UN 20 1895 LIBRARS 473 COPYRIGHTED 1895, BY LOWMAN & HANFORD STATIONERY AND PRINTING Co. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. INTRODUCTORY. ALTHOUGH the author cannot undertake within the limits of this volume to deal, in an elaborate way, with the vast and varied resources of Alaska, he is of the opinion that the matter contained in its pages is such as will give the reader an intelligent idea of this great territory, its past and present, and the outlook for its future. The contents will be found reliable, and the information touching the leading industries of the country and its resources, including the great Yukon gold fields, which are now commanding attention, has been prepared with care, and with the view of ensuring the greatest possible accuracy. A more complete reference to the Eskimos of Arctic Alaska and the introduction of domesticated reindeer among them can be found in his report to the Bureau of Education at Washington, and his monograph in the census report of 1890, will furnish further information than is here given upon the southeastern portion of Alaska, both of which may be had free upon application to the respective departments. Six years spent in Alaska, first in the interest of journalism, and later in other pursuits, have enabled him to present an accurate and truthful account of his observations concerning the developments of the past few years. The field is large, and already the dawning of great enterprises fills the minds of ambitious projectors. Gold fields are to be opened up, railways built, possibly with a span of communication with the Old World, besides many other projects which will cause the active American brain to vibrate with new vigor. And if the writer can awaken any patriotic sentiment to further and protect the interests of this grand territory, he will be satisfied. He cannot consistently advise those seeking a place to make a home, or those looking for a new field of labor, to choose Alaska, unless they have some means, and a reasonable amount of stamina, and good health. To any one possessed of these qualifications, he unhesitatingly and unqualifiedly says "Go." He is in earnest when he says that he believes the next few years will present many opportunities for investment, and for laying a foundation for lucrative business enterprises, and, perhaps, wealth. But if any one expects to acquire these without experiencing the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, he will be disappointed. MINER W. BRUCE. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. HISTORY. Alaska. Discovered by Vitus Bering, a Dane, in 1728 Mt. St. Elias.- CHAPTER II. TOPOGRAPHY. - Topography of Alaska.- Verdant Islands.- Two Great Natural Divisions.- Influence of Japan Current.- Precipitation in the Coast Country.— Average CHAPTER IV. MINERAL AND TIMBER. First Discovery of Gold in Southeast Alaska.—The Great Treadwell Mine. CHAPTER V. FISHERIES. Immense Salmon Canning Industry. More than One Hundred Varieties of CHAPTER VI. ROUTE TO THE YUKON RIVER. - Ty-a, the Head of Steamboat Navigation.- Necessary Supplies for the Trip. CHAPTER VII. THE YUKON GOLD FIELDS. Gold First Discovered on the Yukon.-Three Divisions of the Interior.- CHAPTER VIII. LAND AND SEA ANIMALS. Fur Seal Industry.-Seal Rookery.- Hunting the Sea Otter.- Brown and CHAPTER IX. THE TOURIST ROUTE. - - From Seattle to Sitka.-The Season for Tourists.- Seattle.-Tacoma.- CHAPTER X. ALASKA INDIANS. Their Origin.- Quass. — The Totem Pole and Its Significance.― Witchcraft. - CHAPTER XI. ESKIMO HABITS AND CUSTOMS. An Eskimo Dwelling. An Industrious and Patient People.- Primitive Men.- Polygamy.— Athletic Sports.— Dancing Principal Amusement. CHAPTER XII. REINDEER. Importation of Reindeer.-Starving Eskimos and Cause for Same.— Dr. CHAPTER XIII. MISSIONS AND SCHOOLS. - Russian Missionaries Sent to Alaska in 1793.— A Strange Admixture.— Lit- CHAPTER XIV. THE BOUNDARY DISPUTE. Claim Made by the British Government.—The Treaty Between Russia and ERRATA. Page 17, third line - Convention should read committee. Page 18, sixteenth line. 1891 should read 1890. -- Page 35, seventeenth line - Kakutat should read Yakutat. |
