The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-04-23

the soil, and the explorer probably
would have thought very little of the
new land had 1t not been for the dis
covery that 1t was the breeding ground
for the biggest herd of the Pacific fur
seals. They never go anywhere else
to breed, remaining at the island of ST.
Paul and st. George during the sum-
mer, and then as autumn comes on
dropping into the Behring sea. strik-
ing down past the Aleutian Islands,
and one into the Pacific, some OF them
continuing as far south as Santa Bar
bara channel, or the southern Califor-
mia coast. BY December there are very
few OF the seals to be found around
the Pribilof, and they do not return
until some time in May or June.
The islands were not inhabited at
the time OF their discovery by Pribilof,
for they are not q very hospitable
place. being enveloped for large part
Of the year in dense fog and subject
to the icy storms sweeping down from
the Arctic regions.
The natives living upon the islands
are not the least interesting Of it's In
habitants. They are Aleuts, being
members of the race living upon the
Aleutian chain, from which they were
brought originally by the Russians to
aid in killing the seals. They are a
simple, kindly people. with whom the
whites have never had any trouble.
Policemen are unknown on the islands
and would have no work to do If they
were present.
The people are exceedingly polite
a vsG swa
with the whites, but among them
selves. There is no misery or destitu-
ton among them, each family living
in snug frame dwelling. which Is
plainly but neatly furnished. The san
itary arrangements Of the villages are
carefully looked after by the officials
of the government and tn company.
After the islands became part of
the United States the natives gradual
Iy discarded the old Russian costumes
and now all dress like ordinary Amer
leans. Some Of the women have de-
veloped into excellent seamstresses Al
few of the islanders have substantial
sums to their credit upon the COM
pany's book upon which they draw
interest.
The women are great gossips. Both
women and men make and receive
calls on their saints days, and as these
are numerous social intercourse is
generally active Most Of them give
dinners on the anniversary OF their
birthday
Seal meat Is the principal food Of an
They are passionately fond of butter
and are also great lovers of sweet
crackers and canned fruit. A tremend-
GUS quantity OF tea Is brewed and
drank every year. Their samovars and
tea kettles of American make are bulb
bling and boiling from the moment the
housewife stirs herself at daybreak
until the fire goes out when they sleep.
They are practically I'll members or
the Russian church, and both st. Paul
and st. George have churches Of this
faith and resident priests. Every year
or SO they are visited by Bishop In
nocent, the Russian Bishop of Alaska.
and during his visits but little work is
done, all being busy feasting and at
tending services IN the church or hav-
ing professions along the one street
each village boasts. IN these process
sicns the priests, acolytes and singers
are alI dressed In handsome robes ana
all carry crosses. ikons and banners.