The Alaska daily empire., 1920-09-23

A process of IS years shows natural increase to 200. .000 head, in addition to some 100000 that have been Killed, what will be the natural increase oi 200 900 reindeer" asks Dr. E. w. Nelson. The answer to his question: he said. will give some idea as 10 the size of the future reindeer h- dustry of Alaska.
 Dr. Nelson left this morning TOT Seattle. concluding visit that hdS lasted nearly all summer during which time he has covered a wlde portion of the Territory investigating much of the work of the biological survey of which he is the head The most important feature of his woik was that in connection with the reindeer industry which he declares is shortly to become important and will not only furnish meat for Alaska but which will add materially to Al aska's export trade to the States
 Growth Marvellous
 The history of the raising of rem deer in Alaska, from it's inception 10. the present time has been little short of marvellous, according to Dr. Nelson Some 2S years ago the flrst of these animals were brought rom Siberia to Alaska. In the ten years following this number was increased to l.2S0. From this comparatively small beginning without addition tbnrn b1c into being in Alaska. herds estimated today to number 100000 animals In addition there has been killed, ac- cordng to those engaged in the ln dustry, some 100000 reindeer, making the total of the natural increase approximately 100000. "It staggers the imagination" said Dr. Nelson, ito figure what the natural increase of the present herd will be during the next ten or twenty years"
 Problems Attacked
 A number of problems which have arisen in connection with the growth of the industry are being studied by experts of the Biological Survey, said Dr. Nelson. The three main ones are: elimination of disease and par asites; establishment of definite graz ing areas in suitable sections; and increasing the natural vigor of the reindeer. All of these. he said. are being given close attention and ne is confident that solution will be forthcoming at an early date
 Laboratory Established
 A laboratory has been established at Unalakleet in the Seward Pen insula region, fully equipped for the study of reindeer diseases and para sites which attack the herds. It isl in charge of two experts of the Bio logical Survey who will remain there the year round and keep in close touch with the men engaged in the industry, cooperating with them as we'll as making independent investi- gations. The equipment for the in stitution was brought North last Spring by Dr. Nelson.
 Allotment of Grazing Lands
 The size of the herd on the Sew ard Peninsula makes 1t imperative that there be an early allotment of grazing lands for individual owners according to Dr. Nelson. For this purpose, one of the Surveys eX perienced men was brought into the country this year He has had years of work in connection with allot- ment or grazing lands in reserves in Western States. and it is believed that the same sustem as used there will be eventually adopted in Alaska. There is said to be unlimited areas for summer grazing, but the ques- tion of securing winter forage for the animals Is considered serious. The reindeer feed on moss which they dig from beneath the snow. This moss is slow growing and re quires years 10 renew itself after 1t has been fed over by the big herds. Systematic feeding with def. mite allotments t is believed, will solve the difficulty.
 Small Herds Difficulties
 owners of small herds encounter difficulties not faced by those who run the great bands. according to Dr. Nelson, the native who owns 2 small herd Is content 10 watch f for the small returnes he gets out ot fl h1t the white man can not do so. he cx- plalned Consequently he losses lsuch of the natural increase. Small punches of the ainmals continually break away from the main herd and usually are found attacher to som" other herd The COW Is generally marked with an ear tag and can b. recovered by it's owners. but there