The times., 1897-11-05
RETURNED FROM ALASKA
Commissioners Evans and KILN Re-
port to Secretary Wilson.
Describe the Points Inspected and
the Conditions Which Prevail
Timbered Regions.

DIR. Y. II. Evans and Benton KILN, com
missioners 10 investigate the agricultural
possibilities OF Alaska, have made re-
port TO the Commissioner of Agriculture.
They spent two years in the work. A
number Of points were visited in south
eastern Alaska and other places west Of
Sitka. The two returned to Sunrise City,
where they parted COMPANY. DR.. Evans
went to the estward, w hile MIR KILN
visited Yakntat and the Copper River delta
In this way nearly ever coast village of
southern alaska was visited. The southern
coast region is divided by Mount st. Elias
and other mountains into the southeastern
timbered region, and the southwestern or
treeless area. The southeastern portion
is heavily timbered on, its lover eleya
tions, aud sometimes / ,S0olfeet or more
above the sea level were found spruce,
Alaskan ceuar and hemlock. Some of the
trees, especially the spruce, attained a
diameter 0f ten feet.
Wnen drained, the soil in southeastern
Alaska usually proved very rich. In the
southwestern section IL appeared Of better
nature.
At WIangel. Sitka, Juneau aud els'1-
where attempts have been made 10
grow red and white cover with some success
a.s wen as the timothy. Alaska is pre-
eminently d country OF snail fruits and
berries, but little attention is paid 10 the
cultivation OF any OF them. The flavor is
excellent, ar,l the report states that some
of them might be introduce dint0 the States
with profit Cultivated areas In Alaska
~, pel In oar fiaUg in
which are grown many OF the Garlic. and
harder vegetables Of tie gardens here.
The cultivated area of Alaska al present
is very insignificant.
The p5s>,tjeexuension of the area devoted
to pasturaee aud gardening is quite consid-
able, altisugi, the coast region is for the
most part very mountainous Estimates
are made or G'lc cost of $500 per acre Tor
preparing the soil for cultivation.
The report states that either in the vicuify
| Of Sitka " Kodiak would be goodlOcatiGu
for any station that may he established
In recommending the establishment of 4
station or stations in Alaska, Or. Evans
says ne would not advise an extension uf
the so-called Hatch actto provide for them.
There is 20 way except by private COR
tributions u supplement work OF the sta
ton no matter how desirable d nd necessary
additional aid might he. what seems
70 be "a more practicable plan would be
the appropriation by Congress of sUt,
Of money, S15. 200 or more. to be expended
without any restrictions, under tie direc
tion Of the Secretary of a griculture, III
the Foundation and equipment OF the STA
tons II stations in Alaska. rs he ma GeeH,
proper
The climate Is extremely wet. hut not
cold, the mercury rarely reaching ten do
grees. below zero. What agriculture there
| will be in Alaska, the report states, VIII
be subsidiary 10 the fishing and other in
dustrles. At the present rate, Mr.. KILN
says the salmon will seen be destroyed,
| they are being fished for in spawning
waters to such an extent that they have
no opportunity u propagate. Hahbut,
| cod ana herring viii last forever. Tim
| 5er VIII not go into tie market until the
! yellow fir or Douglas Dtne Of the Pacifia
| coast Is exhausted as It IL superior 10
the Alaskan spruce or hemlock.
| The report states that AlaSkans will not
| feel the want Of agriculture, as freight frol.
/ the coast agricultural distticts is by "a il
! vessel and very cheap. il now costs hui
| 30 cents day 10 provide food for miners
| at Turn Again Arm, the most Iemote part
| Of COOKS Inlet. lie says that tie gricul-
tural Department can do nothing in the
way Of experimental stations in Ala ska
| hut can furnish literature On the subiec;
! of the SilU II is suggested that IL might
be well TO send M there for a few yeats a
| PEI son Skilled III building and operating
| silo
] MI KILN ventures TIE statement that
from tEat country will be drawn sailor.
for the merchant marine anu navy. II c4n
| be Gone hc thinks, by granting to every
] American citizen who shall establish him
self IN home for five years on the public
| lands, and who shall enea SC in SOME ucca-
patton on his own account Tor tie same
period, TWEEN, y-acre tract OF land with
| about COO feet OF water front