The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-08-08
THE REINDEER IN ALASKA.
THEY THRIVE AND MULTIPLY IN
THE LOWER YUKON COUNTRH.

The Largo nera. Nov at Fort Cinrcnco-vhe
Experiment which was Begun n Few
Wears AEo Bas Becn Succeaursi-The West
UseruI or Animals for tho Fnr Nerth'
It was M far back as 1899 that Congress made
an appropriation, which was small, to meet tho
expense OF the introduction of that useful ami
NAL, tho reindeer, into Alaska. Tho export
ment was not regarded rs very promising at
first, but 10 seemed desirable that 1t should DO
made, In many parts Of Alaska horses cannot
be used on account Of the character OF the coun-
try, and the dogs which the natives employ for
draueht purposes arcrnt only for the lighter
kinds Of service. It was thought that the rein
deer, which Is 30 largely utilized In Lapiand,
was the animal needed for Alaska.
ITO tho Laplander," says n traveller, the
reindeer Is invaluable, being, in fact, his horse,
his OK. and his sheen In one animal As n
draught animal its speed, endurance, and par
tIcular adaptation to travelling on snow rem
der 1t most valuable TO people dwelling in the
frozen ATTITUDES It has been known to run at
the ratio OF nearly nineteen miles an hour, and
II il not unusual for 1t to travel $50 miles In
nineteen hours. The weight ordinarily drawn
by 1t in Lapland Is 2i0 pounds, but II can draw
800. Its meat forms delicious food for man;
It's skin is valuable, and tho milk Of tho herds
Ia often the principal support of the owner and
his family"
Years ago naturalists familiar with the
constitution and habits OF the reindeer cS-
pressed the opinion that it would thrive and be
useful in the northernmost parts Of America,
and that, with proper care, the herds would
Congress had authorized the purchase of the
animals for the Alaska experiment a number
of them wore taken thither from Siberia. and
put In charge of keepers ut Fort Clearance, in
the region of the lower Yukon. Reports, some
Of which were encouraging, but most Of which
from time to time. They certainly did not at
first thrive SO well as had been expected; and
the incxperionce Of tho keepers. The Govern
mont, anxious that a full trial should be made
i ber 'a nf f S&sfiI sro oi hap Gxsd are% who Mu hsG been @u ao.
customed to the caro- of them in their own
country. The animals were now treated in an
of tho success OF the experiment.
In the year 1894 the herd was enlarged. The
with forty-eight additional head Of reindeer
which had been obtained In Siberia from the
nseinf' a m teSIsh'n fSe 'O ca tSafi 'S Of tie an rev 9ahse
cutter made report to the Government that the
original herd at Port Clarence had increased
$50 head since the previous year, and was. in
good condition, SO it was then acknowledged
that the experiment was promising, 1t has
that Its success. would be Of very great ad-
vantage to trade and travel In Alaska. The
siberia by, the Government and put in charge
Of the Laplanders was about 500.
very Interesting news about the Alaska
Gently sent to Washington It is learned that
they are getting along finely. The herds have
increased in the natural manner. until. at this
time there are more than 1000 head in them.
This number L. very sure to be increased. by
iionnss of 'n sSem could EI' i've in Alaska Il yeS upon the the
reindeer moss, which exists there In album
dance.
Hardly any information as to the employment
OF the animal. in the Territory has been re-
ceived up to this time, and: nothing has been
4 hnnrI nN n nnInrfn onrrin, m nnr M AhA
known hat their Gaplander keepers are pro-
pairing to make use of thom in the mining re-
gions. and the United States Government,
which Is their owner, will probably before the
end OF the year turn them to account by EN-
ploying them for tho transportation OF the
mails up tho Yukon Valley. The reindeer
express, sweeping along over the snow at the
rate OF sixteen or eighteen miles an hour. will
rank high among the other wonders to be seen
pectet to brighten the heavy-footed bears that
have roamed about there through the long
ages.
1t is to be supposed that In the course of
time the Government will mako provision for
the sale of the reindeer to citizens who may
desire to purchase them. 1t cannot make use
Of the great herds which are expected to como
into existence before many years have passed.
The price of them ought not to be beyond the
means OF people In ordinary circumstances,
they can find their own forage wherever they
go In Alaska
When any Alaskan can procure the animals
for himself. can make use of them for travel
or the transportation of his goods, can make
use of their fesh for food, and can make use of
their skin to keep out the cold. the attractions
OF life In Alaska win not be confined to the gold
fields.