs and young fish under
their natural conditions and repairing, to some extent, the injury caused by over-fish-
ing. The prohibition of obstructions impeding or preventing the ascent of the salmon
to their spawning grounds must be strictly enforeed, and destructive methods of fisking
prevented by Government agents at the fishing localities, or a system of leasing fish-
ery privileges under fixed regulations should be inaugurated.

The great bulk of the salmon taken in Alaska at present are caught by seines, gill-
nets, and traps, all of which have been used in a more or less injurious manner. The
continual hauling of seines across and near river mouths prevents salmon approach-
ing the spawning condition from entering the streams. Gill-nets have been some-
times set entirely across the channels of rivers, and many traps are reported which
act as complete barriers to the ascending fish. The seining operations also entail
great unnecessary waste of good material by hauling on the beaches large numbers of
trout, salmon, and other food-fishes which are not utilized.

The enormous value of the Alaskan salmon fisheries furnishes a sufficient incentive ©
for prompt action in fostering and preserving the canning industry. In 1889 the
number of canneries in operation was thirty-six, representing an investment of nearly
$4,000,000, and the products were valued at about $3,000,000. Sixty-six vessels, in-
cluding thirteen steamers, were engaged in this trade. The industry furnishes re-
munerative employment for several thousand men.

Alaska is a most promising field for fish-cultural operations. An abundance of
gravid salmon can be obtained in the vicinity of good harbors. Ample supplies of
suitable water can be conveyed to hatching establishments by gravitation alone. Im-
passable natural obstructions are almost unknown. Streams which are not subject to
great fluctuations of level abound. The climate is favorable. Pollutions are absent.
Labor and materials are cheap, and communication with ports in the United States
is sufficiently easy. Prompt measures for maintaining the supply of salmon will
insure a permanent and improving fishery.

AUTHOR’S LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

U. S. CoMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES,
Washington, D. C., January 21, 1890.
Col. MARSHALL McDONALD,
U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries,

Str: In accordance with instructions received from you June 3, 1889, directing me
to make an investigation of the salmon rivers of Alaska, with particular reference to
the habits, abundance, and distribution of the salmon, the conditions and methods of
the fisheries, and the steps necessary to prevent their decline and to render them per-
manently successful, I left Washington June 10, 1889, in company with Mr. Robert HE.
Lewis, who was detailed to assist me in the exploration. We arrived in San Fran-
cisco June 18.

Finding that Capt. E. P. Herendeen, whose services had been secured as surveyor
for the party, could not go with us, Mr. Franklin Booth, of the University of Cali-
fornia, was engaged to take his place.

We were delayed in San Francisco, awaiting an opportunity to sail, until July 3,
in the mean time purchasing materials necessary for the expedition. Prof. George
Davidson, of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, obtained from the General Office
of the Survey permission for us to use various instruments belonging to his office,
including a theodolite, a level, a barometer, and other articles mentioned in the sur-
veyor’s report.

On July 3 we sailed from San Francisco for Port Townsend, where we arrived
July 6. We were joined here by Mr. Livingston Stone, who was detailed by you to
inquire especially into the feasibility of fish culture in Alaska.

The Karluk Packing Company’s steamer Karluk, of San Francisco, was to convey
us from here to Kadiak, but we were detained by an accident to her keel and did not
sail from Port Townsend until July 19.

We reached St. Paul, Kadiak, July 28, and Karluk August 2.

We found that, owing to the lateness of the season, it was impossible to carry
out the programme indicated in your letter of instructions. There was no opportunity
of reaching Bristol Bay, and only one vessel departed from Karluk for Cook’s Inlet.
This was the steamer Francis Cutting, which sailed August 7, only five days after our
arrival at Karluk, and we learned that she would not return in time for us to
accomplish anything at that place during the fishing season.

Finding that Karluk is the most important salmon fishing station in Alaska,
yielding fully one-half of the entire catch of the Territory, I concluded that we must
begin our studies there, even if it became necessary also to limit them to that locality.

9

10 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

There is practically no communication in Alaska except by water. There are no
lines of vessels running regularly from place to place, and whenever it is desirable to
cover an extended field of investigation it is essential to provide a vessel to carry the
party to the places to be investigated.

On August 15 we left Karluk for a trip to Karluk Lake, to examine the spawning-
grounds of the red salmon. We could not go up the river because of the low stage of
the water, the extreme difficulty of walking along the shores, and the impossibility of
taking boats through the rapids, which are several miles in extent. We sailed there-
fore around into Uyak Bay, and pushed up to the head of one of its arms, from which
we made a portage of several miles to Karluk River above the rapids. The journey
to the lake was completed August 17, and we remained there until the 21st. On the
return to Karluk there was some delay on account of a storm, so that we did not arrive
until August 27.

The party sailed September 7 for Alitak Bay, where we remained inquiring into
the history of the fishing until the 11th, on which date we departed in the steamer
Haytien Republic for San Francisco. Wereached San Francisco September 21, From
here Mr. Stone returned to his station at Clackamas, and Mr. Booth to his duties in
the University of California. Mr. Lewis and I arrived in Washington October 13.

We were greatly assisted in our investigations by the Alaska Commercial Com-
pany, of San Francisco, and their agents on the island of Kodiak; aiso by the Karluk
Packing Company, whose office at Karluk was our headquarters while at that station.
Capt. L. P. Larsen, of the Arctic Packing Company, gave us every possible facility
in his vessels and at the canneries of the company. The Kodiak Packing Company
assisted us materially in our exploration of Alitak Bay. Messrs. Ford and Stokes, of
the Russian American Packing Company, and Mr. Blodgett, of the Royal Packing
Company, rendered material aid to Messrs. Booth and Stone during their visit to
Afognak.

Mr. Booth has prepared a report upon his work, and aJso sketches and charts of
the regions investigated. In this he was assisted by Mr. Lewis. Mr. Stone’s report
on the possibilities of fish culture is separately transmitted. Keeping in mind your
instructions to devote my time chiefly to the salmon, I did not make large collections
of other fishes, and have reserved their discussion for a future occasion. More than
fifty photographs were made, to illustrate the physical features of the region and the
methods of the fishery.

In conclusion, I wish to suggest the desirability of beginning investigations of this
nature earlier in the year and continuing them later. The life history of our Pacific
salmon is very imperfectly known, and it is difficult to make practical deductions from
the insufficient data in our possession.

Very respectfully,
TARLETON H. BEAN,
Tchthyologist.

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 11

COPY OF ORDERS.

U. S. ComMMISsION OF FISH AND FISHERIES,
Washington, D. C., June 3, 1889.
Dr. TARLETON H. BEAN,
Ichthyologist, U. S. Fish Commission,

DEAR SrR: You are hereby charged with the investigation, during the summer
of 1889, of the salmon rivers of Alaska, authorized by the following act of Congress,
approved March 2. 1889:

That the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries is hereby empowered and directed to institute an
investigation into the habits, abundance, and distribution of the salmon of Alaska, as well as the
present conditions and methods of the fisheries, with a view of recommending to Congress such addi-
tional legislation as may be necessary to prevent the impairment or exhaustion of these valuable fish-
eries, and placing them under regular and permanent conditions of production.

Your party will consist, besides yourself, of the following-named persons: Mr.
Livingston Stone, Capt. EK. P. Herendeen, and Mr. Robert Lewis.

Instructions for the conduct of the work are herewith inclosed. You will arrange
to leave San Francisco at the earliest date possible, and will proceed directly to the
island of Kadiak, where your explorations will begin.

As you will have only a comparatively short season during which to carry on these
investigations, it will be necessary to limit your operations to a few regions, of which
Kadiak Island (Plate xxxv), Afognak Island (Plate xxxv), Cook’s Inlet, and Bristol
Bay are the most important. They should be visited in the order named, unless,
after your arrival at Kadiak, you should find that the salmon fishery interests of Bris-
tol Bay have greater need of attention than those of Cook’s Inlet, in which case the
Bristol Bay region should be taken in hand next after Kadiak and Afognak. This is,
however, on the supposition that you will not have the time to visit all of the regions.

You will pay most attention to those rivers in the districts mentioned where the
fishery is now being prosecuted with the greatest activity, and also those which, from
their location and the abundance of salmon, are likely to attract the canning interests
at an early day. Upon your arrival at St. Paul, Kadiak, you will probably obtain the
information necessary to enable you to map out the course of your explorations.

It is on the short rivers, and especially those on Kadiak and Afognak islands, as
well as those on the adjacent coast of the peninsula, that the greatest fishery abuses
are said to exist, and the dangers from injudicious fishing are most imminent. This
class of rivers should, therefore, be carefully studied; and you will also seek to locate
all the prominent salmon rivers in each district, ascertaining their chief characteristics,
even though you may be able to do this, in many cases, in only a superficial way.

Your observations should all be made with a view to their bearing upon the prac-
tical question, as to how the salmon interests can best be protected, and to presenting
to Congress a clear and succint report upon the entire subject.

Three subjects are presented by the investigations in question, namely: First,
the natural history of the salmon and the physical characteristics of their environ-

12 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

ment, in connection with which the river fishes generally may be studied. Second,
the conditions, methods, and statistics of the salmon fisheries. ‘Third, the artificial
propagation of the salmon in Alaskan rivers.

Mr. Stone has been detailed to accompany you on account of his extensive know]l-
edge respecting salmon culture on the Pacific coast. He should be given special
charge of that branch of the work, but he will undoubtedly be able to assist you in
the other subjects. Otherwise you will apportion the work among your assistants in
such manner as seems best.

The duration of your stay in Alaska will be determined by the length of the
season suitable for field investigations. A letter has been addressed to the Alaska
Commercial Company, requesting them to furnish you and your party with transpor-
tation to and from Alaska, and to grant you the customary facilities at their stations.
You will call at the office of the company immediately upon your arrival in San Fran-
cisco, and ascertain what arrangements can be made with them.

Should the opportunities occur for sending mail home, you will inform me, from
time to time, of the progress of your work.

Very respectfully,
M. McDONALD,

Commissioner.

INVESTIGATION OF THE SALMON AND SALMON RIVERS OF ALASKA.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SALMON.
KARLUK BAY.
(Plates v—xIv.)

The marine life of the Alaskan salmon is entirely unknown except when the vari-
ous species approach the mouths of certain rivers to ascend to their spawning grounds.
We do not know whether the ocean currents influence the movements of the schools
of salmon, and we are not acquainted with the capacity of the salmon for enduring
variations of temperature at sea. It appears from the best information we can obtain
that the schools of salmon have not been observed at a greater distance than a mile
and a half off-shore. The direction of their ocean movements has not been determined,
. but Mr. Hirsch informs us that in approaching Karluk they come from all directions
and continue in compact schools until they are close to land, when the schools break
up. It is assumed as an established fact that the great body of the salmon come up
from the sea at a certain time of the year and ascend streams for the purpose of repro-
duction. We know that at the time when the salmon approach the Alaskan shores
certain species of small fishes constituting their food are abundant at sea near the
land. Among these are the capelin, herring, and lant. Salmon continue to feed upon
these species until they are ready to forsake the sea and enter the fresh waters.

We could not learn that variations in temperature had much effect upon the daily
catch of salmon. The lowest temperature of the water noted at the surface in Karluk
Bay during our visit was 50°, and the highest 60°, the latter observed at noon,
August 12. The greatest variation in temperature observed in any one day occurred
August 13. At 7 a.m. the surface water was 50° and at noon it had reached 59°.
The ordinary variation from 7 in the morning to 6 in the evening was from 24 to 44
degrees.

One of the sources of safety for the salmon at Karluk is the presence of beds of
the bull kelp, Macrocystis giganteus, in which the fish find shelter from the seiners.

Karluk Bay is merely a shallow arm of Shellikoff Strait, limited on the southwest
by Cape Karluk, or Karluk Head, and on the northeast by high bluffs at the head of
Karluk Spit. The outlook from Karluk Bay is towards the northwest. The beach
descends very gradually from a low spit, and is composed of coarse gravel and large
_ granite bowlders. The bottom slopes down gradually until, at a distance of 100 fathoms
from the shore, the depth is several fathoms. There is very little good holding-ground
for vessels. Some of the firms have fixed moorings at which their vessels ride out

13

14 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

moderately severe storms in safety. A secondary indentation is found between Karluk
Head and the mouth of Karluk River. This is a little cove with a fine gravelly beach
and is frequently resorted to for seining salmon. The Karluk River empties into the
bay at the point of the spit through a narrow and comparatively shallow mouth.

KARLUK SPIT.
(Frontispiece and Plate xxxvI.)

The bay is separated from the Karluk River Valley by a low spit, which is about
three-fourths of a mile long, about 100 yards wide at its extremity at ordinary high
tides, and scarcely more than 30 yards wide at its head; its average width is about
60 yards. Its ocean beach has already been described. The river beach in its lower
half is lined with moderately large bowlders, while the upper half contains finer gravel
and deposits of river ooze. The elevation is so slight that in severe storms the sea
washes over it into the river, flooding some of the buildings of the canning companies.
There is a thin soil along the ridge of the spit which is utilized by some of the work-
men for small vegetable gardens. The upper end of the spit not occupied by buildings
is covered with a heavy growth of grass and weeds. Mr. Booth describes the forma-
tion of this little peninsula in the following words: ‘The spit is formed of loose gran-
ite gravel, washed into its present position by storms and tides from the bases of the
high granite cliffs which make the coast-line of this part of Kadiak Island so promi-
nent. These cliffs are constantly crumbling under the combined action of air, water,
and frost, and the talus thus formed is constantly being added to the spit, gradually
making it wider and longer. As the strongest prevailing gales come from the north-
east, the débris is carried southwest to the further end of the spit, which accounts for
the present position of the river mouth and the difference in width of the spit.

“There is hardly any doubt that the present lagoon was at one time the estuary of
the river, then a far more powerful stream than at present and capable of carrying
out to sea the débris carried across its mouth. As the river dwindled in size and
volume the spit gradually encroached across its mouth, crowding it southwest along
the base of the cliff until its mouth reached the present location.

“The granite cliffs, whose fragments have formed the spit, extend from Karluk
Head, a bold headland about one-half mile southwest of the river mouth to the south-
western shore of Uyak Bay and rise almost perpendicularly to a height of from 1,500
to 2,000 feet. The first rise of the peak, called on the Coast Survey [charts] Cape
Karluk, I determined by transit observation to be about 1,600 feet high.

‘« This peculiar shape of mouth is not confined to the Karluk River alone. The
Sturgeon and Little Rivers, distant respectively 4 miles southwest and about 30 miles
northeast of Karluk, have similarly shaped mouths, and in each can be seen the out-
lines of their old estuaries.

“The ordinary tides on the beach at Karluk range from 12 to 18 feet, and in the
river from 3 to 5 feet. The tide reaches up the lagoon or old estuary shown on the
accompanying charts as far as the lower rapids, where the river and lagoon unite.
The river here is about 300 feet wide, the whole width of its bed being filled with
bowlders ; in summer the water is too shallow for a bidarka to pass. The velocity of
the current here is about 13 miles per hour.”

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 15

KARLUK RIVER.
(Plates XV—XVII, XXIII-XXIV and XXXVII.)

For reasons elsewhere mentioned we did not follow the entire course of this river ;
the surveys of Mr. Booth, however, developed the fact that the lower portion of the
river bed is much wider than is indicated on the charts furnished us at the outset of
our expedition, and the relative widths of the river at its source and Karluk Lake,
whose waters it carries off, show a very much greater difference than the ma)s repre-
sent. The direction of the Karluk in the first 5 miles of its length is a little west of
north, this portion of the river ending at the portage to the west arm of Uyak Bay.
From this portage it pursues a northwesterly direction for a short distance, and the
general direction of the remainder of its bed is westerly. According to a manuscript
chart prepared in 1867 by Archimandritoff, the mouth of the Karluk is in latitude
57° 34’ 30” N., and longitude 154° 21’ 20” W.

Mr. Booth’s notes on the river are as follows:

“ Karluk River leaves Karluk Lake at its northwestextremity as a shallow stream,
about 130 feet wide, with a depth of about 1% inches at the summer stage, and flowing
between low banks, from which rise on the western side the range of mountains which
borders the lake. It soon leaves these, however, and wanders in a sinuous course,
full of sloughs and lagoons, across its wide valley. In its windings it frequently
attains a width of 600 feet, with a correspondingly diminished depth. It was a matter
of great difficulty to find a place deep enough to float a bidarka. As we traveled
farther down the river became narrower and the current more rapid, while places
were passed in which the water was 6 feet deep. Near the isolated mountain shown
on the chart the river cuts through a bed of ferruginous clay, which it has washed
out so as to make an 8-foot channel alternately along the eastern and western banks.
This clay bed is worthy of mention as being the only one found by us on the island.
After passing the mountain the rate of descent measurably increases. Here we
judged by the barometer that the river is about 200 feet above tide water at Uyak
Bay.

“The distance in a direct line from the point where Karluk River leaves the lake
to its mouth at Karluk we estimated at 163 miles.

“Yn the first 5 miles its slope is inappreciable except in the rapids a short distance
north of the lake, where in a distance of about 500 yards the river falls about 10 feet.
This would leave about 250 feet of descent in about 12 miles direct distance, giving
as the slope of the river valley about 20 feet to the mile.

‘‘As we did not travel along the river banks below the point where the barabara,
called Nicolai’s, is located at the portage to Uyak Bay, we could not determine the
length of the river channel, nor hence its average rate of descent. From the generally
winding character of the river I should place it at 10 feet to the mile.

“The Karluk appears to travel throughout the whole of its course along the bed
of an ancient glacial terminal river, whose successive levels of subsidence can be most
plainly seen on the sides of the mountains south of Karluk. Hence its bed and banks
are composed of irregularly sized, water-worn slate bowlders, surrounded by the fine
gravel of the same material, intermixed with sandstone and jasper.

“After leaving the lake it flows along this level valley, which varies from 1 to 3
miles in width, for a distance of about 6 miles. After this the valley, as far as we

16 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

could see, is full of low, rolling hills. At its mouth, and for about 5 miles from the
spit, its valley is narrow and closely hemmed in by the surrounding mountains.
Throughout its course, except in the level and marshy portion, it fows between bluffs
from 10 to 40 feet in height. In the lagoon, which was in former times its estuary,
these bluffs are as much as 80 feet high and slope steeply to the water’s edge.

«¢ There is no timber on the river, and it was only with great difficulty that the na-
tives of our party could find enough dry [shrubs] for cooking purposes at the portage
The low hills of the river valley are covered with tall grass and full of water holes
and pitfalls. The level portion of the valley is almost entirely a quaking bog, covered
with moss and occasional clumps of low shrubbery.”

The shrubs for the most part consist of willowsand alder, the willows reaching their
greatest size—in fact attaining the size of small trees—along the banks of the small
streams tributary to the Karluk. The alder forms dense thickets, which are almost
impassable. At higher elevations the alder predominates. The heath family is repre-
sented by several species, producing edible berries in great abundance. Cranberries of
small size abound in some of the bogs and extend to the tops of the hills at elevations
of nearly 2,000 feet. Some species of Rubus are very common, and especially &. chame-
morus, known on the island of Kadiak as the Maleena. These are edible species and
are eagerly sought after by the natives. Fire weed is one of the most characteristic
of the common plants of the region, its pink flowers forming masses of color which
contrast beautifully with the varied green ofthe shrubs and the monotonous straw-
color of the wild wheat. Crane’s bill and golden rod occur in profusion. Monk’s
hood, blue gentian, and violets are very common. Wild roses are even more abun-
dant than in our own vicinity. Wild celery and wild parsnips are everywhere to be
seen. In the river, in certain localities, there is a profuse growth ofeel grass. Sagit-
taria and yellow water lilies abound in some parts of the river. The collection of
plants, however, will be referred to in detail at another time.

“The surface of the numerous ponds {in the valley of the Karluk] is covered witha
peculiar iridescent film characteristic of petroleum. An examination of this region
would very probably reveal the existence of petroleum springs and possibly reser-
voirs. The prospect is certainly fair, for the strata of the whole region is evidently
colored with bituminous matter, especially the sandstones. Just such strata are
commonly found associated with beds of coal. Since my return I have made some
experiments upon the coals of Cook’s Inlet, which occur in strata exactly similar.”

The Karluk receives no large tributaries, but is augmented by the waters of innum-
erable small creeks from both sides of its valley. None of the tributaries seen by us
and reported by others who have traveled the entire length of the river exceed a
width of 6feet at the mouth. The canneries located on the spit obtain their water
supply by damming up small streams behind the native village of Karluk and con-
veying the water in iron pipes from the reservoirs thus formed to the buildings. As
these-pipes are carried on the top of the ground, they are taken up in the winter to
prevent freezing.

KARLUK LAKE.
(Plates XVIlI-Xx, and XXXVII.)

As already stated Karluk River rises in Karluk Lake. This lake is about 8 miles
long and has an average width of probably 2 miles. Its general direction is north
and south. The maximum depth of the lake is unknown. I tried a sounding, with 27

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. ANG

fathoms of line, about 500 yards from the shore, and found no bottom. The water
is blue. Along many portions of the shore the lake is very shoal for a considerable
distance from land. In other places there is deep water close to the margin. The
shores are composed of bowlders of various sizes, consisting of granite and other
rocks. Sand beaches are entirely absent as far as our observations extended. No
aquatic plants were observed around the margin of the lake. The shores are covered
with a greasy deposit, doubtless composed of decayed animal matter, and in the very
shoal water in many places there is a dense growth of dirty looking conferve. There
is a luxuriant growth of grass throughout the basin of Karluk lake, extending often
to the tops of the mountains. Willows exist here as good-sized shrubs, and in some
places as small trees. The low grounds in many portions of the basin are covered
with cottonwood trees, some of which attain to a height of 60 feet and a trunk diame-
ter of 18 inches.

Conspicuous among the fruit-bearing plants is a species of elderberry, Sambucus,
bearing brilliant red berries, which form part of the food of the bear. In the cotton-
woods are numerous families of the American eagle, and the shores of the lake har-
bor many species of birds, among which are gulls and terns, plovers and magpies.
Ducks and loons are found on the lake. At about the middle of its length Karluk
Lake divides into two arms; one, extending tothe eastward, is referred to in this re-
port and on Mr. Booth’s charts as the east arm; the other follows the general direc-
tion of the lake and is very much longer than the east arm. ‘Three small islands are
situated near the junction of the east and west arms. Karluk Lake receives the waters
of numerous small streams, in which salmon and trout are found whenever they are
not prevented from entering them by the abruptness of the ascent. Hach of the arms
of Karluk Lake is connected by a short, rapid, and crooked river with smaller tributary
lakes. The lake tributary to the east arm is about four-fifths of a mile in length, and
the one connecting with the west arm is about 14 miles long. In the small tributaries
of Karluk Lake the rivers connecting its arms with their tributary lakes, and at
various places around the shores of the principal lake—particularly at its southern
end, between the mouths of rivers—we found nests of the red salmon. Karluk Lake
is surrounded on all sides, except the north, by low mountains, some of the elevations
of which exceed 2,000 feet.

During our stay, from the 18th to the 21st of August, the lowest temperature of
the water of the lake was 483°; this was at 4.30 a.m. The highest recorded temper-
ature of the water was 55°, at 9.30 a. m., August 20. The highest temperature of the
air was observed at 10.20 a.m., August 20, when it was 77°, and the lowest temper-
ature during our visit occurred at 4.30 a. m., August 21, when it dropped to 304°,
ice being formed at our camp. Although the air was intensely cold, the surface
water of the lake registered 485°. The small rivers connecting Karluk Lake with its
tributary lakes contain no obstructions to the passage of the salmon. These lakes
freeze over in winter and the natives travel over them to attend to their traps. They
claim that they can obtain salmon at any time during the winter through the ice.

The mouth of Karluk River is out of all proportion to the importance of the indus-
try located near it. Its width at low water is less than 100 feet, and its depth is so
slight that steam-launches drawing only 34 or 4 feet often find it impossible to enter.
It flows parallel to the direction of the beach, almost the entire length of the spit,
belore it passes into the sea. When it turns to the eastward it widens out into a shal-
low lagoon nearly 2 miles long and about a half mile wide. Beyond this lagoou it

H. Mis. 211 2

18 OF ALASKA.

SALMON FISHERIES

contracts within its shallow narrow limits and flows over a long series of rapids. The
tide rises in the river from 3 to 5 feet, and its influence is felt throughout the lagoon.
The fresh water begins practically at the rapids, about 25 miles from the bay. During
the time of our stay the water was so clear that salmon and trout could be seen on the
bottom. During freshets, of course, large quantities of soil are brought down, making
the water turbid, and numerous plants are rooted up and floated to sea by the current.
The temperature of the water at Karluk and other localities, as recorded by Mr. Stone,
varied as follows:

1889. Karluk Bay. Karlak | ir, | State of sky.
August 4: ° ° Co)
Bs WMacaccdgooanpsoosboounsonbboonaacooseaataus 52 Tide coming in ..--.-.... poposSee 53 52.5 | Cloudy.
August 5:
1) Bb WsacocennosseHSSD00CCLOO SaooaowSobesoa sans b2e Didelcoinpiouteee.-eiecseen eae 52.5 52 Cloudy.
12 OOM sscnadssectode icoosn ceesescsasssosedosaas GY} seacheenscos s2oseconsoeddomendasse 55. 5 57
@im, WMetsoao deco se assEecsesocassosscScscogednoas OZ ELC elCOMINP Nise er meee ee are 52 53
August 6:
Tide Meeoe saemeres sere (ecnme cine sere ee eee le clelseer Die lidercomiun guiness e eee eee eee 53 51 Sunshine. *
1D) TOGA, scouts snobosrsocKrcosascdossuSsaSscese0 PBy Se cbso Asoapeenagtcaboacasaseessese 59 59
O10) To coz sn500s Jogonccoos obSo Saas aSosOsseobE Fe GBh 8) so575 sossedosossesoossoesogsese28 54 59
August 7:
WiaN MN sracee sonay ae sin sien Sa cicetemea oe seers ae 5 SNearlyalowabideres=s=e n= eeeereae 55 55 Sunshine,
GL Fy GUI NDS oopooocacisodsosooeos 56. 5 60 Do.
Saw elidele bb eases eee ener eens 58.5 62 Do.
ByIGSs WO GOS —oemcosecmeseseccns Hoa 53 Sunshine. *
RR Osta iG Gacsaas cocosoceatoooses 56 60 Do.
55) bow tidoben. peeeeeetsee reser 60 62 Do.
HL Eb 0 eco eaoooer eobSoU Popp EcooseSceonaEebesoes 5G De VeLy low tld e=e=- ss) eee 55 54
ID WOON, ssasosos sscoopeccodssussombesccoocccass Bi) JENIN Ssscasa ceccemeocees ee 55 58
ids iW sassgoedeoscosca paccsosS Sd edsoetoneasees 560 Wows bid paces ae eee 60 60
August 10:
Uf Bo Wecnooadencss osoatadococsnsaccnoosonscemsoe SIS Wieryalow tide reer seen eee 57 54
WPA NWOON sed so asec onensoneconnosessscoussesana Sa ee VE Chatid @eee tease eee 54 54
OTDM secs nascsonocosedonboconcocdeeesoosessoces GA OY sa56 escsoSscossasocecess 56 53.5
53 62
53.5 62
55. 5 60
54,5 54
57 60
57.5 66
54 52
57.5 66
Oi stcoopodonnonoUDCasadcanScSLescnececeocod|) BIL TBIAIE END ccace ooesatescseconess 53.5 56
August 14:
Uf Bs WN sasapoocosbo sennedenibgcHecnonensedasousecs BGG Woy 7 Caacode scoondadescoceeeen 53.5 by]
TPP) Wo sasoqecoaEnassnceseauscanesoS al) GEM Sodecos CoSned cadoce tontnonchascas 54 54
@ 10> WN A500 pagsnoSoCODd Hoes baton sesaoosesene BPA DEEN? CY Nacenad coacoasscocucsoues 56 51.5
August 15;
Uf By Dna scecccasdedondsoceqgocue coamoawenTes5ess OL al iebDiee sere eeee eee ereee 52.5 52

*These temperatures were taken on the beach. The air has been very warm this forenoon, and partly accounts for the

high temperature of bay.

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 19

Karluk Lake. Water. Air. Remarks.

= s 2 | ue
fo} io}
August 18:
0) Warne ged scosse cncacsosicocr soseatiosanss eSecio= BD! eepaoseete
SP Ts soe ncegibe soectode mone cosscocsececsoecp ses Me) |loosseosses
August 19:
0 dp Gb. sree eeoenriodosctorsdoeemoctencScoceooe seine 50 47 |
2 Ds Th noe GtROGU: CORE ABORCOUS HEBER ERE ACRE a aBECeee saae cats a 55 Cloudy.
PPh ilo cesocgasood Sesackeos Sg SeR pesSee REC eS Corso 54.5 53
August 20:
J 252, TD EO RG) a eee pes il iene cee ree 36.5
YOR) Os WD soso ooeegeSseeesenoe saedeecbo! Goesceacsa 55 65
AU D2, Rs ce dd Sensoasoasoesed CHbeesacosdsossesed messcrieroe 77 The hottest yet on the island. A beautiful
bright, warm, sunshiny day. At 5 a.m. Mr.
Lewis found the temperature to be 35.5°.
August 21:
ao 30) 2), TD. SSG badese see sec osees sree spent ee eeenoE 48.5 30.5 | A beautiful, faultless morning.
August = 2 (Barabara on Karluk River) :
03 0) oo-scscee coScasttedaoc She sdSseessShesuesse 48.5 50.5

The foregoing temperatures were taken with thermometer 6801, which was left here by Mr. Stone. The temperatures
which follow were taken with thermometer 6802.

August 27,6 p. m., Karluk Bay, 52°; Karluk River, 53.5°; air, 56°; fair. August 28, 7a. m.,
Karluk Bay, 50°; Karluk River, 51.5°; air, 53°; cloudy; 12 noon, Karluk Bay, 51°; Karluk River,
51°; air, 54°; cloudy; 6 p.m., Karluk Bay, 50.5; Karluk River, 50.5°; clondy. August 29,7 a. m.,
Karluk Bay, 50.5°; Karluk River, 48°; air, 52°; fair. August 30, Afognak, very stormy and windy ;
6 p.n., bay 49.59; air, 49.5°. August 31, Afognak, rain-storm; 7 a. m., bay, 54.5°; 12 noon, bay, 49.5°;
air, 52°; 6p. m., bay 49.5°; 8 p. m., air, 47.°. September 1, Afognak, clear; 7 a. m., bay, 47.5°3 air,
47.5°; noon, bay,56°, air, 60°; 6p. m., bay, 51.59, air, 53°. Litnik River, 10a. m., bay, 47.5°; village,
49.5° ; dam, 50°; clear. September 2, Afognak, 7a. m., bay, 49.5°; air, 47°; clear; noon, bay, 53°;
air, 58°; cloudy; 6p. m., bay, 52°; air, 53°; cloudy. September 3, Uyak Bay, on steamer Aleut, 6 p.
m., air, 47.5°; rainy; 9p. m., air, 45°; rainy. September 4, Uyak Bay, on steamer Aleut, 7 a. m., air,
46°; fair; noon, air, 51°; fair; 6 p. m., air, 50°; fair. September 5, 7 a, m., Karluk Bay, 47°; Kar-
luk River, 46°; air, 43°.

Annual rain-fall at St. Paul, Kadiak.

Inches.

SB Wee mee ea ath eet arte tomy e het saan Pee St Sh ae Sete ieaenh sae 65. 70
TED Lecce ep colene eS BUSS OSE Od HOCSEIROnO DESH HSE Sos Orne Aree ees 54, 25
Isle)! SoS ao g dade sBaa HOS CCE AS COS FONC GSH etc aU CoC UaE OSC Heer me 61. 06
ASS Bee oe oot ates ats eines Seis pete oe oa sicinien alae screeitim ctieislens vice Sisie od as 64. 96
245. 97

AV CLARO nants uete isin cerctojerste epee ni ete cine Gein asia sens fe me sos 61. 49

In December and January the rain-fall is usually greatest. In September it is
pretty heavy. Snow comes down on the west side of the mountains in summer to within
about 500 feet of the sea-level.

During the time of our stay at Karluk there were no obstructions, either natural
or artificial, to the ascent of the salmon in the river, unless we may regard the low
summer stage of the water in such a light. There were remains of some traps of
wire netting which had been placed in the river by certain parties, but these traps
did not remain long in the water before they were destroyed by some of the fisher-
men. In former years there have been impassable barriers to the ascent of the fish,
but these were removed before the date of our exploration. It is certain that the

20 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

seining operations, carried on almost without interruption, except during twenty-four
hours in the week, prevent many salmon from going up the stream for the purpose of
spawning. The number of salmon actually caught in Karluk Bay, near the river
mouth and in the lower portion of the river, is so large as to make a true statement
concerning them seem incredible. In 1888 the canneries put up over 200,000 cases,
averaging about 13 red salmon to the case, or more than 2,500,000 fish. In 1889
the number of fish put up was still larger, reaching probably 250,000 cases, containing
more than 3,000,000 salmon. As the number of fish arriving at Karluk Bay for along
period of years has been known to be far greater than in any of the other bays of
southern Alaska, it is probable that most of these salmon were present at Karluk for
the parpose of ascending the river to spawn. Now the number of spawning fish seen
in the river, the lakes, and their connecting rivers was comparatively very small,
indeed out of all proportion to the number taken on the beach.

We were told by persons who have spent a number of years at Karluk that in
former years the great catch of salmon was made in the river, and that at a certain
time in the spring myriads of young salmon filled the river on their way down to the
sea. In my opinion this river will soon cease to show such a state of productiveness,
if indeed it has not already done so, and we must conclude that the most formidable
obstruction at present to the ascent of salmon in the Karluk for the purpose of repro-
duction is overfishing. |

The river freezes over in winter with such solidity that the natives travel along
its course all the way to Karluk Lake on the ice. As the water is very shoal in many
places, it must necessarily freeze to the bottom in such localities, The natives told us,
however, that salmon may be taken any time during the winter under the ice in deep
holes in the river, as well as in Karluk Lake. Karluk River does not thaw out until
late in the spring.

The relations of the rivers to one another could not be determined in the short
space of time at our disposal.

The temperature of the air was recorded by Mr. Stone, and a table showing the
results of his thermometer readings is given elsewhere.

There is no doubt that the salmon are affected in their movements by the condition
of the weather, but observations upon this subject have been so fragmentary that no
principles as yet can be deduced from them. For some reason unknown to us the
salmon were late in making their appearance at Karluk in 1889. Up to the first of
August the outlook for the fishermen was very discouraging, but during the month of
August the arrivals of fish were numerous and the schoois very large.

Photographs were taken to show the relations of the seining beach to the lower
course of the river, and especially the spit with the buildings located upon it, the
nature of the banks and adjacent mountain slopes near its mouth, and also a series
of Karlak Lake and its tributaries.

ALITAK BAY AND OLGA BAY.
(Plates XXVII-xXxxI and XXXIX-XL.)

The outlines of this large and irregularly shaped body of water as laid down upon
the chart furnished for our guidance differ greatly from those represented upon the
running chart of Capt. L. P. Larsen, which Mr. Booth was allowed to copy for the use ©

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 21

of the U. S. Fish Commission. About 10 miles to the northward of Cape Alitak the
bay contracts abruptly, and continues narrowing to the north for a distance of about
7 miles, when it expands again into a great bay fully 15 miles in length, composed of
two enlarged ends connected by a narrower intervening body. This upper portion has
been called Olga Bay, and it is the body of water in which ye are most interested at
present, because some of its tributaries furnish all of the red salmon now shipped from
Alitak Bay. The general direction of Olga Bay is nearly northeast and southwest.

The chief salmon river or creek falling into Olga Bay is “at the outlet of the
second chain of lakes into the upper portion of Olga Bay, a point only about 24 miles
from the southwestern shore of the island, Olga Bay itself being separated from the
ocean only by a narrow neck of warshy land about three-fourths of a mile across.”

“At this river the Arctic Packing Company’s cannery is located. The detour
required to reach it by steamer is upwards of 30 miles longer than it would be if Olga
Bay were connected with the ocean at its western end.”—(F’. BooTH).

The width of this stream at the time of our visit, September 8, was scarcely more
than 10 feet near its mouth, and the depth of the water was 8 inches. The river
is plotted by Captain Larsen as 1 mile in length. At its head is a chain of two large
deep lakes, 4 miles long. At the river mouth the bottom is lined with coarse pebbles
similar in size to those composing the adjacent beach. The exit of this stream is often
changed by storms. Young salmon, about 2 inches in length, were plentiful here.
The fishing is done with sweep seines in the bay near the river mouth and was about’
closed September 8. Red salmon is the principal species, but a few silver salmon run
into it also.

On the shore of Olga Bay opposite the cannery of the Arctic Packing Company
there is a small fishing station operated by the Kodiak Packing Company, and known
as the White Star Fishing Station. Red salmon and silver salmon are found there.

At the northeastern end of Olga Bay there is a fishing station used by the Kodiak
Packing Company and called by them the North Fishing Station. This locality was
seen September 9 by Mr. Booth, who describes it in the following words:

“The river at the North Fishing Station spreads out at its mouth into two shallow
lagoons, which once formed estuaries for a large river inthe present bed. These lagoons
are separated from the bay by a long, narrow spit of slate gravel, overgrown with
rank grass, through which the river, or rather creek, has an outlet about 30 feet wide
and 12 inches deep. This creek takes the drainage from a narrow valley running
north amongst a series of very barren, snow-covered mountains. The shores of the
lagoons are covered with occasional patches of alder, thicker on the western than on
the eastern side. The lagoons themselves are each about 500 yards long and 300 yards
wide, and at low water must be almost dry. The company had ceased fishing there
at the date of my visit, so we staid but a short time, not sufficient to allow me to
attempt any extended reconnaissance.”

In the vicinity of the North Fishing Station there is a small belt of timber, con-
sisting chiefly of alder and cottonwood. Iwas informed that 30 cords of wood suitable
for fuel were cut during the fishing season at this locality. Not far away from this
station to the westward is a region which is noted for the number of its bears.

The waters of Olga Bay and Alitak Bay at the time of our excursion were teem-
ing with jeily fishes, and in Alitak Bay I observed anumber of small whales. The nar-
nows connecting Alitak Bay with Olga Bay receives many small streams on both sides,

AY SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

and several native villages are located at the mouths of these streams. Numerous
humpback salmon are found in all of them. At and near the Kodiak Packing Com-
pany’s cannery, in Snug Harbor, two small creeks fall into the bay, both of which
were full of spawning humpback salmon.

The following subjects were photographed in Alitak Bay:

The Kodiak Packing Company’s cannery and the fleet in the harbor; Alitak Nar-
rows from Snug Harbor and from the north end; the entrance to Olga Bay and the
mountains of Olga Bay; the Salmon River near the Arctic Packing Company’s can-
nery ;,a salmon creek ; a group of natives ; and a view looking out of Snug Harbor.

UYAK BAY.
(Plates XXV-XXVI and XXXVIII.)

Although a large and beautiful body of water, affording some fine harbors for the
vessels of the salmon fleet, to which they run for shelter from the severe storms that
drive them away from the open roadstead of Karluk, Uyak Bay has no streams con-
taining salmon which are at present commercially valuable except humpbacks. A
cannery belonging to the Arctic Packing Company is located in a cove forming part of
the west arm of this bay. Its supply of fish, however, is obtained from Karluk, 173
mniles distant. Numerous streams of small size empty into the bay from the surround-
ing mountains. Some of these make their exit into Uyak Bay over an elevation which
prevents the salmon from entering their mouths, but there are many streams abounding
in humpback salmon, which in the middle of August were spawning or spent. Certain
portions of the shores are suitable for seining, other portions are made up of bowlders
and sharp stones, many of them incrusted with barnacles, which make it difficult to
haul the seine. Alder, cottonwood, and several species of willows are found on these
shores, and particularly around the portion called Larsen’s Bay or Cove.

Flowering plants and ferns occur also in great profusion.

Around the wharves of the Arctic Packing Company cod, tomcod, herring, and
other fishes were very abundant, attracted by the refuse from the salmon splitting-
tables.

Across the mountain from the Arctic Packing Company’s cannery, a lake is found
which is full of fish, probably Dolly Varden Trout, according to the testimony of Mr.
Holmes.

One of the most famous of the Humpback Salmon streams of this bay is the

one known as Alexander’s Creek, upon which Mr. Booth has made the following
notes:

“Directly south of and opposite to the Arctic Packing Company’s cannery, in Lar-
sen’s Cove, Uyak Bay, is a small creek which at the time of our visit was said to con-
tain more gorbuscha than any other known salmon stream in Alaska. This creek is a
very short and narrow stream, rising in the high hills on the southern side of the bay
and plunging down for about a mile over a very steep slate bed until it reaches the
low land on the shores, where it widens out to about 25 feet wide, about a hundred
yards from the beach. There was barely enough water to allow the gorbuscha to
swim, especially at low tide, when, owing to the very gradually sloping beach and
great rise and fall of the tides, the creek separates into several channels. At low
tide the sea recedes about 300 yards. Its average rise and fall is about 18 feet.

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 23

“Several other small creeks empty into Larsen’s Bay on its northern side, but
owing to the high black slate bluffs which almost everywhere line the shore, no fish
ean enter them.”

Near the Arctic Packing Company’s cannery, at Larsen’s Bay, Mr. Booth describes
“a large tract which apparently consists wholly of peat to a considerable depth.
Above it is a small pond from which the cannery draws a portion of its water supply,
the other portion being taken from springs which rise through the peat bog. At one
of these springs an excavation six feet in depth did not reach the bottom of the peat
deposit. Such deposits exist alsoin many places in the Karluk River Valley and
probably in the Sturgeon River Valley and others of similar topographical features.
They may be a valuable source of fuel supply in the future if suitable means for dry-
ing the peat could be devised. As yet no attempt has been made to utilize them nor
has any of this peat been experimented with so far as my information goes.”

Photographs were made of the salmon fleet anchored in Uyak Bay during a south-
west gale, of the harbor near the mouth of this bay looking across Shelikotf Strait and
also to the northeast, besides Larsen’s Bay, including the canning establishment of
the Arctic Packing Company.

AFOGNAK BAY.

(Plates XxxIVv and XLI.)

After having completed preparations for a trip to Afognak Island, to make col-
lections and photographs and continue our study of the salmon, Mr. Lewis and I were
poisoned by a plant which we supposed to be wild celery and had to remain at Karluk.
Mr. Booth and Mr. Stone accordingly made the excursion and investigated the phys-
ical characteristics of Afognak Bay, lake, and river, and the possibilities of conducting
a salmon-hatching establishment in that region. Mr. Booth’s account is given below.
Mr. Stone’s report will be referred to elsewhere :

“The interior of Afognak Island is, from the best accounts, made up of flat marshy
valleys separated by mountain chains from 1,500 to 2,000 feet high. These valleys
contain many lakes, which connect by means of short rivers and shallow estuaries
with deep narrow inlets leading to the open sea. The most important of these is the
Afognak River, and in Afognak Bay, the inlet at the mouth of its estuary, are situated
the canneries of the Royal and Russian American Packing Companies. This river is
but short, its total length measured from the point where it leaves the lake to the
upper end of Afognak Bay being not more than three miles.

“ As the whole of Afognak Lake can be seen from the source of the river, and our
time was limited, it was not explored. Its extreme length does not exceed 3 miles,
and its greatest w:dth is about three-fourths of a mile. The general configuration is
shown on the accompanying chart. It derives its water supply from small streams
coming directly down from the surrounding hills and creeks, which drain two wide
valleys to the northward. The lake seems to be surrounded by a thick fringe of
spruce woods, except at its extreme north end, which is grass-covered, with here and
there clumps of alder. Where the river leaves the lake it is about 130 feet wide, but
narrows down to 70 feet in width in the course of 100 yards, and after going about
one-third of a mile narrows still more, being there not more than 40 feet wide. Thus
far it keeps an almost straight course, so much so as to remind one of a canal. From

24 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

here on it winds about in long curves until it reaches a water-fall about 2 miles below
the lake. Here the river crosses either a dike or a bed of very hard sandstone (the
rock is much decomposed so that it is hard to tell its original character) falling about
20 feet in a series of cascades about 70 feet long.

“From the ‘waterfall’ the river flows on for about 100 yards at a much steeper
grade than at any point above the falls, until it reaches an old Russian timber capor
about 6 feet in height, over and through which it falls, to continue 500 yards further in
its steep channel until it reaches tide level and spreads out over its wide and shallow
estuary. This estuary ranges from 100 to 400 feet in width, and at low tide is almost
bare. Its length is about five-eighths of a mile. Near its mouth the river has again
cut through a bed of hard rock, and the channel is narrowed down to about 50 feet
and scoured out chiefly by tidal action to a depth of about 4 feet. Another ledge, ap-
parently not so hard as the last-mentioned one, crops out about one-fourth of a mile
below the zapor. In the upper end of Afognak Bay, around the mouth of the estuary,
the bottom is covered with an exceedingly rank growth of the narrow flat-leaved eel
grass; so thick is the growth of this grass that it is very difficult to push a boat even
in 3 feet of water if the tide is low.

“At the time of our visit, in the latter days of August, the stage of the water in
the river was exceedingly low. In the river proper there was no part of the channel
where more than 18 inches of water covered the bed, and 12 inches would be fully the
average depth, while places were found where the water was not more than 4 inches
deep. Yet the river was well filled with gorbuscha. The bottom of the river is made
up of material greatly similar to that in the bed of the Karluk River, slate, jasper and
quartz gravel predominating, interspersed with bowlders similarly composed of all con-
ceivable sizes and shapes. The cross-section of the bed is uniformly level, but filled
with holes the bottoms of which were composed of gravel about egg-size usually, but
sometimes contained stones of 3 or 4 pounds weight. The gorbuscha were thickest in
the neighborhood of these holes, but on examining the holes we found very few eggs
under the gravel. Scarcely any finely divided slate was found in the river bed,
although the banks were largely made up of this material. Although the river was
so shallow at the time of our visit, Mr. Stokes, of the Russian American Packing Com-
pany, told us that in March last he was unable on account of the depth of the water
to wade it in a pair of high rubber boots. This would make its depth over 3 feet.

‘‘The river flows for almost its whole length through a valley, about 2 miles wide
near the lake, gradually narrowing to about one-half mile at the head of Afognak Bay.
This valley is filled with low mound-like: hills, covered with a thick growth of the
spruce peculiar to this portion of Alaska. Between these hills are gullies with small
streams, almost completely hidden by the dense growth of sphagnum winding about in
them. These woods are usually well supplied with salmon berries, blueberries, and
huckleberries, so much so as to be noted for this throughout Alaska. The shores of
the river are either flat or gently sloping, being composed of finely-divided slate gravel,
which does not admit of very steep banks. Without doubt the present river valley,
in common with that of the Karluk ana other rivers of this region, was the channel
of an ancient glacier, the traces of which are masked under the present abundant
growth of bushes and tall grass, leaving nothing but the general configuration of the
country to betray their former existence. Near the bay the shores of the estuary
assume the form of low blufts, similar to those at Karluk, but not so high. The

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 25

mountains immediately surrounding the lake are more rounded in outline than those
surrounding Karluk Lake, and at the time we saw them showed no snow-caps, although
the mountains separating the two valleys at the northern end of the lake still carried
snow on their summits. As near as we could judge, they were about the same in
height as the Karluk Lake range—from 1,500 to 2,000 feet.

“The grade of the river above the falls is very slight—not more than 7 or 8 feet
to the mile. From the falls to tide-water the grade is much steeper, there being a
difference of elevation, including the fall, of about 40 feet between the river above the
falls and high-tide level in the estuary, which is at a distance of about 600 yards below
the falls. The difference of elevation of the upper and lower ends of the estuary,
calling the lower end of the estuary the head of Afognak Bay, is about 14 feet, that
being the average rise and fall of the tide, which generally ebbs to the upper end of
the bay, leaving the estuary almost bare. Great numbers of salmon are thus stranded
and many die before the next tide rescues them.

“The Afognak River has two tributaries, both of which enter the main stream
below the falls, in the position shown on the chart. Owing to the lack of time we did
not trace them to their sources. Where they join the river they were from 15 to 20 feet
wide and from 12 to 18 inches deep, with a current of about 2 miles per hour. Their
shores, surroundings, and rate of descent are similar to those of the main river. At
the time of our visit gorbuscha were running up them in great numbers.

“In the upper part of Afognak Bay, near the mouth of the estuary, are a number
of small, low islands, the largest of which is the highest, its southern end rising in a
high slate bluff 70 feet above high water. The slate here, as on the main island of
Afognak, dips northwest at an angle of 20 degrees. This island, like the opposite
shores on both sides of the bay, is covered with the peculiar species of spruce before
mentioned. The strata of the bay shores attract attention by their sharply upturned
edges, which cut the boot when walking over them. They consist of highly inclined
bituminous shales and sandstones, interstratified with thin beds of yellow sandstone,
which are apparently devoid of bituminous matter.

“Across the bay from the canneries in a northerly direction is a small cove run-
ning northwesterly about 700 yards. It forms a good anchorage, and is frequently so
‘used. At its extreme end it receives the waters of a small creek, which emerges from
the forest with a width of about 20 feet and a depth of 12 inches. Near its mouth it,
like the main river and its tributaries, cuts through a bed of hard rock, which gives it
a sharp turn. This bed may possibly be a continuation of that cut by the river.

“As regards obstructions, the zapor, and fall, a sketch of the latter being appended,
form the only important ones. The zapor is formed like an ordinary timber dam on
its inside face. Its foundation consists of rough logs built crib fashion, on the top tier
of which rests the spiling, formed of split spruce logs about 10 feet long, set at an in-
clination of about 30 degrees from perpendicular. This forms the inside wall of the
dam, against which is piled gravel to stop up all holes. In its center is an inclined
sluice about 3 feet square, opening upwards from the down-stream side, up which
the fish run into the trap, a tank made of cribbed logs, about 6 feet square in interior
dimensions. Here the fish are speared by the natives. This zapor is now going to
ruin, many gaps existing in the spiling, which render the trap ineffectual. The fall,
however, prevents many fish from ascending the river, as the series of cascades is dif-
ficult for them to surmount, owing to the shallow, rocky bed at their termination. If

26 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

desired it would be an easy matter to construct a fish-iadder here, and obviate the
difficulty completely.

“The river and creeks freeze over in winter, but we have no information as to
whether the bay itself freezes or not. The silver salmon had just commenced running
at the time of our visit. At the upper end of the bay, and along the east bank of the
estuary, is an Aleut village of about 40 barabaras, called in the native language
Litnik (meaning summer residence.) The natives are attracted here by the facilities
for obtaining an abundant supply of salmon and berries for winter use. At the time
of our visit nearly all of the barabaras were occupied.”

The following temperatures were observed by Mr. Stone at Afognak :

Date. Time. Bay. | Air. Weather.
fo) fe)

INNGSBW sorosa cdoonocnensebsensd ones cosssnoanSocecsospascasnbs OWMessa0 Sac 49.5 49.5 | Very stormy and windy.
AUB 81 << cece cence nme een e nce n en en === ssaconsasecs9 ecco U Gp Wo nosaccne BU |laaaoeco: Rain-storm.

JOY) posondaascbedde spoaca sco pease Eeaecdcopacncmsosaccacns 12 noon ..- 49.5 52

10X) sees anbboes Adcnr oes godSoaconosDSSESSesossoeentosos to. @ Th Mssse00c0¢ CONG) ||socasaae

IDM epecascA bes sdeoosmassnooToonmanOSdodomanonoseadsoR0DCmN | Sith Wl oso ssecjlocssas= 47
Side We dossacdooaas seat snennanseooonODbas sasotobecesocoscONe: Ul Bb TNscooa Ses 47.5 47.5 | Clear.

IDO) 5 -Sacno sonaos cdeabunosOcdomodonOSodocaDedeSoo soSs00000¢ 12 noon ....... 56 60

IO Was cotaccien cco sdobko Sn daeoooporopsneescosSmIbeSRoceos nas BOTA. scones 51.5 53
SEY ecpadosoppaarsopans soDodoUoDDdosoUDSaaBoDSoTeqda—oRO: (Bp cose cten 49.5 47 Do.

We goncadsesoncone sone basens caanaasobSOODSSDSaosonccObad TP WCOM soasse 53 58 Cloudy.

IDX) 5 sone on gasoon 40 ag osedonbodood soaDOIHSDAGHORONGoDSSONNSH Uf ]Dp es monte 52 53 Do.

Mr. Stone’s record at Litnik River, September 1, follows:

Date. Time. rate | Village. | River | Weather.
— - —
REN ip Mee sodbe sadacosccocd cnObdd SdSSS4 deodoodoadooScocgaaSSsSScesa00 10a.m .- 47.5° | 49. 5° 50° | Clear.

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SALMON.

In Alaska the salmon family includes numerous species, most of which are repre
sented by vast numbers of individuals. The sea teems with salmon, trout, and smeit,
and the rivers and lakes are full of whitefish, grayling and inconnu.

The largest salmon of the world are credited to this Territory, and there is no
doubt that in Cook’s Inlet King Salmon weighing over 100 pounds are occasionally
taken, but this is far above the average weight of the species. The most abundant
salmon in Alaska are the Red Salmon and the Little Humpback, and it is these species
which figure in the wonderful tales concerning rivers which contain more fish than
water, tales which sound incredible to those who lave never visited Alaska, but which,
however, in many cases are strictly true.

The salmon have been traced as far. north as Hotham Inlet and one species is
found well to the eastward of Point Barrow. It is quite probable that this species,
the Little Humpback, extends its migration to the Mackenzie.

There are five species of whitefish in Alaska, one of which reaches a weight of
over 30 pounds. This whitefish bas formerly been confounded with the common one
of the Great Lakes. It is the species known as Kennicott’s whitefish, now proved
to be identical with Richardson’s.

The round whitefish, or the shad waiter of New England and the upper Great
Lakes, extends through the Northwest Territory, and other parts of British Columbia,
into Alaska, where it ranges far to the northward. Specimens have been obtained
in the Putnam or Kuwuk River, a tributary of Hotham Inlet. This is a small fish,
seldom exceeding 2 pounds in weight, but it is valuable as food and very abundant.
An excellent species found still farther north is the Coregonus laurettc, which has been
obtained from the Bristol Bay region to Point Barrow. This is a little larger than the
round whitefish but does not much exceed 3 pounds in weight. It resembles our so-
called lake herring. The other two species are less valuable than the three already
mentioned, but the natives use them as food in great numbers and feed their dogs upon
them, also.

A fish resembling the whitefish, but very much larger, more elongate, and with a
very strongly projecting lower jaw, whica has given origin to the name shovel-jawed
whitefish, is one of the best food-fishes of the Territory and grows very large. It is
said to reach a weight of 50 pounds and a length of 5 feet. This is the Inconnu of
the voyageurs or Nelma of the Russians. The Nelma is found in the Mackenzie and
its tributaries, in the Yukon, and the Kuwuk. Doubtless the species occurs also in
the Kuskoquim and the Nushagak.

The Grayling, or blanket fish, is very abundant in the Territory, especially north-
ward. Its range southward is not clearly known, but in the northern part of British
America and from the Yukon north to the Kuwuk it is very abundant.

20

28 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

The smelt of Alaska are large and very plentiful. They resemble our eastern smelt
in appearance. The range of the species is from the Bristol Bay region to Point Bar-
row, and they are most abundant from the early part of September until November.
They abound in sheltered bays and tide creeks.

Still another smelt occurs around the shores of the Gulf of Alaska, which is ident-
ical with one of the California species, and a very excellent food-fish.

The Capelin is found along all parts of the coast and is one of the most important
food species of the cod and salmon.

Eulachon are very common in the Gulf of Alaska, particularly at Katmai on the
peninsula of Alaska, where they have been salted and meet with ready sale.

The foregoing representatives of the salmon family have been reviewed simply to
call attention to the wealth of the Territory in superior food-fishes. Their commercial
importance up to the present time is small, but they will figure eventually and very
prominently among the resources of Alaska. There is no doubt that many of the
small marine species play a very important part in attracting the larger commercial
species of the salmon family to certain localities.

Before proceeding to an account of the salmon and trout it may be well to state
that the herring of Alaska is one of the finest species of its genus (Clupea), and is
universally known as one of the fishes upon which the salmon subsist. The herring
visits all parts of the coast of Alaska, running up into the bays in schools, sometimes
covering an area of many square miles. It comes into the shallow waters of the bays
to deposit its eggs, reaching Cook’s Inlet for this purpose early in July, so that its
appearance in force coincides with the height of the salmon runs. The capelin is also
found early in the summer, and we know that salmon are very eager in their pursuit
of this fish. The little sand launce, or lant, is also present in the bays in wriggling
masses at the period when salmon abound. ‘

The King Salmon (Oncorhynchus chowicha).
(Plate 1, fig. 1.)

The largest and finest of the Alaskan salmon is the King, or Chowichee, known
also as the Takou, Columbia River, Chinook, and Quinnat. This valuable fish occurs
in the large rivers as a rule, but we know that it runs into some of the small streams
also, notably the Karluk, and some of the rivers emptying into the eastern part of
Cook’s Inlet. The Yukon and the Nushagak are the greatest King Salmon rivers.
The species is found less abundantly in the Ugashik, Kuskoquim, and Kvichuk.

The King Salmon is the most favorably known of all the species; its average
weight is above 20 pounds, and individuals of 100 pounds or more are®ecorded. At
St. Paul, Kadiak, in 1880, Mr. Bb. G. McIntyre told me he had weighed one which
registered 875 pounds without its viscera; he believed the entire fish would have
weighed 100 pounds.

The flesh of the King Salmon is paler in color than that of the Red Salmon, but
superior to all others in flavor. The salted bellies are considered a great delicacy.
The principal uses of this fish are as fresh fish and for canning purposes. In Alaska
it has not yet acquired the importance belonging to it on the Columbia River, chiefly
because of the distance from San Francisco to the Alaskan King Salmon rivers, and
the difficulties of fishing in those waters.

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA, 29

This species is the first to arrive on the shores in the spring. It makes its ap-
pearance in southern Alaska in May, and Nelson found itin Norton Sound, the northern
limit of its known migration, early in June. The time of its coming into Norton
Sound corresponds with the breaking up and disappearance of the ice. Nelson
observed that “the largest of these salmon run during the few days just preceding
and following the breaking up of the ice, and thence on until the end of the season
_ they decrease gradually in size and quality.” In the Yukon the season lasts only
about a month. Capt. L. P. Larsen informed me that the King Salmon is the first to
appear in the Nushagak. Here the run is short, scarcely continuing into August.
At the Karluk the species arrives latein May. Very few were seined there during the
month of August. We saw stragglers on the 4th, 6th, and 27th of the month, and a
few spawning fish were in the upper part of the river August 21. On the 4th of
August a fine male of about 35 pounds, with the spermaries little developed, was
seined on the beach. In its stomach I found forty-five capelin. Mr. Charles Hirsch
states that the species is only an occasional visitor at Karluk.

The King Salmon continues to enter some of the rivers for the purpose of spawn-
ing until August. The height of the season, however, is reached by the middle of
July in most localities. This fish travels up the rivers farther than any other species
except the Red Salmon. In the Yukon it ascends far above Fort Yukon, more
than 1,500 miles from the mouth of the river. Dr. George M. Dawson records its
occurrence in the Lewes River as far as the lower end of Lake Marsh, where it was
found in considerable numbers early in September. According to Indian authority it
pushes on almost to the headwaters of the tributaries to the Lewes on the east side.

The King Salmon does not ascend rivers rapidly unless the spawning period is
close at hand. It generally plays around for a few days, or even a couple of weeks,
near the river limit of tide-water. After entering the fresh water to begin its journey
to the headwaters of the stream it moves rapidly until it finds suitable gravely
bottom in clear water. No food is taken in fresh water. When a barrier toits ascent
is met I am told that the fish charges at it repeatedly and persistently without regard to
the consequences to itself. The nest-building habits have been so often described that
it is unnecessary to repeat them here. The spawning takes place, as before remarked,
near the headwaters of streams in clear shallow rapids. As far as we can learn, only
those fish that ascend the streams short distances return to the ocean after spawning,
and September is the month in which the spent fish go down to the sea. Turner
mentions a female weighing 38 pounds, which bad spawned and returned to the sea
and was caught at Unalashka, September 25, 1878. This female was in fine condition
for eating.

There is no reason why the King Salmon should not return down the Karluk, as
the distance is very short and the fatigue of the journey up-stream is very slight. There
is ample testimony of a conclusive nature to the effect that after a King Salmon ascends
500 miles from the sea it never returns to it alive.

Mr. Charles Hirsch informed me that the Karluk natives watch for the King
Salmon in May, and set up a great shout as soon as they discover it. Like the other
species, it can be seen about 14 miles off shore in great schools, but before coming
nearer the schools break up. There is no salt-water fishery for this salmon in Alaska,
except along the beaches.

30 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

No falling off has been observed in the supply of the King Salmon; in fact the
number used is very small in comparison with that of the Red Salmon.

The only destruction of King Salmon known to me was incidental to the efforts to
prevent Red Salmon from ascending certain streams by an impassable fence, and this
no longer exists.

The Dog Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta).

(Plate 1, fig. 2.)

This is one of the least important of the Alaskan salmon to Americans, but one
of the most valuable to the natives. It is found chiefly in the small rivers and creeks,
and is usually very abundant in all parts of the Territory as far north as Hotham Inlet,
and probably Point Barrow. Its flesh is comparatively pale, and it deteriorates so
rapidly in fresh water as to prove very unattractive to white people. The jaws be-
come enlarged and distorted, and the flesh unpalatable.

In the rivers of California and British Columbia it is said to appear seldom or
never in the spring, but in Alaska it makes its appearance on the coast in great schools
about the middle of June and continues abundant for nearly a month, after which it
decreases rapidly in numbers, disappearing usually about the time of the forming of
the ice.

The average size of the Dog Salmon is about 12 pounds, but I have seen individuals
that would weigh 20 pounds. On the 30th of August, at Karluk, a haul of a large
seine yielaed forty Dog Salmon and only one Red Salmon. Early in July the tish-drying
frames of the natives on the shores of Cook’s Inlet are red with the flesh of the drying
Dog Salmon, or Hyko.

The natives cut off the head, split the fish in halves, and remove the back-bone,
allowing the two halves to remain fastened at the tail. The sides are gashed at short
intervals in order to facilitate the drying. The fur traders lay in a large stock of this
dried salmon, which is known to the trade as wkali. In the fresh-run condition the
flesh has a beautiful red color, resembling that of the Red Salmon, but not so brilliant.

In the small streams falling into Alitak Bay, with only a few exceptions, this
fish and the little Humpback are the principal salmon, and the natives dry them for
winter use in large quantities. The Sturgeon River, according to Mr. Charles Hirsch,
never contains anything but Dog Salmon and Humpbacks. In the Karluk the Dog
Salmon is only an occasional visitor. At St. Paul, Kadiak, Mr. Washburn says that
the Hyko arrives about July 1, and there is only one annual run.

Early in July the red color of the skin of the Hyko, or Dog Salmon, is somewhat
remarkable in being interrupted at intervals along the sides, causing a sort of resem-
blance to bands.

The Silver Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).
(Plate I, fig. 3.)

The Silver Salmon is considered an excellent fish in the Puget Sound region, but
is not so highly esteemed in the northern part of Alaska. It is used to some extent
for canning, but is far less important for this purpose than the Red Salmon. It |
reaches a weight of about 30 pounds; the average weight in Alaska is less than 15
pounds. This species in Alaska, as in the Puget Sound region, is a fall-running fish.
It does not ascend the streams to any great distance, and 1 have seen spent fish of

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. oil

this species coming down alive in the fall to within easy reach of salt water. Whether
the species actually leaves the fresh water after spawning is uncertain. There is a
conflict of observation on this subject.

Mr. John W. Clark, agent of the Alaska Commercial Company at Nushagak, a
man who is noted for his veracity and intelligence, states that he has seen Silver Sal-
mon come down the river alive in the spring. In some other Alaskan rivers Captain
Lansburg, superintendent of the Thin Point Cannery, has seen only black and lank
looking salmon of this species during the winter.

At Afognak the species arrived August 5, 1889, but there was no extensive run
until about the end of that month. A small Silver Salmon was seen at Karluk August
4, Thespecies was not abundant there, however, until early in September, when about
seven thousand were caught at one haul ofa seine. It was about this time that one
of Capt. L. P. Larsen’s men at Karluk hooked a very large Silver Salmon, probably
weighing over 30 pounds. This species is only an occasional visitor at Karluk. When
it runs there it generally begins about the last of August according to Mr. Charles
Hirsch. Mr. Washburn informed me that it arrives at St. Paul late in August or in
September, and that there isonly one annual run. A few fish of this species are found
in the small river in Olga Bay, near the cannery of the Arctic Packing Company. In
the river at Thin Point, a small and very shallow, but constant, stream, both Silver
and Red Salmon are found, the latter predominating. ‘The season closes here early in
September.

The Silver Salmon make their nests among the gravel and stones, from which
they clean all dirt and slime. They use their snouts in collecting material for the
nests, and Turner states that he has seen them with the snout worn off past the muzzle.
After the spawning season, and during their stay in fresh water, they continue to be
very much emaciated and in poor condition generally.

No decrease has been observed in the supply of this salmon as far as we are
informed. Its late arrival in most localities limits the season during which it can
be caught, and this:serves as a sort of protection for the species.

The Humpback Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha).
(Plate 11, figs. 4 and 5.)

This is the smallest, the most abundant, and the most widely distributed of the
Alaskan salmon. Its average weight is about 5 pounds, and individuals weighing 10
pounds are very uncommon.

The Humpback may be recognized readily by its excessively small scales, and, in
the breeding season, by its greatly distorted jaws and enormous hump. ‘This species
is found in all parts of the Territory. Its range is known to extend several hundred
miles to the eastward of Point Barrow, and probably includes the Mackenzie. Speak-
ing of their extraordinary abundance, Turner has aptly remarked that ‘“ they appear
at the surface of the water like the pin-drops of an April shower.”

Mr. Charles Hirsch informed me recently that from about the 6th of July, 1880,
there was in the Karluk River, continuing for five weeks, a glut of Humpback Salmon
which kept all other salmon out of the river. It was impossible to pull a boat across
the stream owing to the great quantities of salmon. A haul was made with a 15-
fathom seine at 6 a. m. and the men were dressing fish from that one haul until 6 p.m.

32 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

About 140 barrels were dressed. These were loaded in bulk into a small schooner,
and then the men were occupied three hours in clearing the seine, in which the
remaining salmon were about 4 feet deep.

The Humpback Salmon arrives at St. Paul, Kadiak, about the 10th of July, and
there 1s only one run a year. From the statement of Mr. Hirsch, above referred to,
it will be seen that it makes its appearance on the western side of the island at about
the same time. Mr. Turner records the date of arrival at St. Michael’s as about the
25th of July, and the period of running about five weeks. Nelson’s earliest speci-
mens were taken at St. Michael’s July 24. He states that the species is rather
numerous until the end of July, with more or less common stragglers until late in the
fall. Wefound Humpbacks in good conditien in Plover Bay, Siberia, avout the middle
of August.

The species continues to enter the rivers usually for a period of about five weeks,
but it is not regular in its appearance. The enormous run in the Karluk, mentioned
above, was exceptional, for the fish seldom enters that river. In the Yukon, during
some years, according to Mr. Nelson, only a few are taken, and at other times they
are present in such excessive numbers in the lower part of the river that the fish-traps
must be emptied several times a day.

This salmon is much addicted to jumping out of the water. In the vicinity of
St. Paul, Kadiak, one of the commonest sights was this breaching of the Humpback
Salmon. Fishermen at this village told me that the sea run Humpback often contains
a small fish, which, from their description, must be the capelin.

In the Karluk River, as already mentioned, the species continued to enter for five
weeks, and then dead fish began to float down the stream, and this continued about a
month. It does not go far from salt water and frequently enters streams which are
too shallow to cover its fins. Its business in the fresh waters is simply to deposit its
eggs, after which, apparently, it dies on the spawning-grounds or is carried to sea in
a dying condition. Spawning takes place within a few rods of the sea. Itis a com-
mon thing to see large areas of the bottom entirely covered with the eggs, either
lying urprotected on the gravelly bottom or partly concealed in crevices between
moderately large stones. Im Afognak River the eggs were cast among stones about
half as large as a man’s fist.

There are no signs of diminution of the supply of this fish. A small number are
salted annually, and the natives dry large quantities for winter use.

In the fresh run condition this is one of the most palatable salmon in Alaska, and
the time is not far distant when it will be a very important species for canning. The
flesh is somewhat paler than that of the Red Salmon, yet it has a beautiful color.
Properly introduced into the markets this would become a very valuable fish, and its
wonderful abundance would establish a great industry.

The height of the spawning season in the Kadiak streams is evidently about the
middle of August. In Alexander’s Creek, near the Larsen’s Cove cannery of the Arctic
Packing Company, Messrs. Lewis and Stone found the Humpbacks spawning in vast
numbers August 15. Mr. Lewis took some of the eggs and fertilized them with the
milt of the males. The eggs are larger than those of the Red Salmon, but smaller
than King Salmon eggs and not so bright red. On the 22d of August we saw this
fish in the small streams at the head of the west arm of Uyak Bay trying to run up
the rapids to spawn. The current in some piaces was so swift as to wash the fish

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 32

away. Eggs were very plentiful between the crevices of the stones. On the 24th of
August we found Alexander’s Creek full of Humpbacks in all stages of emaciation and
decay. In Alitak Bay, September 9, the fish were nearly all dead in the creeks, and
Snug Harbor contained many dying Humpback Salmon floating seaward tail first.
Messrs. Booth and Stone found Afognak River well filled with spawning Humpbacks
August 30. The two tributaries of Afognak River also contained them in great
numbers. Mr. Booth found the fish most abundantin the neighborhood of holes exca-
vated in the egg-sized gravel of the bottom, intermingled with stones of 3 or 4 pounds
in weight.

After the great run in the Karluk, already referred to, the fish came down dead
or in a dying condition for a whole month and the beaches were strewn with dead sal-
mon. The distortion of the Humpback during the breeding season is remarkable and
the injury to its fins, and other exposed portions of the body, is excessive. The last
stages of this species are repulsive to look upon, but before the extensive emaciation
and sloughing away of the skin has taken place the colors of the breeding-fish are
rather pleasing, the lower parts becoming milky white, contrasting beautifully with the
darker color of the sides and back. This white color sometimes extends upward
towards the middle line with interruptions.

The Red Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka).
(Plate 111, figs. 6 and 7.)

This is the blue-back of the lower Columbia River, the Sawqui or Sukkegh of
Frazer’s River, and the Krasnaya Ryba (or redfish) of the Russians. It does not seem
to exist south of the Columbia River. Northward it is found as far as the Yukon, and
occurs also in Japan and Kamchatka.

Although next to the smallest of the Pacific salmons this is now the most impor-
tant species for canning and salting, and its flesh is so red as to win for it a reputation
not warranted by its edible qualities. It approaches the shores early in the spring
and enters only snow-fed streams. The Red Salmon is not caught, like the King Sal-
mon and Silver Salmon, by trolling in the bays. When it comes into the mouths of
the streams, to ascend for the purpose of spawning, the fishing begins.

The size of the Red Salmon varies with the locality and season. Some runs contain
much larger fish than others. At Karluk the fish will average nearly 4 pounds apiece
without the head, fins, tail,and viscera. The whole fish will weigh 7 or 8 pounds. Indi-
viduals of 15 pounds are occasionally seen, but they are uncommon.

Like the King Salmon, the Red Salmon travels long distances up the rivers, push-
ing on to their sources; unlike the King Salmon, however, the Red Salmon is chiefly a
lake spawner, the former fish preferring the headwaters of the principal rivers to their
small tributaries.

Red Salmon arrive at St. Paul, Kadiak, according to Mr. Washburn, agent of the
Alaska Commercial Company, in June, and there is only one annual run. This gentle-
man also informed me that there is a little run of small Red Salmon in Little Afognak
River as early as April 1, but the principal run comes in June or July. In ariver just
10 miles distant from the Little Afognak the first run does not arrive until about May
20. At Karluk, in 1889, and around Kadiak generally, the species arrived late, and
the catch up to the end of July was small everywhere. Turner records the Ist of May

H. Mis. 211——3

34 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

as the time when the natives of Attu Island prepare weirs (zapor of the Russians) to
obstruct the passage of the Red Salmon to their spawning-grounds. The species does
not appear to be common on the coast of Norton Sound, according to Nelson, but it is
more abundant in the Lower Yukon, the main run occurring about the middle of
August and lasting sometimes only two or three days, but usually a week or ten days.

When we left Karluk at the end of August the Red Salmon were still running into
that river, but had greatly diminished in numbers and had become so dark in color as
to be unfit for canning. At Afognak the run usually lasts only during the first three
weeks of July, although they first appear about the middle of June, and as already
remarked, a few small ones occasionally come about the 1st of April. The runs of
fish appear to vary a good deal from year to year. Some of the fishermen at St. Paul
believe that every fourth year is a good salmon year. Mr. Charles Hirsch told me that
in Cook’s Inlet, the Ninilchic, Kusilov, Kenai, and Sushitna Rivers all have salmon
runs, but the kind of fish varies from year to year. We have seen how an unexpected
run of Humpbacks may prevent the Red Salmon altogether from entering its chosen
river.

Mr. Hirsch says that in coming from the sea the Red Salmon approach from all
directions. They have been seen about 14 miles distant from the land, and when they
approach nearer the schools break up. This species is very much given to jumping
entirely out of water, and it is a common sight, where this fish abounds, to see a dozen
or more in the air at atime. At Karluk the fish play around in the kelp beds, espe-
cially when frightened by the seines, and here they are perfectly safe from the fisher-
men. The red salmon does not linger long in salt water after its arrival on the coast.
Fresh run fish sometimes go into the river with the tide and out again the same day
with the ebb.

Young fish occasionally accompany the adults, but all of those examined by me
proved to be males. On the 13th of August we obtained a male Red Salmon 11 inches
long to the root of the tail. This example contained numerous intestinal worms.

It is asserted by Mr. Charles Hirsch and others, who have had much experience
with the Red Salmon, that no spawning fish of this species ever leave Karluk River
alive.

Natives of Karluk informed me that they can catch salmon at any time during the
winter through the ice on Karluk River and lake. They assert, also, that all the Red
Salmon die in the spring, most of them in April.

After entering the rivers the Red Salmon may return to the salt water as already
stated, but if the spawning season be near at hand and the spawning grounds remote
they travel up the stream very rapidly. I have seen them playing about in the rapids,
apparently resting, during the ascent of the Karluk. Numerous beds of eel grass and
other aquatic plants furnish attractive hiding places in which the fish sometimes
linger.

The Red Salmon ascends to the lake or lakes, which the river drains, and it is
said that this species will not enter a river which does not arise from a lake. The
distance traveled in the Karluk is less than 20 miles, and the principal lake is 8 miles
long. Red Salmon spawn in this lake and in the short and rapid rivers connecting
each of its arms with smaller tributary lakes. The species ascends long rivers, like
the Columbia, more than 1,000 miles, to reach its spawning lakes.

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 35

This salmon begins spawuing soon after its arrival on the coast, and this varies
with the locality. The season usually begins in June, and fish, which have not yet
spawned, continue to arrive as late as the beginning of September. Spawning cer-
tainly takes place in August, as we know from personal observation. Dead fish and
others which have spawned and are already dying are very abundant about the
middle of this month. We did not find many Red Salmon on our way up the Karluk
River. In Karluk Lake, near the sources of the river, ripe Red Salmon were speared
by the natives August 17. On the 18th of the same month we found large numbers of
dead salmon of this species, and plenty of both sexes, which were spent and nearly
dead, in the rivers connecting Karluk Lake with its tributary lakes. In all of the little
streams falling into Karluk Lake, in which Red Salmon were found, dead fish were
moderately common. We found, also, an abundance of young salmon about 14 inches
long, which I suppose must have been young of the year, hatched from eggs deposited
during the preceding winter. Mr. Charles Hirsch informed me that ‘in March or
April the Karluk River is solid full for a whole month of salmon fry going down to
sea.”

We found salmon nests at the head of Karluk Lake in shallow water near the
shore between the mouths of two streams. The nest is a hollow circular pile of stones,
and the eggs are placed in the crevices between the stones. In the river connecting
the east arm of Karluk Lake with its tributary additional nests of the salmon were
observed. Insome cases streams fall down into Karluk Lake over bluffs, which are
too steep for the salmon to ascend, and the fish were spawning at the mouths of such
streams.

Extensive changes take place in the color of the Red Salmon as the spawning
season approaches. When it comes in from the sea the skin becomes dark and the
beautiful red color of the flesh gives place to a paler tint. In this condition the fish
has no commercial value. In the height of the spawning season the sides are suffused
with a brilliant vermilion and the head is a rich olive-green, contrasting sharply with
the color of the body. The male develops a hump, nearly as large as that of the hump-
back, and its jaws are greatly enlarged.

The eggs and young of the Red Salmon have many enemies, and the percentage
of fish naturally developed from eggs must be exceedingly small. Every salmon nest
has its greedy horde of little fresh-water sculpins, otherwise known as Miller’s thumbs,
blobs and bull-heads (Uranidea spp.), always in readiness to consume the fresh eggs
in quantities out of all proportion to their size. The shoal waters around the
shores of Karluk Lake, and the shallow streams into which the Red Salmon finds its
way for reproduction, contain myriads of these destructive little sculpins. Another
source of destruction to the eggs is found in the dolly varden trout (Salvelinus malma),
which is only too common on the spawning grounds of the salmon. This trout con-
sumes large quantities of the fresh salmon eggs. The waters referred to contain, also,
a great many sticklebacks (Gasterosteus sp.), some of them of very large size, and it is
probable that these little fish destroy eggs.

Chief among the destroyers of the young fish are terns, gulls, ducks, and loons,
which are very common in that region. I shot some terns and gulls near the south end
of Karluk Lake and upon holding them up by the legs small salmon dropped out of
their mouths. Towards the end of August the shallow parts of Karluk River were vis-
ited by hundreds of gulls, chiefly young of Larus glaucescens and L. brachyrhynchus,

36 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

which were feeding upon young salmon. Bears consume large quantities of the breed-
ing fish. They may be seen standing at the edge of the stream, where the water is
shallow, and occasionally striking salmon with their claws and throwing them on the
shore, where they are eaten alive. We found a dolly varden trout just released by a
bear which our approach frightened away. One of the gill covers of this fish was half
torn off, but no other injury was visible. We saw Red Salmon partly eaten, but stillalive,
lying on the shore after the retreat of the bears, which were disturbed while feeding.
Other enemies of the salmon attack it in the sea. Among them are the salmon shark
(Lamna cornubica), porpoises, and sea-lions. We found all the species of salmon more
or less covered with parasitic copepods. Collections of these were made, but the spe-
cies have not been determined. At Afognak Mr. Booth observed a very serious cause
of destruction of salmon. The estuary of Afognak River is generally left bare at low
tide and great numbers of salmon are thus stranded, many of which die before the
next tide rescues them.

Red Salmon are seen in salt water off the mouths of the rivers in large schools in
the spring. The season of their approach to the shores has already been referred to,
and also the fact that they are not observed farther than about 14 miles from the
shore. No attempt has been made to take Red Salmon until it comes to the shore. It
is not caught by trolling like the King Salmon and the Silver Salmon.

The catch of Red Salmon has been increasing, owing to the increase in the number
of persons engaged in the fishery and in the effectiveness of the implements used in
its capture. The size of seines has been greatly enlarged and the number of boats,
seines and men largely augmeuted. That there will be a falling off in the supply very
soon there can be no doubt. I have already remarked that the number of spawning
fish in Karluk Lake and its tributaries last year was unexpectedly small. It is true
that young salmon, from 14 inches to 2 inches inlength, were very abundant, but they
were the result of the spawning of the previous season.

There was early in the season of 1889, and in previous seasons, injudicious ob-
struction of the ascent of spawning fish in the Karluk River. At one time an impass-
able weir, similar to the zapor of the Russians, was placed in this river. At the time
of our visit we saw the remains of pound nets made of wire netting, which interfered
So seriously with the ascent of the fish that they weredismantled by unknown parties
and were not reestablished.

The Steel Head (Salmo gairdneri).
(Plate 1v, figs. 9 and 10.)

This large black spotted trout is known also as Hard-head and Gairdner’s trout.
The Russian name is Soomga. In some of our eastern markets, at this date, it is the
‘¢ Kennebec Salmon.”

This species sometimes reaches a weight of 30 pounds, and individuals of that size
bear a close resemblance to 8. salar. The Steel-head is found from Monterey, Cali-
fornia, to Bristol Bay, Alaska, and is very abundant in some parts of the Gulf of
Alaska. This trout has been considered a winter spawner, but females full of ripe
eggs were seen by me near Sitka, June 10, 1880. Spent fish of this species are fre
quently taken with the spring run of the King Salmon, so that in all probability the
usual spawning time is late in the winter or very early spring

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 37

This species, according to Mr. Charles Hirsch, arrives at Karluk in August in
small numbers. I saw a moderately large number of Steel-heads at Karluk on Sep-
tember 4, but their abundance was nothing in comparison with that of other species.
Tt is seldom used at Karluk. I sawa few small individuals in process of drying there.

The spawning habits of the Steel-head are scarcely known. At Sitka we were
told that it spawns in lakes not far from the sea and immediately after spawning goes
into the salt water.

Another large black spotted species is Clark’s trout (Salmo purpuratus, Plate
Ty, fig. 11). This occurs in southern Alaska and north to the Bristol Bay region; it
grows to a length of 30 inches, and must soon become commercially valuable.

The Dolly Varden Trout (Salvelinus malma.)

(Plate 111, fig. 8.)

This handsome species bears a very close resemblance to the sea trout of Labrador.
It is known to commerceunder the nameof Salmon Trout. In some parts of the West
it is called the Bull Trout. The Kussian name of the species is Goletz, and in Kamt-
chatka it is the malma.

The average weight of this trout in the sea fishery at Kadiak is about 24 pounds.
It reaches a length of 30 inches, and individuals weighing 8 pounds are often taken.
It increases in size to the northward.

The Dolly Varden is a migratory species and passes much of its time in the sea
near the river mouths; it enters the rivers late in the fall and descends in the spring.
At St. Paul Mr. Washburn informed me that it arrives at that place in April. It
remains in the bay near St. Paul throughout the sammer. Mr. Charles Hirsch told
me that it reaches Karluk in the latter part of May and runs through the whole
season. Dolly Vardens of a pound or more can be found in the streams at any time
during the summer. We saw them in abundance throughout the Karluk in August,
and in the small streams tributary to Karluk Lake. Nelson found them at Unalashka
early in June, and in the Yukon in the same month, but he says they are most
numerous in the fall just before and after the streams freeze over. They enter the
rivers and go up to their headwaters for the purpose of spawning. The spawning
season is in winter and may begin very early in this pari of the year. A female, opened
on the beach at Karluk August 2, contained eggs which seemed to be nearly ripe.

Individuals taken at sea sometimes have capelin in their stomachs. In Karluk
River, near its mouth, we saw many examples feeding on eggs of the Red Salmon, which
had been thrown into the water from the fish-cleaning houses. On the 5th of August
we found a female Dolly Varden with very small ovaries. This example was long and
slender. On August 16 a spent or sterile malma was found above the rapids in a little
stream tributary to Karluk River. At the head of Karluk Lake, August 19, was
discovered a very much emaciated trout of this species, which was struggling in the
water and nearly dead. The inside of its mouth was full of large lernzan para-
sites.

The Dolly Varden spends the entire summer in salt water near the mouths of the
rivers after it has reached a certain age ; younger individuals remain in the rivers and
lakes. Many thousands of this trout are caught in the seines hauled for salmon, and

38 SALMON FISITERIES OF ALASKA.

fisheries exist for this species alone in various localities. It is put up in pickle and
sold in San Francisco. The demand there, however, is limited.

No diminution of the supply of this trout has been observed. There is great
destruction of this fish at Karluk in the seining for Red Salmon, where thousands of
Dolly Vardens are taken and left lying unused on the beach. Something should be
done to prevent this waste of good fish. Bears destroy a great many of these trout
and water birds consume immense numbers of the young. At sea sharks, porpoises,
seals, and sea-lions prey extensively upon the adults.

METHODS, CONDITIONS, AND STATISTICS OF THE SALMON FISHERIES.

APPLIANCES AND METHODS.

The fleet engaged in carrying cannery outfits, supplies, men, and products in the
season of 1889 included 13 steamers, 4 steam schooners, 1 ship, 13 barks, 2 brigs, 10
barkentines, and 23 schooners, a total of 66 vessels.

The earliest clearing date which I have observed was January 30, and the latest
on my list is September 20, 1889. Many of these vessels are chartered by the fishing
companies for the season or the trip.

The number of dories employed at Karluk is about 200; the Karluk Packing
Company alone has more than 50. At Afognak about 40 dories are used, and the
number in Alitak Bay is probably not over 50. Several of the canning companies
have steam launches for towing their scows and lighters. All of the companies have
a sufficient number of the latter for loading and unloading their vessels, and all
handling of freight to and from vessels must be done by means of the scows and
lighters, as there are no wharves on the bay and no possibility of establishing them.
‘The steam launches can tow lighters and flat-boats into the river at high tide, but not
during low water nor on the half tide. Columbia River boats are used to some extent
by the fishing companies at Kadiak, chiefly for making short voyages between
stations.

Most of the fish used in the canneries are caught in seines varying from 150 to
250 fathoms in length, and fron. 16 to 20 feet in depth. The usual size of the mesh is
34 inches. Gill-nets also are used at Karluk, in Prince William’s Sound, and some
other localities. Soft-laid twine is preferred to the hard laid for beach seining at
Karluk, as it does not chafe so much on the rocks. A purse-seine was used August 7
by Mr. Barker outside of the kelp, and did reasonably well. The kelp is a great hin-
drance to the seining at Karluk, but affords excellent shelter for the salmon. The
bottom of the bay is thickly covered with it, and its fronds float up to the surface
except over about a half mile adjacent to the river mouth. The species is known as
Bull-kelp.

We were informed that 36 canneries were in operation in Alaska in 1889, and we
are indebted to Capt. H. E. Nichols, of the U. 8S. Coast Survey, for a chart showing
the locations as nearly as could be ascertained. The canneries are situated as follows:
Hight are on Kadiak Island, and 2 on Afognak; on the Nushagak there are 4; on the
east side of the peninsula of Alaska, 5; in Cook’s Inlet, 2; in Prince William Sound,
2; on Kayak Island, 2; in Lynn Canal, 3; Icy Strait, 1; Takou River, 1; Baranoff
Island, 1; Stickene River, 1; Klawak, 1; in Behm Canal, 3; in Tongass Narrows, 1,
aud at Port Tongass 1—the last doubtful.

39

AO

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA

The exact value of the buildings and machinery was not ascertained. The capital
stock of the companies, however, varies from about $75,000 to $300,000, and it is fair
to estimate the capital invested in this business at not less than $4,000,000.

The printed list of the salmon canneries on the Alaskan coast is taken from the
San Francisco Commercial Herald and Market Review.

Salmon canneries of Alaska.

(Plate XLII.)

Name of company. Where located. Brand. Agents. Home oftice.
Alaska Coast Fishing Co --.--- | Rodiakelslandiesea|seae ieee sere e nearer Cutting Packing Co ...-.. San Francisco
Alaska Packing Co.-....------- Nushagak ......-- Polar Bear, Ice King..| D. L. Beck & Sons .-. ---- Do.

Alaska Salmon Packing and Fur | Loring...-. oondace Naha Bay Brand...-... Cutting Packing Co ...... Do.

Co.

Alaska Improvement Co....-.-- Kanatak.....-... Canoe) ree = === eit James Madison.......---. Do.
Aleutian Islands F. & M. Co..--. Kodiaklslandysee: | .X0d1a) keene teenies Scotchler & Gibbs .--..--. Do.

Arctic Fishing Co | Cook’s Inlet ...-- PAT CLIC eee een eee Cutting Packing Co ..-... Do.

Arctic Packing Co Bristol Bay..--:-- | Red, King, and Silver .| C.C. Rohlfis ...........--. Do.

Arctie Packing Co | EVI. | neu ccoee | Red, Aurora Borealis’ =|! 2 (do) 2222. escceere een eens Do.
Baranoff Packing Co ...-.-.----- Clarence Straits ..| Wigwam ...-....--..-| Williams, Brown & Co -. Do.
Bartlett Bay Packing Co ..-...--. Bartletteb ty eer eet | Sees eer 00) = eu eeeaee a ae Do.
Boston W. 62D.|C0--2 .2--<2- =~ =|) SCS Bay ------~-— Sea Lion.---..-....-- SERA! (PAR ee er Sree Sy Do.

Bristol Bay Canning Co ----.-.--. Bristol Bay ..-----| Polar and Excelsior...) W.B. Bradford ........-.- Do.
Chilkat Packing Co.--...--...---. Chilkatiess-eete: Glacier ieee epee iran ie POOL Mee aeeneeee Do.

Chilkat Canning Co.....--.------ Pyramid Harbor .-|-----.-----------.-----) Murray & Co......-..---. Astoria, Oregon.
Chignik Packing Co ..- .--...-- Chiemsee aes Our Taste..--2------" SB eetersoneeeee see eeee San Francisco.

Chignike Bay Come ssesseeee == rr:

Central Alaska Co
Moira Packing Co
Cape Lees Packing Co

Glacier Packing Co.........-----
Hume Packing Co.......-.
Kodiak Packing Co .....--....---
Karluk Packing Co
Nashagak Canning Co -.-.....-.

Northern Packing Co.-.....-.--.

Northwest Packing and Trading
Co.

Pacific Packing Co .-............

Pacific Whaling Co ......--.....

Peninsular Trading and FurCo..

Princelotawialestess-eeeeeeeeeenae

Pyramid Harbor Packing Co ....
Royal Packing Co

Russian-American Packing Co -.

Shumagin Packing Co........-..
Thin Point Packing Co........-.

Western Alaska Packing Co

Chignik Bay

Cape Fox.....-..-
Cape Lees ..--..--
Stikeen .---..-..-
Kodiak
ke 00) Laws ena

Kodiak Island - ..
Nushagak

Klawack.........-

Prince William’s
Sound.

Copper River .-.--

Prince of Wales
Island.

Pyramid Harbor. -

A fognak
-.do

Chipnikaesseeeeee
Thin Point
Ozernoy

Comet, Guardian, and
Crown.

Northern Light. .----

Moira

Iceberg and Totem-
stick.

Lion and Neptune

Ranhalks ase, Sate ee

North Pole and U.S,
brand.

Horseshoe

Moose Head Brand,

Red, King, and Silver.

Anchor Brand, Red,
King, and Silver.
Challenge-.--.--..--..

National

OW cacbonscassseme:
Compass
Coat of Arms......-.

Raven
Chieftain
Russian-American
Brandéseeuece weer
Warren’s Alaska --..

Coleman’s Flag-...--.
Walrus

D. L. Beck & Sons ...-..--

Scotchler & Gibbs ....- =

Taylor, Young & Co

Townsend, McGovern &
Co.

Delafield, McGovern & Oo

George W. Hume & Co..

Kodiak Packing Co

Karluk Packing Co..----
Louis Sloss & Co.......--

SR PAGRVViLLS OD setae eeteeets
Louis Sloss & Co..-..--.--.
Capt. J. N. Knowles. ..---.

Scotchler & Gibbs
Cutting Packing Co.......

D. L. Beck & Sons ........
Louis Sloss & Co...--..--
tussian-American Pack-
ing Co.
W.D. Smith
L. Sloss & Co
Wie Babradtordiee-snesse

Do.

Do.
Portland, Oregon.
San Francisco.

Astoria, Oregon.
San Francisco.
Do.

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA 41

The canneries at Karluk, and on Kadiak generally, get their supply of fresh water
from the adjacent mountain streams. At Karluk they make little reservoirs at suita-
ble elevations and from these carry the water by surface pipes of iron into the can-
neries, thus utilizing the force of gravity.

The plantof acanning company usually includes, besides a cannery building proper,
a fish house and wharf, a salting house, containing tanks for curing salmon, a cooper
shop, barrel house, a machine-shop, a lodging-house and mess-room, a store-room and
a warehouse. .The method of handling the saimon after they are caught is as follows:
The fish are thrown from the boats into large bins in the splitting-house, where they
are prepared for the cannery by cutting off the heads and fins, and removing the vis-
cera. The different steps in this process are performed by different groups of men,
one set cutting off the heads, another removing the fins, while still another scrapes out
the viscera. After this the fish are washed and finally thrown into hand carts, to be
hauled into the cannery, where they pass through various processes, almost all of
which are carried on by machinery. The Red Salmon is first cut into lengths suitable
for the size of thecan. ‘These pieces are carried along and fed into cans, inequalities
in the filling being supplied by hand work. The cans are then topped in the topping
machine, from which they pass to the soldering machine, and then are subjected to
the processes of venting, cooking, steaming, testing, cooling, japanning and labelling.

The number of canneries in Alaska was greatly increased in 1859. Prior to 1888
the islands of Kadiak and Afognak contained only one or two establishments. The
Karluk Packing Company at Karluk was the largest. In 1889 the number of can-
neries at Karluk was increased to five, and three additional firms came to that place
to seine fish for canneries located at other places. The yield in 1889 was larger than in
1888, so that no decrease in the number of salmon has been observed as yet ; of course
the catch has been divided among a large number of companies and the individual
take has fallen off in some cases. As an illustration of the injurious effects of over sein-
ing at Karluk it may be stated that previous to 1889, seining was carried on almost
exclusively in Karluk iver and there was no fishing doneon the ocean beach except at
very low tides, when there was not enough water to seine in the river. In 1888a
seine of 100 fathoms set in Karluk River took 17,000 fish at one haul. In 1889 the
rivalry to obtain fish was so great that seining was done principally in salt water, as
near the river mouth as possible, and the length of the seines was increased in most
cases to 250 fathoms.

PRODUCTS OF THE SALMON FISHERY.

The productive streams of the Territory are generally small and have their sources
in large lakes. The great rivers of the Territory from the Bristol Bay region northward
do not furnish the yield which we might reasonably expect from their superior size,
but these rivers are in the nature of undeveloped territory, with the exception of the
Nushagak.

Nearly one-half vf the entire yield of salmon in Alaska is now taken near the
mouth of a small river, the Karluk, which, at low water is only a few yards wide and
has a length of less than 20 miles.

According to the Commercial Herald and Market Review, of San Francisco, the
Alaska salmon pack cf 1889 amounted to 629,260 cases in cans and 6,930 barrels in
salt. Two thousand cases of 48 pounds each is considered a great day’s work for a

42

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

first-class cannery, and is seldom exceeded, but on the 5th of August, 1889, the Karluk
Packing Company canned 2,412 cases by extraordinary efforts.

The value of the output for 1889 was nearly $3,000,000. The market returns given
below will show what share the different companies had in this yield.

Alaska salmon pack of 1889.

Arrived. Vessel Barrels. | Cases. Agents.
Dunes LON Bertharstreceesctececstoe cee eee seneee eee ser | aeisoe erate 3,665 | Karluk Packing Co.
Ofbhy? 2) IP IGERG SETH? Gaadoe soodne once do cescaorensoodOsHod boondscos- 5,000 | Pacific Steam Whaling Co.
Zia slda Schnauerischeeessestess sete sseniess see pees 6,615 | Alaska Improvement Co.
23 | Bertha, str -.--.-. 12,194 | Karluk Packing Co.
31 | C.C. Funk, bkt 1, 648 | Western Alaska Packing Co.
31a PH ope DE tact eet encee eee aces eee res 10,400 | Aleutian Island ¥. & M.Co.
Angs won hs SoRedheldischereeeeeteeeet teste teeaeeaaeee me setae 1,400 | Scotchler & Gibbs.
Tq <Comet; ACM Hs semis cae ace eect sce see ceeieeeeee 5,035 | Bradley & Co.
10 | Courtny Ford, bg 7,539 | D. L. Beck & Sons.
MP3 Ne AUTRE, Wigs coco Sa coesacasanescacansedcocsad| sSossosse 13, 206 | Arctic Packing Co. & Rus. Amer. P. Co.
14 | Jennie Stella, sch --....-.-------.....--.-..--- 59 8,000 | Arctic Packing Co.
ME) | IS Gilet ioosocodiasccosesana neasnsoomsse sonibad||Posocasess 5,000 | Chignik Bay Packing Co.
PAY || i EWI SP ea cose cacoegoeacaseoccomenatabosecollocoseccsoc 3,600 | Thin Point Packing Co.
28))| SOnISs8Chewaccee secs asee oe eee ceeceas) pace eee | temeceeeee 12,767 | Hume Packing Co.
283] Wes taxsen’ cea oo eazisese ce nee eee caer ceee leeea eerie 12,145 | Karluk Packing Co.
293); SONOMA AD Ke eit oe eeieleeinels aie este ee | eee 19, 644 | D. L. Beck & Sons.
Septsia al) SeavWaitibeeenea-keeear se sae een ceeoe mer someser 1,250 | Bristol Bay Packing Co.
10) lectra, WD kiccaceceeiiccs ecscee sence sole neee 130 27, 764 | Nuchigak Packing Co.
LOG AWalleWeri Case b kerrrr tee eseeen === meee 6 | 16,220 Arctic Packing Co.
L0a|\Retriever Dict oo. 6 oscar sence cece eee eee Ie Sues 18,711 | Northern Packing Co.
11) Bertha; istrscs<k soso Sessa ees secc shea asetaee sesseseees 16,500 | Karluk Packing Co.
JA) Jennie sth oo22s2 ~~ seescee cece ee oe ceeese case (WY) |lemmonocs se Northern Packing Co.
16; POne1da; SDs. 22o- cn cescotees cecal ee veoeeneee 232 5,013 | Pacific Packing Co.
2a eidarschnaverisChsere = seeen ser eenseeeeresscee 126 9,211 | Aretie Fishing Co.
219) Harrys Morse, Disses eee eee nee eee sere cere ee Rea eeeeee 361 | Central Alaska Co.
22uieWinsy Rentoniseheece cas seeeeecace sce cee teeee <P ecijects 2,540 | Peninsular T. & F. Co.
228 Hay ii ensRepubliciSiLseeeeee pee ee estes eeeee 146 24,069 | Kodiak Packing Co.
22) asc dOe - ssanoe acon peca siokw ew abo eck cee ee [Meenas | 5,529 | Arctic Packing Co.
263 |IeTeanie atric meses ee ee ke kb aed, 60 | 9,830 | Pacific Steam Whaling Co.
aT kde AsBorland i bkeees eee eee sat eeee one ees 73 19,553 Thin Point Packing Co.
31 Char GeO IE, HWP cacoccasson opanososossasece 127 13,645 | Various.
Octe BuIA Winklomant seo. ee eye we ee te 14,299 | D. L. Beck & Sons.
Si aK Wlickin'cversbktyeee soe. octncste cles eeeee eee eee eee 5, 536 | Chignik Bay Packing Co.
8) SDashingyWiavesc--ce--o-jsecaceneceeeeeeee ee 508 |-----. -. | Lynde & Hough.
Bal avalein etches ace eee Wh ee ee Bee 33 | 2,880 | Arctic Packing Co.
8° | “AU-Ka)'sir 2.2... 293 21,003 | Various.
8 | Cas. Hayward, sch CI Neecotancse Glacier F, & T. Co.
Se sPortlandsb kt) ---) Sase cee een eaehemtees Sen Eee eeeeee 6,158 | Shumagin Packing Co.
Ovieanraadsenvschss-seeeceeee esc ears 152 13, 794 | Arctic Packing Co.
10! | sinoresbks. sasecmtonscse creek cokes canoes cciee |b aeeeeeee 3,037 | Western Alaska Packing Co.
Ia Margaret ab ke =. ase ceo nesses cet aicicee ce oeace en | ten eaeeee 22,561 | Russian-American Packing Co.
Jie WAT d envbessers bic cee nccyee seericceneccic ce eee 14 31, 300 | Secotchler & Gibbs.
IA OlnueEs Dee Soccos seSa0b soscecocbacoseseecconce 64 21,608 | Arctic Fishing Co.
14: |*Novelty,isch fa. c-. son ace eee see ads e cs ee ore | boeeeneoee 14,412 | Royal Packing Co.
14 SS dO Sse cece ee aoe Sale ee Eee Pee ence e ee ee eel Ameen 5,686 | Karluk Packing Co.
Las Se LO ey eis ers eer eae ee ene cee a ene ee oe 4504| ee eeesee Arctic Fishing Co.
22 1,900 | Thin Point Packing Co.
25 11,100 | Bristol Bay Canning Co.
26 353 | Karluk Packing Co.

SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA 43

Alaska salmon pack of 1889—Continued.

Arrived. Vessel. | Barrels. | Cases. | Agents.
ss Bs —| ae
EC MMEA NESE RET sc eae cacao cade cnio comes oaasne ce ences | ame cee le 108 Alaska Commercial Co,
30) LEGS. GUY s Se ce eeericiioes cnammoEECMeccooeaBcepee 693 3, 287 | Golden Gate Salmon Co.
28)'| Hattie Gage, str. .-......------.- sees) e2aQdR+ saobRshBSce 605 | Scotchler & Gibbs.
Qi | (OWN DTOTGR INE - a See a scasene caoSeccosoeccs6s| Beesesescr 21, 833 Hume Packing Co.
2p TASHUIRES BUDS eOS seg eee sBp ee OHS SEOs BCR EGBaOOSeIe 6 8, 939 | Karluk Packing Co.
SOMES ENON. cae sa ciacn a mnenin soa Secie cela ential 77 11, 370 | N. Pacif. Trading and Packing Co.
20) || Gaigieetty 0s Se pegeeteeeeecoseeneeseseeenccee Heaaeaeece 12, 364 | Alaska Improvement Co.
GH) ID QAP SNP soo ste sca ossecee saccade soso oteosessrlessseasase 108 ; Thin Peint Packing Co.
DIB Gin RAGES ate a a\ciclon satan onlsas scjoee a Snisicin=|osae cece 3,462 | Karluk Packing Co.
MD |! IST, TM GTR OE? “ep o cece nOEee EE OBCUaCooeoss sod lsceeimcasos 16, 592 | Arctic Packing Co.
3L | Undaunted, sch .......-- See aqas sacjeunaas wasaes 3715,| teases ea Bowen, Colwell & Co.
INU AMECIPET ODOM D y= sone 2 cnc cers wacinacens-tetecensece.|sceccse ee. 19,122 | Aleutian Island Fshg. & Mng. Co.
PAU ESCA SUPE sas oo ninminien se micia sae =osa-s === = a aes Arctic Packing Co.
a) GWAYEO\ RGN 6-305 SS eer se ooeoS ee pp SeEcnpdeees 43 3,763 | Baranoff Packing Co.
a Siping Gia sesoes sees CS sceee EEA eee ECeEEaoD5od Hernercees 18,500 | Bristol Bay Canning Co.
9 | Haytien Republic, str.....-.-.----.-.-.--.-.-. 6 18, 538 | Kodiak Packing Co.
PMC OPO WAT SUN Ss cals Soom a Sate cele cceceehanGendeuais 481 8,952 | Various.
WOOT Ga50 559 See beO COCR EEO CEE EEOC ECC EECCr Er 139 9, 286 Do.

PREPARATION OF FISHERY PRODUCTS.

The native methods of curing salmon by sun drying and smoking have been so
often described that 1 need not refer to them here. The processes of canning have
also been fully recorded. The following notes on the method of salting Humpback
Salmon at St. Paul will sufficiently describe the method of salting in general. Salt-
ing Humpbacks began at St. Paul about the 10th of July. The first dory load of
“colored” fish was brought in July 29. The percentage of both sexes, whose flesh is
becoming light while the skin grows darker, is large. One can tell with almost cer- ~
tainty from looking at the outside just what. the inside appearance of the fish will prove
to be; a bright silvery female and a male with scarcely developed hump will show
flesh of a very pretty pink, though not so red as in the nerka ; a fish with dark slaty
sides and head will have pale flesh ; of course the male and female in the height of the
breeding season have very pale meat. )

The gorbuscha exceeds in numbers all the other species ; in the prime conditiop it
is aS good to eat as any other salmon. The salting season for prime fish is short, only
a few weeks as a rule.

The dory carries three men who seine the fish best on half or three-fourths tide and
bring them to the wharf to be split for salting. The load averages 10 barrels of eighty
fish each. A little saltpeter is used to set the pink color and, if possible, deepen it.
A boy gaffs the fish to a place near the splitting table, where another boy cuts off the
heads and passes the body to the splitters. The two splitters make a cut along the
left side near the dorsal outline, ending it with a little downward curve on the tail.
The viscera are scraped out and the backbone cut away; a few moves of the knife
scrape away the blood and other gurry, and then the fish are thrown into a washing
vat with two compartments, one for red fleshed fish, the other for pale. The Aleuts
buy the latter and are said to prefer the male with a decided hump. At all events
they select such fish when given permission to take some home for the table. After

44 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

the fish are washed and rubbed clean with a broom they are placed in a perforated
box and wheeled on a truck to the salting house. For the first salting one-half sack
of salt is used for a barrel of salmon; the fish remain in the first pickle about a week;
for repacking one sack of salt is needed for three barrels of 200 pounds each. The
fish are washed in the pickle and rubbed clean with a scrub-brush before repacking.

TRANSPORTATION AND MARKETS.

Elsewhere will be found a statement to the effect that sixty-six vessels were
engaged during the season of 1889 in the Alaskan salmon trade. The products of the
fisheries are consigned to the agents of the companies, in San Francisco, Astoria, and
Portland, who dispose of them in foreign markets, principally in England.

FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION.

The fishermen of Kadiak as a rule receive $40 a month, and board and lodging, for
their work, besides $5 a thousand for the fish they catch. They are carried to Alaska
and back without expense to themselves. I have been informed that the average
earnings of the fishermen for six months are about $300. Most of the work in the can-
neries is done by Chinese, whose services are obtained by contract with their agents
in San Francisco. The information in my hands respecting the value of vessels,
boats, apparatus, ete., does not cover the ground sufficiently to present it in this
place.

THE FISHERMEN.

The number of native fishermen employed at Kadiak is very small. At Karluk one
of the companies, the Karluk Packing Company, has about twenty of the natives for
one of its seining gangs, but their work is not so satisfactory as that of the white men.
It is said to be very difficult to keep the natives engaged. At Afognak many of the
natives are employed about the canneries ascarpenters. They are engaged, also, in
making boats of various kinds and their labor in this direction is appreciated The
presence of the canneries has not diminished the fish supply of the natives as far as I
could learn; it is really easier for them to obtain what they need for winter use than
it was before the opening of the canneries. The natives, however, had nets, seines,
and other appliances for catching fish before the white men came among them. If
the supply of fish should become exhausted by overfishing or any other cause, the
effect would be to starve the natives in all localities in which fish is the principal food
supply; but if they are sufficiently interested in their own welfare to work fora living,
they can get more salmon now than they could before the days of canneries, and will
receive good wages and be well supplied with provisions. One great source of trouble
with the natives is caused by the illegal sale of intoxicants by the Chinese and, occa-
sionally, some Americans. This traffic is the means of destroying the usefulness of
the people and renders them more liable to pulmonary diseases.

Most of the work in the canneries, as already stated, is done by Chinese; the su-
perintendents and other principal men about the canneries are mainly Americans.
Among the fishermen may be found Americans, Norwegians, Swedes, Germans,
Sicilians, and Negroes.

ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE SALMON IN ALASKAN RIVERS

The observations of our party at Alexander’s Creek, Uyak Bay, on the naturally
deposited eggsof the Humpback Salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, showed that they are
a little larger than those of the Red Salmon, O. nerka, and a little smaller than King
Salmon eggs, 0. chowicha. Their diameter is about one-fifth of an inch. Mr. Lewis
fertilized some of these eggs with the milt of the males and found no difficulty in
handling them. Eggs of Red Salmon, O. nerka, as already mentioned, were seen in
nests around Karluk Lake and the rivers connecting it with its two tributary lakes.

There are no extraordinary difficulties in the way of establishing hatching stations
for Red Salmon and Silver Salmon in many of the bays of Kadiak. Alitak Bay and
Afognak Bay furnish localities entirely suitable for the undertaking, and I can not see
any reason why a hatchery at Karluk might not be practicable and desirable. The
canneries get their supply of fresh water with no other trouble than that of piping it
in surface pipes from hill-side reservoirs. Lumber, machinery, and workmen are
brought from San Francisco. Salmon are extremely abundant. There is no sheltered
harbor, but extensive loading and unloading go on with safety in good weather. Sup-
plies can be had the year around. The winter cold is not excessive.

It would undoubtedly be difficult to sustain a hatchery on Karluk Lake, and it
may not be necessary to locate one there if the spawning salmon are allowed to go up
- the river in sufficient numbers. If, however, it should be desirable to occupy the lake
for this purpose a road must be constructed from the west end of Larsen’s Cove, and
Mr. Booth advises that it follow along the foot-hills of the mountain range which
bounds the river valley on the east, the valley itself being unsuitable for a road on
account of its boggy nature. Lumber would have to be carried to the lake, as the
native timber is fit only for fuel.

From what J have heard about Thin Point, on the peninsula of Aliaska, it appears
to me that the river at that place is well adapted for fish culture; it is short, rapid,
constant, and has its source in a large iake. Nearly 20,000 cases of Red Salmon were
taken there in 1889. _

Alitak Bay has good harbors and several good salmon streams, with plenty of
pure water that can be obtained by gravitation.

Messrs. Booth and Stone visited Afognak and were very favorably impressed
with the outlook for salmon hatching on the Litnik River. Mr. Booth’s report contains
the following items of especial interest in this connection :

“ Afognak River, especially near the falls, would furnish a very convenient site
for hatching purposes. It is near a harbor safe in all directions from storms, has an
abundant supply of fresh cold water at all seasons, and abundant timber, which,

45

46 SALMON FISHERIES OF ALASKA.

though not adapted for first-class lumber on account of knots and pitch, is still avail-
able for the many purposes for which second class material is as good as first-class in
that locality.

«6 Any of the small so-called single portable mills would speedily and cheaply con-
vert portions of these forests into useful shape, and, so long as only enough is cut to
supply those having establishments on the islands, no law need be violated.

“Tn addition to the advantages before mentioned, labor is much easier to obtain
here than at many other possible locations. At the village of Afognak, 4 miles from
the canneries, native carpenters and boat-builders can be found who could be em-
ployed, as they have been by the Royal Packing Company, in the construction of build-
ings under the supervision of an intelligent American mechanic. These native car-
penters are, in most cases, rapid and thorough workmen. Mr. Blodgett, of the Royal
Packing Company, showed us a lighter built by them at a cost, including lumber, of
$40. A precisely similar one built in San Francisco cost $175, not including freight-
age to Alaska. The cannery building of the same company, erected in 1888, was built
almost entirely by native labor, and is accounted the most substantial cannery build-
ing in Alaska. These men also build dories and skiffs and are employed constantly
for this purpose by many of the Karluk companies.

“ Besides buildings, a short road from the canneries to the site selected would have
to be made, as the estuary and upper part of the bay are too shallow for water trans-
portation even in boats. Two small timber bridges about 30 feet in length would be
required at the crossing of the two tributary creeks.

‘«The run of Red Salmon is fairly abundant, but short, lasting only the first three
weeks of July, the fish first appearing, however, in the middle of June.” [This does
not take into account the run of small Red Salmon in April.]

Mr. Stone, to whom the subject of fish cultural operations was especially referred,
has entered very fully into the advantages of the Litnik for an initial station, and I
will merely call attention to his recapitulation, leaving the details to his complete
report. He finds in the Litnik—

(1) A river that is easily controlled and is not subject to excessive fluctuations of
rise and fall.

(2) An unlimited supply of water for the hatching-house, furnished by gravitation.

(3) Favorable conditions for capturing the breeding fish.

(4) A central and comparatively accessible location.

He states, further, that the four desirable species of Salmonide—Red Salmon,

Silver Salmon, Humpbacks, and Dolly Varden Trout (or Salmon Trout)—all ascend
the Litnik.

EXPLORATION OF ALASKAN SALMON RIVERS,

Page.
Act for fisheries protection.........-.-.--.- 3
Afognak temperatures ------------.-------- 26
Bay anchorages .---....---------- 20
described .-...----..--- eels ies 23
for hatching stations. .-.. -.-- 45
TE) ANG) We sso esse eeooSeeeeeEs 25
Island described ..-...-...---..- ae 23
investigations ...--..----.- 3, 11
alkerdescriibed).-. 2+ sees 42-66 23
River for hatching salmon .-..-.-.. 45
PEUOUGATIOS see cns ese = sale 25
WENN: Soc ae Sei steels eee 24
Spreams aM wiNter 2+ oa. --- 2 ve 26

Alaska Commercial Company, assistance
5 MOU -cocoudodassscobcuss eeseues5 10, 12
difficulty of travel in-... .....--.- 10
GmIiTON Oo aceantoahep PASSE es AEeReoe 5
Alder in Karluk Valley .......-...----.-.-- 16
Alexander’s Creek, salmon in........---- 22, 32,33
Alitak Bay deseribed ...-.....--......---.. 20
for hatching stations -....---.- 45
ULC C Steen ec icieinere: eis se cnssicjaisiaree 21
ULI ULATIeS ee malaise etissieeien—= 21
ASILECe ss cece sees ee ese eee ale 10
Appropriation for salmop investigation -... 3
Arctic Packing Company, assistance from - - 10
in Olga Bay ....- 21
Uyak Bay..-.-- 22
Archimandritoff, chart by ..-...-- Haye 15
Bean, TH. 22.- Deca ee sees ccee ceetes 3, 10, 11
Bears destroy salmon..---...--:-.----.---- 36
Berries on Afognak Island....-...----.-.-- 24
Birds as enemies of salmon-.-.---...----.---- 35
Blanket-fish in Alaska......-.. -.--------- 27
Blob an enemy of salmon...--..-----.----- 35
Od Pett MIT eee neleiaeie se ey ns cols see) site 10, 46
BlineWackeSahm ON) {cy lecjejses cs eine sci me 33
Boats built by natives..---.-..-....-..--- 46
in) salmon fisheryeeeese 425 seo. . ee 39

ICO W a, cee cone odes of ed cece ead Oy MO) 83
quoted-...... 14, 15, 20, 21, 23, 36, 45

47

Page

Bristol Bay investigations..........-----..- 11
Buildings for salmon fishery ....-.--....---- 40, 41
Bull-heads eat salmon eggs.----..-----.---- 35
Bull-kelp protects salmon ........---..----. 39
PB UEGE ou teesee e aeiaiei a= a aeveinwin einem siciesiciee 37
Canneries, capacity of....-..----.......--. 41
imiyAllaskanea=fescs2 secs eas nee 39, 40

(HI ENM Ol SoSomeue dene Bocce AnoeE Se Al
Stockwoty- jist ete seeece eee 40
Capes Karla kena soe: sc cere cor) Wesel eee sae 14
Capelin as salmon food........-.-.-.-.-.-- 32
one Masleai ioe aoe aie, soem ae 28
Carpenters semativie eee asset ae eieniee 46
Chinese in salmon canneries. -....--------- 44
Clark Johnie Wie qWoved eases eee eee eee eee 31
Clay, ferruginous, in Karluk Valley -...---- 15
Clupea as salmon food ..---...-..------.--- 28
ColumbiayRiverlboatseeees\--eeieeseeeeee ee 39
Cook’s Inlet investigations.........-.....- 11
Copepods parasitic on salmon....--.--.----- 36
COPOIOMUS WMINGUBs 525505 630550 ssescscessco 27
Cottonwood of Karluk Lake-.-..........--.- 17
Cranberries in Karluk Valley .----.-..----- 17
Davidson, Prof. Geo., assistance from -..--.. 9
Dawson, Dr. Geo. M., quoted ..-...-..--.-.- 29
Wollvaviandenyiroutpee erste oat eee 5, 22
an enemy ofsalmon...-. 35
describedseas sees eee 37
Dories in salmon fishery -.---..----.-.----- 39
Ducks destroying salmon ..--....--........ 35
Eagles of Karluk Lake........---..---..... 17
Kel-grass in Karluk River..--....---.-.---- 16
Hegs eaten by trout -----------...----.-..- 36, 37
GQIGIMNIGS Oh ea Heo ouaoemeaceTed.ceaseboas 36, 37
Elderberry of Karluk Lake..........-.-..- 17
Enemies of Red Salmon..---....---..------ 35, 36
HulachoummMWaskaiee ee ese eee ae 28
Fire weed in Karluk Valley. ...--.-..------ 16
Fish culture in Alaska. -------------..-2-5- 8
Mishes\imWiy ake ay, sees ecer sees ae erie 22
RAV OT ee ete alee stoeiara sara atare lateral 12

48 INDEX.
Page. Page.
Bishermensnativier sees eee eee ee eee A440 | Karluksspitdescribedtsease -eeeeeceeeeeeee 14
Fishermen’s wages ..---------------------- 44 SbOAMer ssc eis se se emene ose ose 9
Fishery abuses ..---.---------------------- il tidermange ss ae sascha seer 14
Flowers of Karluk Valley.------------. ---- 16 Walleyiolaciated eases sees seeneeaer 15
Ford & Stokes, assistance from.-.-.-------- 10 | Kelp a protection to salmon .----.-.-----.- 13, 39
Francis Cutting, steamer..------------------ 9 | King salmon, capelin found in....-...----. 29
Gasterosteus sp. in salmon waters .--------- 35 movements of ....---.------ 29
GqllEnetstonsalmonteeee reese ero e tee ee eae 8, 39 TIVOLS sd Lede SA eee 28
Goletz, or Dolly Varden --..---------..----- 37 SpawNine wees eee Ree) a 29
Grasses around Karluk Lake ....----.----- 17 | Kodiak Packing Company, assistance from. 10
Grayling of Alaska... ..2--2-- ---- ---- ---- 27 in Olga Bay ...- 21
Gulls destroying salmon ...-..------------- 30) | Aoasnay amity Ddjae see ae eee ene eee 33
Hardcheadisalmonteee eee eee eee eee 36 | Lamna cornubica, a salmon enemy ..--...--. 36
Hatching stations, sites for .....----------- 45 | Lansburg, Captain, quoted.......-........ 31
Haytien Republic, steamer ..-.-.--..-------- 10 | Larsen’s Bay tributaries......-.--...-..22- 93
Yeath family in Karluk Valley ...--..----- 16 | Larsen, Capt. L. P., assistance from_....... 10
Ierendeens © apis by bee nema set lee eer ae 9, 11 | quoted): s: 5-3 e eee 20, 29
laleyapiayes Ol JN S545 sog5n0 osscccossd coos 28 Larus brachyrhynchus, asalmon enemy ....-. 35
Hirsch, Charles, on salmon migrations - ---- 13 glaucescens, a salmon enemy. ---- -..- 35
quoted..----- 2957305 31.34) So; o/s | uetbeton mransmiltthalles== = sees sie 3,9
folmes*eMinwucive dame eecnise mele reer meee OP) || ILE MEh LOWE Digooccs cesses aoe 9, 10, 11, 23, 32, 45
Hump-back salmon eggs ..---.---.-------- 45 taking salmon eggs -.----- 45
foodlol scent o-e see. BP) |) IWC ds SOO casos osc0 boson dooeos oe scas 44
STR oe aca dSopoo sabe 43) Mtns any Aleut) vallacese sees see eee 26
WED Oi. sans tasacesacoud 32 River for hatching salmon. ..-..... 45
JET, OF DOYS SAMO 65-466 co8as5 cosecc osee 30 temperatuness == ==se ese eee 26
Therm OF INANE, sano eesace'sdeossposoooce 27 | MalttlemRiver moutheesesse se eee eee Al
Investigation of salmon fisheries..-.--..----- 3 | Loons destroying salmon..-.. ..-------.---- 35
Jelly-fishes in Alitak Bay........--.------- 21 Mie onall dM emer re serene =e eee 4
Kadialacollectionsieseeeeee een ceee eee 10 orders (from) 2-22 =e ee eee 12
Island investigations ..-...-.-----. Sl McIntyre; uB. Gy quoted ss scse ss ss5 =e 28
Karluk Bay described..-...-.-.------------ 13 | Macrocystis giganteus ...-.....--..--------- 13
ead Neh See eanee ee eer eerie 14 4) Maleend iberries) Aces ose cee Eee eee eee 16
investigations begun at .-.--.------ 9) Malnaor DolliyaViard eneeess-— ese ae 37
Wiakewanmsfotssesssee ete eee ie 17 | Miller’s Thumb eats salmon eggs..---.-..--- 35
described@eteers eee see eaeee 165) Nattivesias workmenee-s-- see rereeeee eee 46
GhiTGMNGS Of ceseaceasssecoae 45 effects of fishery, On2---> -2se-e sere 44
NG WAN OL) ase eevee ciseaaye ae 20 IMysalmMonwnsheLyese- sees eee 44
Is landsiink sete eee ee ee | NGI, GP IMCONIO) sacccascce docuscse fecese 27
spawning salmon in------.--.. 35) |) sNelson Bn Wig quotedesees eee ee ee eeeeeeee 32, 37
temperaturesseeee- see eee 179) Nichols" Capt i. Ee, charth by--e] ese eeeee 39
Bri wmbaries, fener re aes eee 17 NorthyEishineys tationeles ee eee eee 21
WON ses sosedeses <eoteoosur 10 Obstructions at Atoonalk «22225 2 asee see 25
latitudevoteass-n os eken sce ce meee eer 15 | Karluk, =< .2:2. 296242 osaeeee 19
Packing Company, assistance from. 9,10 forbidden)\s-ss-.2522)50-e eee 7
Company’s best work -.-.-. 42 | Inver Rivenese eee sees 36
IRYGE asacdacsostésaqneqzssssecnsee 6) OleasBayidescribed ess. =. e == s4e eee eee 21
describedteeeentene eee ereee 15,16 | Oncorhynchus chouicha....-..----.-------- 5, 28, 45
InWwANLOT ese! Hee cse ace ec 20 Gorbuscha)-i e272 ee eee 5, 22, 31
IEYROO MN eebcsenoande deotce case 14,17 at Afognak -....--- 24
mouth! 358 oh oe erry ees) oes 14,17 CLES Nee e eee ees 45
thawing out of ...-...-..-.-- 20 | [RAisecinoben seees: codoos aoaces 5, 30
WM OMOUPYNGS) wo ccoodsoecoscuesee 16 kisutch s23522 oo aos ereee 5, 30
Vleldtol asses scree eeete le 41 (DOR AUR AEE SACU sae ee coi 5, 33, 45
young salmon in.----.------- 20 | Orders for salmon investigation..-.-.-----. 11

EXPLORATION OF ALASKAN SALMON RIVERS.

Page

Overfishing at Karluk .........-.......-... 20

BEAU BOSIUS=——~ —-~ ~-- 6 ene soc wine soon 23

Petroleum signs in Karluk Valley-.---.-.-..- 16

Photographs made .......--..----.---.--.- 10

invAtitak Bay 2-0-5225 <<< 22

aty Karluke. -oenc- soc: - = <cicce = 20

AMV Aki Bays --22. 22-252 fees. 23

Plantsiof Karluk Valley ....--------...-.-- 16

ersomiiorat Karlie. | 222s. 22-4 -c25-o- scone 23

Purse-seine for salmon-...........----.---- 39

Rain-tallat St.Paul... 2. .0225526ss00-see- 19

JO GGSGIN. ..: Sob Joc oS SE SSeS eee eee a oeeeeee 33

eed, Hon. Thomas B...-..--....----..--- 4

Rivers, investigation of...-......--.-..---- 11,13

POMUMORSiOf <= = s2=---5 452252 Soce cee 20

Royal Packing Company, assistance from -- 10

Company’s cannery .-.--.---- 46

PUD US CRAMEMOTUS.- ---=- 20-0. veces oeecee 16
Russian-American Packing Company, assist-

FTG) WARD. 505 655006 6o06 Sao UE SS DSS seE See 10
Sagittaria in Karluk River -......-... etisse 16
SUMONGQITUNEN a mcm esanse c= s-crse-) - a= ---- 5, 16

PRET TTES ooc Gap CaecO0nOOcS CeO sasees 37
salar, resembles Stee] Head...---.-..--. 36
Salmon, abundance of ..-.-.-...-----....- 5, 20
affected by weather_-.....--...-... 20
artificial hatching of..........---- 7,8
lew ac Keen ean ierse ue ee alcece cece 6, 33
canning, methods of -.........---. 41
canneries, list'of..-.-......--.. -..- 40
CAPUUTEIO line melociels a= ssi sie'se cio ai= ool 8
CAM eG AM WANUCE cme cioc sc1- so os- = 34
changes of color in --..---.-.-.-.- 35
@howichee ee. 2/2 se ese 28
Columbia Rivers: 505-5... ----- 28
dead, in Karluk River....-....--.. 32, 33
Mestenh Oley OUNP\--cses ssc soe sei 20
die afterspawning.....-..-.-.--.. 34
WD) O ree ele sais oleic lc aioeiceicio ce wnrncee 5,7
described nese seci-- cae sesece 30
MAIS Ol sees isa sec> Sessecsees 7
USES Offa s Sci si a's oaceinsiscee 7
economic value of .......----.-.-- 5
effects of temperature on.--.-...... 13
epesuitump-back...---+-2cc+sess- 45
fortilhiZedessesceeces accesses 45
ONVITOMMEN Gs aeeae es eee as ooe ee 11,13
family in) Alaska). os. =2sces econ 27
MSHETICH ACh ss Son) le aos= cece sees 7
HeeteNeae ferro eeeeee 5 = 39
investigation...-........ 5
methods, etc., of.--..-...- 39
protectioneee- = oreeaes= = 3
regulation. of..---.....-. 5,8

BING yiOf tec eewee cess: 12
H. Mis. 211 4

Page
Salmon fisheries, value of..........-.--.--- 8
fishery products...-..-.-.....-...- 41
flesh; changes 1m. -----. 5. J-2- 26.5. 43
habitsvots 2.2 sce: eseeelsc- oo eee se 13
hatching possibilities........-....- 46
HMump-back perc sss soe eee ess 5, 6, 27
described! 22 2e-picese o=- 31
habitspotarescceerees- 6, 31, 32
TY SHOE oo cesesosneoos 32
spawning ......-...-... 22, 24
USES Ofse sess ee Sisicras 6
injcheploitnike- sees eee a= ea 46
TAVERN so5ccooses sconed paaethy IKI), 183
TROT 38 codecs coos ocee oocone deed 32
UGiy SaaS SES ha soar sessane ce ceso seco 5, 6, 28
late appearance of.--.-.---..---.--- 20
levislation,; need of--------2----|---- 7
Manin epitelo fic me sacs elses 13
HMVEAPAIOS os5505 565666 cnoncosScde 13
natural history of..--..----------- 11, 27
MOCSUSis cc csecs Ser cesiseisiicssiooeale 17, 24, 35
obstructions to......-.....-....--- 36
ROE OF ete occas coe ces eedeoucses 41, 42
pLopacatloneesee-eeeeeeeee geesresiae 12, 45
products, how prepared ..--..-.... 43
protected by kelp beds. ...--..---.- 13
Quinn ateonjentse cee eee erases 28
PANE Ol Ol se ieionatecerisierisenis! Sose cn eee 27
IBGE sotso.snsocd cod asacenancso asec 5, 6, 27
PVD ORL, OF cscoac sseseteseoase 36
described... ....-..----- Uae site ais 33
enemies 0f-225 S28 sees seco eas 35
habitsiot saassscsste- se eae ne 6,33

tin QUEEY ISP oncocg Koosee cascce 21
Spawning Of sesso 45-2 ee ee a 34, 35
TREO OCMOHKON OP saseas coedeeéacosee a
MiVver na DitsOfecees=ee ena selene 34
in Olga Bay .---.....----..--- 21
rivers, investigation of..........-.- 11
PEL T Sco scocse c655 cs cesses aeSsee 43, 44
SEENROOGL OF cach secosscoceco sess cone 13
RUBE pe esno coo costess css see scse 36
SHIM@Poscscs cocoon sosstes cosscconss 5,6
Ayn LUA 55 So epee ses5 o5oS 26
caught on hook..-.--..--..-.--. 31
described See sese eee eeaeae 30
LENS OF cscocosesube ss ssoces 6

in Olga Bay .-..----------.-- 21
Nestoter jem cee saaeen sae 31
MWSOS| OL eae ss ns eereais selon 6
SteelHeadi issn ee ae nwe seers eee a 5
Stranded emer eeisee see eee Cee 25, 36
NMAGMijs esos noone cssce3 Co sozoosose 28
transportation - .. ..---.---........ 44
trap at Afognak ..........-...-.-- 24

50 INDEX.

Page. Page.

Salmon Eroutesesccsenes cece eee eee eee 37 | Transportation and markets ..........-...- 44
under thencesyesceeeeceere cere 17.) | raps tor salmon} ees see eeeeaeeece eee 8

WAU ENO) UNS) OonooooondboosoaceeS 34 | Trees absent from Karluk Valley .....---.. 16

young, arrival of.....-..--..--+-- 34 around! Uyak Baygeeenesse es eeeeeee 22
descentiotess-eneet ee eenee 35 of Alitak Baysceece secu oo eee 21

Th HhYEP Leasacboseoc Ese ea 21:\| Trout, Bulls 2 ccee eset easerncee aoe 37

Salvelinus mala ....-.------------ ---- ---- 5 Clark/saaeeeeeeeeeoeerecriee acetate 37
a salmon enemy -..--.----- 35 Dolly Varden 22.32 ../3.2550 320 See 37

described =esearaqeotaeseee 37 enemies) OF js -)-- eee 38

Sambucus with red berries .----..---------- 17 foodvots=-).)s2 seo cae 37
San Francisco Commercial Herald quoted. - 40 habitshO teem seseeee eee 37
Sand launce as salmon food..--.-.----- ---- 28 Waste Of)... --eeeeeee 38
SAAOG Ee dacs ose ome ee SEITE cs 33 eating salmon eggs ...--.--.--.- ene 35
Sculpins eat salmon eggs..--...----------- 35 Gairdner seco === eee eee eee 36
Semesitonsalmone-eeeeeeeeeaeeee sate sores 8, 39 Salmon). .c.5Hecsses sce. eee eee 37
Seining, injury from.......----..---------- 41 | Turner, Lucien M., quoted..-.....----. 29, 31, 32, 33
Shadiwalterseeeeereeeeeeer ere eeeemeriess 27 | Twine used for seines.....--..--.---- ----- 39
Semis SAIC pocssetesode oconbe 950900 600C 36 | Ukali, preparation Of. 2225. - 222 eo eseeeee 30
Shrubs of Karluk Valley..---...-----.-.-.- 16 | Uyak Bay described=o-- ooo. - se -aeeeeeieeee 22
SlaterateAtoonalkeees eee eeeeer ese meeesea 25 route to Karluk Lake........... 10
SmeltiotAlaskareeeeereteeasraeneeeeeetatetsl= 28 | Vessels in salmon fishery -.----..----.------ 8, 39
Soomga, or Steel Head.......-------------- 36 | Washburn, Mr., quoted...--.....---.- 30, 31, 33, 37
Spawning of Hump-back salmon...--..-....- 32 | Water for salmon canneries....-.....---..- 41
Rial JERE se cco seecco codoa0 od9000 deco 500c 5 Supply, art keer ieee eect eee 16
salmon described..---.--------- 36 | Whales in Alitak Bay.-.:.-.---.---..---...-- 21

spawning of...-...-.--- 37 || \Wihitefish,, Kenmicott/s=t. =e. === sents 27

Sticklebacksin salmon waters..---..------ 35 Richardson/s)522-)-ea-eeeeeeeee 27
Stokes Mir aiciied @=em ees eeeee=: eee eee 24 of Alaska. -..2 25 5--\seeeeeeeaee 27
Stone, Livingston -...--...---- 3,9; 10) 11))235,26;.32 TOUNG» 2 ies alo dees se eee eee 27
duties iofsces so -ss 2 os eee = 12 | White Star Fishing Station..--.........-.. 21
quotedeeeeseeeenee Be mOoS 46 | Willows of Karluk Lake..-.......---...... 17

EVO OF coccsscccoss secs 10 Valleyitee-ees aeeeee eee 16

Sturgeon River mouth ..-......-.........- 14 | Worms in Red Salmon...--..--...-.......- 34
Sulhegh sass cence Seecta ete masta tales oe 33.) Yukon: Rivers: as2c52 206 sence ees eee 6
Temperature observations ..--...---------- IS) ID) AGP oodocsess5 s9esce SBD OHO Cota aocSotESos 34
effects on salmon ...-..-.-.-.. 13 describediee ses erecsaaee ae eeteeetenee 25

Terns destroying salmon ......---.-.--.-.-- 35 for catching salmon ..---.......----. 24
Thin Point for hatching station..---.....-- 45 in Karluk, Rivelecesiecrcesssitsetsne 36

H.R. Mis. Doc. No. 211,—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers.

Fig. 2. THE DoG SALMON (Oncorhynchus keta). (See page 30.)

Fig. 3. THE SILVER SALMON (Oncorhynchus kisutch).

(See page 30.)

PLATE

PLATE Il.

H. R. Mis. Doc. No, 211.—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers.

i
Sy

wy

Fic. 4. THE HUMPBACK SALMON (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). Sea-run. (See page 31.)

(See page 31.)

Breeding male.

Fic. 5. THE HUMPBACK SALMON (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha).

H. R. Mis. Doc. No. 211.—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers. PLate Ill

Ly

zy 5
yy ss

Fic. 6. THE RED SALMON (Oncorhynchus nerka). Sea-run. (See page 33.)

Fic. 7. THE RED SALMON (Oncorhynchus nerka). Breeding male. (See page 33.)

Fic. 8. THE DOLLY VARDEN TROUT (Salvelinus malma). (See page 37.)

H. R. Mis. Doc. No. 211.—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers. PLATE IV

Fic. 9. THE STEEL HEAD (Salmo Gairdneri). Adult. (See page 36.)

Sa
ie

bas

Fic. 10. THE STEEL HEAD (Salmo Gairdneri). Young. (See page 36.)

Fic. 11. CLark’s TROUT (Salmo purpuratus). (See page 37.)

EXPLANATION OF PLATE V.

Karluk Head, or Cape Karluk, is one of the most striking headlands on the island of Kadiak,
because of its steep slope and the deep notch in its summit, by means of which its identification from
sea is easy and certain. It is situated about one-half mile southwest of the mouth of Karluk River
and has an elevation of about 1,600 feet. This cape, the highest part of a short spur, diminishes in
height somewhat rapidly inland, and is separated from the Karluk River range by a low, level plateau,
which, in the rainy season, carries on its surface an extensive shallow lake. The crescent-shaped
beach limiting this plateau is made up of coarse pebbles and sand, and is a favorite seining ground
for salmon,

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H. R. Mis, Doc, No, 211,.—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers.

39.)

(See page

FLEET OF SALMON VESSELS IN KARLUK BAY, AUGUST 9, 1889.

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PLATE XXVI.

H.R. Mis, Doc. No. 211.—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers.

PLATE XXVI.

LarseN’s Cove, UYAK BAY, AND CANNERY

oF ARCTIC PACKING COMPANY.

(See page 22.)

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PLATE XXXII.

H. R, Mis. Doc. No. 211.—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers

LAKE IN REAR OF THE STATION OF THE ALASKA COAST FISHING COMPANY, PORT HOBRON, SITKALIDAK ISLAND, KADIAK.
(Deseribed in Bull. U. S. F. C., 1888, page 39.)

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H. R. Mis. Doc. No. 211.—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers,

PLATE XXXII.

SALMON STATION OF THE ALASKA COAST FISHING COMPANY, PORT HOBRON, SITKALIDAK ISLAND, KADIAK.
(Described in Bull. U.S. F. C., 1888, page 39.)

H. R. Mis. Doc. No. 211.—Exploration Alaskan Salmon Rivers. PLATE XXXIV

CANNERIES OF ROYAL PACKING COMPANY AND RUSSIAN AMERICAN PACKING COMPANY,
AT AFOGNAK. (See page 23.)

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CASCADES IN AFOGNAK RIVER. (See page 24.)

| U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisherii
M. McDonald, Commissioner.
meg te it

CHART OF THE

KADIAK GROUP OF ISL
ALASKA

TO ACCOMPANY REPORT
ON THE

SALMON FISHERIE

= .
U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries,
M. McDonald. Commissioner.

= aie i

CHART OF THE

KADIAK GROUP OF ISLANDS
ALAS KA

TO ACCOMPANY REPORT
ON THE

SALMON FISHERIES.

C, Paramanoft
SteepCape

LPs
~ C.Kuliak

3 Torttsi Cape tes
SeaLion Rocks

C.St.Hermogence

C.Ugat ©

}| Kuliuyonuit

LA
Ayakulik L*

St.Oriovsk

% Dangerous Cape

>: C. Barnabas

C. Greville

Low Cape

“Aig I
aa

‘Two Headed Cape

%,

Ferran FO Hig,

HMis 2// 511

PRE SR RE RE RA RE OMNIS

i be ia,
Per
shart
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/
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h
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al
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r
j {

Prana. €
arr

af

se tevin Sa 4

>

U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries.
M. Mc Donald, Commissioner
o>

TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP

OF THE

OUTH OF KARLUK RIVER
-KADIAK ISLANDS, ALASKA.

( 1889 )

Scale 7

Soo

a

We th, al
Weal, ihe
~ Wy Why

NLL
Ma S

Metha

Gorham Feb./3/sq

HMis.2//...51 1

on

Surveyed by Franklin Booth
Robert EB. Lewts

Method of Survey

Stadia and Transit. by Azimuths.

a a 4
ENN F, #\
As * 4
a
0.29 ane %
Se Werrdeas

9 e®

U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. ~
M. McDonald, Commissioner
eee =

TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP

OF THE

MOUTH OF KARLUK RIVER
KADIAK ISLANDS, ALASKA.

« 1889 D

Scale ao Keet.
S00 1000
S Sear rrr

arlik Village.
a

00 FY CONTOUR,

x
Aik a

& A a4

alsa ec Ai corglge Mg,
a Y a A oe F

HH UU UUWUUW) UNUWLELLY, # a a

A MTN UA ny
yy ik

dh

CG

Be ON,
a
- Chanel at pj, Gh water, be
EO ce f

HMis. 2/7 .511

a as mk

SNE DR ay CRCLANR EE Soenehaectedeainemnedh teieeidatahne amementitemiendicedianntad

Commission of Fish and Fisheries,
M. Mc Donald, Commissioner.

JFECONNAISANCE MAP

OF

a0 AND PoRTION or KARLUK RIVER.

Scale of Miles

MeNisue2/ 7291 1

4
“
u
4 i
1 , * ‘
a 5 7 oe
Sty F
baa : y

Y

Ba

West branch of Uyak

TE S455

AN!

< i as

U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries,
M. McDonald, Commissioner.

<< eo >

RECONNAISANCE MAP

OF

KARLUK LAKE Ann PORTION oF KARLUK RIVER.

=H =

Scale of Miles

H Mis .2//....51 |

Gorham feb. “foo

he a eee tame a mtr at ne meme aa amine meet SG

Ce

CSN ANNE Fo SVT,

Jenne

S

OS

U.S.Commission of Fish ana
M.MS Donald, Comn

MAP OF

PORT LARS

UYAK BAY.
_KADIAK.

Sazle of Feet
foo g = S00

’
Slate Boule

<_< Toupper end oS Larsens Bay. Karluk Li,
IMiles due West _ Magnetic

ty lym hi

Sutvey by Compass § Stadia.
Franklin Booth CE.

flogers, Feb Bo”

U.S.Commission of Fish and Fisheries.
M.M° Donald, Comm:.
MAP OF

Q
999 v4

PORT LARSEN : es
; ‘ Le ahead 55

UYAK BAY.

Sazle of Keet

Average rise and fall

of ticle Loafer.

ees
Slate Boviders

Toupper end f Larser's Bay, Karluk iver portage.
TMiles clue West. Magnetic

ee
Pam, t
Vibert én,

Garboosha
great Icey,

Franklin

Survey by Compass $’ Stadia.
igahy 00th CP.
H Mis..2.//.-.51 1

Sho gers Fes Go"

4 { i 1 er ath
ah peel —— Hee Jee = Sayan dha nln ri a resent Aaa

arintadad’ bn del ¥6. nonenmny), oF.
sea’) SelM MA :

") TAM me acta
Wae@nATt THOR het
De YAR WAX |

bt ee Gain
! cee ay eC cee ae Ate as

ee aes

U.S .Commission of F
M.M Donald

oy

f=

U.S .Commission of Fish and Fisheries.
M.M° Donald, Comm:.

MAP OF

SNUG HARBOR

ALITAK BAY
KADIAK.

ry
Scale of Heet:
Soo! o 590"
(SS

To Alitak Bay 2Miles =-——

Ltranklin Booth,C 2. ra
Survey by Compassy: Stadia.

Tlogrre L899! H Mis_2/7 51 1

,
“
:

dirvopledd Eee, devil te cake wiubasel 2. ty
STKTIOS J blanc M, Mt

<a ENG Kame nientalane tans

; “<a TAM
DNEAAH DU
YAG AAPIIA

40

RUNNING CHART

OF

OLGA BAY AND ENTRANCE
KODIAK ISLAND

ALASKA

¢
NO1AaN

Village

Scale 34 M=lin.

—

Variahon abt 26° Fast

Swampy Moor

ww, ws

Magnetic North

Cape Alitak

Traced from origi e7 POSSESSLOT Cap*harsere}

H Mis. 2/7. 51 1

Franktor Booth. CH
Directiores

Ftogers. Heb 90°

41

isheries

1"

f Fish and

Inission o

Com

M.M° Donald, Commr.

°

RECONNAISSANCE MAP

OF

AFOGNAK LAKE AND RIVER

==

Seale of Miles.

=}
Mya

rl

(Se

Aug 30th.

riuKVer
Uelocity abt Th miles per hour:

f

_ Note.
Average Hr

wid
clepth

*

airs

Sprice Timber

4
pete
oa
t Mes

¥
ay

i
y/

tu

RASS

Ae,

Vie

Directions taker by Pooket Compass.

Hranktir, Booth. CHE

RO

H Mis 22

Rogers. Heb pe

nRiahiel it egni > = sae Sid er EW ay Ay = eS és i aki was awe Sea Benes breed ee

estes

, saireuiat: f bin al Wo shoigeiniite’ +6 bs ek
; ‘i area, Sibtiaot = ee M '

FAM. ot beats calanal ea i, fe 8 cin
0

HAVEL OA, ODIA. Ae ae

Tet “wey x Ny gost
JSkVAE Takis te x wre Sve Sg “a
guest “wong wins on a ‘on biiaas

i

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Nn vii

3 6043