The Cordova daily times., 1922-07-31
MONDAY, JULY 31, 1922
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Returning from a round trip of something like 300 miles to Chitina and up the Fair banks Trail, Shirley A. Baker, U. S. Fisher ies Agent for the Central District of Alaska, reports that the salmon eseapenent IS shght- 1y heavier now in the Copper River than it was at this time last season. The Copper Rlv- CT Indians at Chitina have caught and dried practically all the fish they will need, and Indians farther up the river are making fair catches. ~& 1~ t~' s<%." S. 3%'<'9 g R 21l~a- While away, Mr. Baker took great many photographs of the spawning grounds of the lakes and tributaries of the Copper River, and also got a number of pictures of the na- tives fishing and of their fish wheels and gear.
 'T went as far as the upper end of Summit Lake. which spot is only few miles from the summit of the Fairbanks Mountain Range, said Mr. Baker this morning. "From Chltma on I found the wonderfully beautiful weather for which the Interior Is noted; and which makes that part of the Territory so healthful and livable. During the day, the temperature ranged from 85 to 95 degrees. The settlers along the trail are prosperous, but the road- houses are complaining, as the travel over tlls ronte has almost completely disappeared. Fms is due to the completion of the Government road from Seward to Fairbanks, and the peo- n1e naturally. want to go the new way. Some of the old-time roadhouse people are getting discouraged and declare they intend to quit
 snThe Fairbanks Trail is in fair condition as far as Gulkana, but beyond that point the road is very rough with many culverts Tn bad shape. A good deal of road work IS gong on and considerable money is being spent in inn nrovement. Good roads for this section will he tho main attraction for the tourist travel, and the only thing that will keep up the hls- toric roadhouses-the land marks of our early pioneers. It is my opinion that tourists to this country would much prefer to traverse the old trails, with their wealth of early history and Indian lore,-if these trails are kept in travelling condition-rather than to go on the modern railroad which is deliehtfully com fortable but which lacks the charm of the great out-of-doors method of travel.
 ssWhile on this trip. I noticed particularly the soils along the trail. In most places there is a rich volcanic ash. which offers wonderful possibilities for farming. In my opinion, the time is not far distant when Alaska will raise its own garden truck. The fishing and mln- ine industries have heretofore offered such opportunities for speedy returns that Alaskans have naturally spent their energies In those directions.
 ''Fur farming, especially fox farming, will become more stabilized and dependable as source of certain profit and, incidentally there is not better country in the world for sucb operations than along the Fairbanks trall That region is dry and cold in winter With rabbits and other natural food as side tea- ture Already flourishing fox farms are to be found, one of the best in the district being that of George Bull, only nine miles from Ch'tma He has now thirtv7two splendid specimens o1 silver gray fox. His farm is well organized and he is carrying forward the work in high ly specialized, and, I should say, successful manner. The time may come when Alaska Will be as noted for its fox and fur farming ns 1t now is for it's fisheries.
 ssThe Interior of Alaska is truly the sports mems paradise. The country abounds in big game, me,-mountain sheep, goats, caribou, moose,