The Cordova daily times., 1922-11-09
REINDEER INDUSTRY IN
 ALASKA IS INCREASING

w. T. Lopp, chief of the Alaska Di- vision, Bureau of Education, Native School, Medical and Reindeer Service, was aboard the s. s. Spokane Sunday might. Mir Lopp is returning to Se- attle after trip into Interior Alaska, where he found the reindeer industry in most satisfactory condition.
 The idea of introducing Siberian reindeer into Alaska for use by the Eskimo originated with MT. Lopp more than twenty years ago when he was located at Cape Prince of Wales. as a government teacher. In 1892 the gov ernment, through the Influence of Sheldon Jackson and others, induced the government to import a few rein deer from Siberia. Later other impor- tations were made, and the experi- ment has proved such a tremendous success that the reindeer industry in Alaska promises to become big fac tor in the development of the Terri tory.
 A new United States Department of Agriculture Bulletin, No 1898, Rein deer in Alaska" by Seymour Hawden, veterinarian and parasitologist, and Lawrence J. Palmer, in charge of graz ing investigation, has just been pub lished and contains a vast amount of information about the reindeer indus try. From a hurried perusal of the reindeer in Alaska has increased in 30 years from 10 animals imported in 1891 and other importations .totaling about 1900 animals prior to 1902, to approximately 100000 living reindeer. Probably 100000 additional animals have been killed for food and clothing. The original importations the Buile- tin says, were made by the Bureau of Education for the benefit of the Es- kimo natives, who still own most of the herds; but white men have gradu- ally acquired stock, and under their management both their herds and those of the natives should improve. It is estimated that grazing areas in Alaska will support from 5000, ,000, 900 to 100000 head of reindeer, but the development of the industry requires white supervision of livestock, with proper markets, improved transporta- tion and cold storage facilities, and many changes in existing regulations relating to ranges and ownership. Company herds are advocated, in which ownership of does shall be the basis of dividends and cost assess ments. Grading Up Herds
 The experiment of crossing rein deer does with caribou bulls is contem- plated for grading up the stock, does and bucks must be eliminated and bet ter bucks must head the herds to increase the average size of the lawns. White reindeer are deficient in vitality and size, and while an aid in locating the herd are undes,rable and should not be permitted to breed. Many unsatisfactory practices in handling reindeer herds should be dropped. Some of these were intro duced by Lapps, brought over with the original importation to teach the Es- kimos how to manage their herds. With the increase in the number of reindeer there have appeared various parasites and diseases which require expert treatment by trained veterina- rians, in place of the crude methods now practiced.,
 Reindeer meat is at it's best in the autumn, and the time for slaughter | ing is October and November. Earlier | than this the back fat is not fully laid on, and later the parasitic larvae de- preciate the value of the meat. The custom has been to slaughter on the open range at any time of the year.
 Reindeer meat is very palatable, re- sembling beef in flavor and texture, and it is believed that market can
 be developed for it.
 The bulletin includes a comprehen-
 sive list of Alaska range plants and
 much other detailed information of in
 terest to those considering the com
 mercial possibilities of reindeer graz
 ing as an industry. Copies may be
 obtained by applying to the U. s. De
 partment of Agriculture, Washington, DC. a.