natives planted gardens, and we have two school gardens. Turnips, radishes, and lettuce are planted. Conditions are not favorable for gardening, as seasons are so variable. Every year, however, gardens are made and sometimes an abundant harvest is reaped.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES PUBLIC SCHOOL AT TATITLEK, IN SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA.

BY CHESLEY W. COOK, TEACHER.

There has been noticeable development in the village during the last year, industrially and in classroom work. The most marked advance has been among the younger men, who have been engaged in cutting piles and logs for mines at different places on Prince William Sound; in cutting logs for the sawmill at Cordova, and in furnishing piles for fish canneries. In addition they have sold six or seven thousand dollars' worth of salmon to the canneries. Many have worked by the day at mines as assistant cooks and laborers and in other capacities. I believe we should feel encouraged about this, because in former years the natives worked only when driven to it by necessity. As I write I do not know of an idle man. They are all either fishing for salmon or working at the mines, not because they are forced to work, for at this season of the year they can live without effort, but because they wish to earn money. The efforts of the bureau in this village have certainly had a stimulating influence upon the natives industrially.

We have made fishermen of the natives, and fishing has come to be a great summer industry of the entire region. Factors which have created a demand for the native fishermen are their knowledge of the local waters, legislation in favor of local fisher. men as opposed to nonresident fishermen, and the procuring of reserves which permit us to control the shore fishing within them. We should be able to control all the waters within the reserves. As early as January the canneries began contracting with the natives for their services as fishermen during the summer. At one cannery natives have been made the "major crew." All the canneries have been willing to employ all the natives that could be secured, some of the companies calling at the village and transporting the natives to their canneries. In causing the men to work steadily and to earn money we have accomplished much of what we set out to do. The unfinished phase of this part of the work is to teach the natives to lay aside a part of their earnings, to create a reserve upon which to draw in times of need. In this we have not made much progress, though they are acquiring more substantial property in house furnishings, boats, and engines.

The school enrollment increased to 62 this year, overcrowding our rooms and making it impossible to give sufficient time to all phases of school work. We are in immediate need of another classroom and teacher. We are now conducting classes from the kindergarten to the sixth grade, as well as doing industrial work with both boys and girls. Our shopwork reached a standard this year that I have been striving to acquire for many years. We were able to take in outside work and put the schoolboys upon it. We succeeded in building a 28-foot launch with our training class, and the boys were thus able to earn something as well as to have the training. This successful effort brought inquiries from several quarters as to whether we would accept orders for boat building. I believe that there can be quite an industry worked up along this line ifl can be relieved of some of the classroom work in order to devote my time to it. Another new phase of the work is the introduction of games in the lower grades by Mrs. Cook. This has developed alertness and stimulated the use of English. The children will use English in playing a game if taught the game in the English language. We have also found that the earlier a native child enters the school the better and faster he advances, as he grows up in the language and ways of the school.

In our instructions we are directed to report upon our success in agriculture. There is not much that I can report about that, as this is not an agricultural section. Each year I prepare a very small piece of ground and raise a few vegetables, but the production never pays for the effort. There is no arable ground here; it is tundra, which must be stripped of moss, drained, dug up, cut into fine pieces, mixed with sand and gravel and fertilized; then, if the season is favorable, one can raise turnips, cabbage, peas, lettuce, and radishes. We can prepare the soil, but we can not govern the weather conditions. We have had but two favorable summers out of the seven I have spent here. The natives have never followed my lead in gardening to any extent, and I have not encouraged them in it for the reason that gardening comes at the same time that the fishing is being done, and the proceeds of one day's fishing would buy more vegetables than a garden would be likely to produce in an entire summer. It seems to me that it would be impractical to encourage agriculture under the conditions here.

We should very much like to install a sawmill, have the natives cut lumber for modern houses, lay out the village in lots and streets, and to construct a water and sewerage system. While I believe the native should usually pay for what he gets, yet in introducing these new undertakings the bureau must expect to take the lead and bear the expense. My idea of conducting the improvement would be for the bureau to advance the amount necessary to buy and install the sawmill; to assemble the natives and make them acquainted with the project; to get them to promise to set up the mill; also to pledge themselves to secure logs and saw lumber enough for a house within a certain time. After the mill is completed we should get them to build additional houses within certain periods, and consent to a survey of the village and a plan of drawing for lots, under the supervision of the bureau. We started fishing in a similar way, furnishing a seine and dories. We had our ups and downs, and at times I was very unpopular, but we have a fishing industry to-day. In a few years we could have a model village. The task is hopeless as long as log houses are built in the same old hit-and-miss way.

The natives observe the law as well as the whites, and often better. Often they are encouraged by whites to break the law, particularly in taking valuable skins, such as sea otter, which are protected. Much the same conditions exist in regard to morals. They follow the examples set by a certain class of white men.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES PUBLIC SCHOOL AT KLUKWAN.

BY FAY R. SHAVER, TEACHER.

Shop work. On account of extremely cold weather last winter there was much time when we could not use our shop. Although there was not so much work done as formerly the quality was up to the standard. The younger pupils made toys, boxes, tables, etc., besides helping to make sleds and stovepipe. The older boys made sleds, boxes, tables, galvanized pails, camp stoves, heaters, dust pans, stovepipe, etc. We could have made a dozen more heating stoves and sold them, but were unable to secure the drafts and legs, which are cast, in time for use. The heaters made were larger than before and sold for $10 each, making a good profit for the workmen. Tanks for cooking the oil out of fish were made of galvanized iron and sold for $17 each.

The shop has been a great help to the people of the village. It has saved many trips to Haines, and often the article made was more suited to the needs of the native than any that could have been purchased. Many good suggestions were given by the natives and followed to advantage in our work.

Agricultural work. Several new experiments were carried on in agriculture. Kafir corn grew to about 5 feet in height but did not mature; beardless barley grew well and matured a fair crop. Canadian field peas proved a great success, most of the crop rpening and furnishing an abundance of forage as well as seed, which will prove of great value here. Mangels grew 18 inches long; sugar beets did well; millet just began to head when the frost came. Alfalfa made a good growth; it has not been winter killed since I began to plant it two years ago. I cut two crops last year and the season was dry. Corn did not do so well as usual; potatoes matured a good crop and were dry and mealy; beets grew nicely. Swiss chard was especially good, the stalks being about 3 inches broad and 16 inches long. Tomatoes were ripened out of doors; there were quantities of green ones, and we found that many could be ripened in the house. A few cucumbers were raised. We had several cuttings of asparagus; the stalks were strong and healthy. Rhubarb is always good. We have been unable to obtain a good crop of strawberries as many of them are knotty. Peas were exceedingly fine and the crop abundant. The beans were the best I have seen anywhere; they were not left to mature as they were the snap variety. Kale and cabbage are always good. Radishes, turnips, and rutabagas grew well but were infested with the root maggot. Cauliflower formed beautiful heads of the very best quality. Kohl rabi was very large and solid. Parsnips were as good as can be grown.

The natives took much interest in their gardens and raised very good crops. Their main crop was potatoes, but other vegetables, also flowers, were raised. The children often go to the woods to gather flowers and they are very fond of the bright-colored ones. Every garden has to be fenced to protect it from the dogs. There was not so much new land cleared as usual, as the natives had no team with which to break it. The nettles do not interfere much with the gardens, although there are plenty of them. Mares-tail is a great pest and has nearly taken up some garden plots. It is hard to get rid of.

Plans are being made for an agricultural fair this fall. Prizes are to be given for the best gardens and vegetables.

Medical work and sanitation.-This work was carried on under the direction of Mrs. Shaver. There was an epidemic of measles in our village, which affected nearly every child. There were three deaths of children who were not strong and had been sick before. Aside from the above, the village has been quite free from sickness. This spring a general village clean up took place. Eleven wagon loads of tin cans, etc., were hauled and dumped into the river. A clean-up this fall should leave the village in very good condition.

Dr. Craig has given us his help and advice at all times in the treatment of illness and in maintaining sanitary conditions, which we have appreciated very much.

The cooperative store. The store did over $10,000 worth of business last year
with a net profit of 15 per cent to the stockholders. This profit was divided as follows:
Six per cent was paid on stock, six per cent on purchases, and three per cent was placed
in a reserve. Some of the older natives were not satisfied with the profits because they
had dropped off from those of preceding years. The high cost of supplies was the cause.
The reduced profits on package goods was hard to overcome as there was often an
advance of a cent or two on a package. We do not have pennies, so could hardly raise
the price, which cut down the profits that much. At present the prices have advanced
80 much that our prices have been advanced accordingly. Unless something unfore-
een happens our profits will be very good by the close of the year.

In connection with the store I might add that the credits are a great drawback.
There is generally one of two causes for them. It is very seldom that the party asking
credit has no money, but because a certain amount has been laid away for the big
potlatch. This is never touched, even though the family is in want. The other
reason, which is the cause of most of the credits, and which is being overcome gradu-
ally, is the fact that the native must see and handle the money in a transaction in

order to know the profit made. Guns, ammunition, and the food used on a hunt are almost always bought on credit when the proceeds of the hunt are to be sold. When the furs or meat obtained in the hunt are sold, the store bill is paid and the money in hand is the profit. If the hunt is not successful the bill may be one of long standing. Hunting and trapping.—The natives had a good catch of furs last winter and realized good prices for most of their catch. Traders paid between $8 and $12 for lynx, while those handled through our department at Seattle brought nearly twice that amount. The furs handled by our department netted the natives $3,606.16, which was about half the catch. Some of the natives shipped their furs to Chicago and St. Louis, but they did not realize nearly so much as did those who sold their furs in Seattle. Circulars showing big prices still play a prominent part in attracting the native shipper. The returns have nearly always been disappointing. Next winter will see nearly all of the furs sold where there are competitive bids. The furs of 16 natives were shipped from Klukwan and handled by our department. One man's furs netted him over $1,100 for three months' work. A native of Klukwan by the name of Gundagain was offered by a trader $28 for four skins. He received through the bureau $60.90 for the same furs. Another was offered $27 and received over $47 net. A trader paid $12 each for some lynx skins but bought a most beautiful black fox skin for $250 that should have brought three times that amount. The bureau, no doubt, receives many knocks for helping the natives to dispose of their furs, but I feel that this is one of the best ways by which we can instill confidence in them and get them to realize that we have their interests at heart.

Fishing. The natives of Klukwan did fairly well in their fishing. They received about $10,000 for fish and for work at the cannery. Not all of this came to Klukwan, as some of our people went away to work after the cannery season closed. Most of them obtained employment in the mines at or near Juneau. This work added between $2,500 and $3,000 to their earnings. Most of this sum was put away until after death to be given away in a big potlatch. Everything given away at that time is supposed to go into the hereafter to help the soul in the spirit world.

Canning. About 500 pint and 200 quart glass jars were filled with fish, vegetables, and berries. Some of the natives took advantage of the opportunity and used the canner. They had no trouble about the berries and fish keeping.

Goats. The goats came through the winter in better condition than usual. Two kids have been raised. They may become acclimated and in time prove of value here. Old customs. The big potlatch was held at Yendistuckie, where the feasting lasted for two weeks. This village is about 19 miles from Klukwan. Most of the people from our village and Haines were there. The only ones not going, I think, were those not invited. I have not been able to find out just how the potlatch was conducted, as it was too far from here and school had just started. One native gave away $1,000 in addition to the food he furnished. This must have been an unusual amount of money, as there was lots of talk about it. They had the white man's dance every afternoon and evening. There was one day when they did not let the whites in. I was not able to find out what took place at that time. When the people returned they said they did not know that it was to be an old-custom affair, but that when they got there they could not get away. The truth is that this feasting will fill many an evening with gossip, and they would not have missed it for anything.

The next potlatch was held at Douglas and was given by a native merchant of that place. The natives were given to understand that this was not to be an old-custom affair, but to dedicate a native brotherhood hall. It, however, turned out to be otherwise. The Klukwan band was invited with the promise of a handsome present, but did not receive enough to pay its expenses. Most of these feasts end in dissatisfaction of some kind.

In order to counteract these practices we should give the natives something to take their place. We do this in part by our school entertainments and parties, but they

like to get together in their own way at times. We need more room in which to enter tain the natives of the village. The new basement for the school building will help out wonderfully.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES PUBLIC SCHOOL AT
HYDABURG, IN SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA.

BY MARK SAID, TEACHER.

Hydaburg school opened October 2, 1916, and closed April 27, 1917, thus com-
pleting its sixth year. A total of 103 was enrolled, with an average attendance of
66.3. All grammar grades, excepting the fifth, were taught in the three rooms.
Christmas the regular work was supplemented twice a week by manual training for
the older boys and sewing and cooking for the girls.

After

The census of Hydaburg for 1916-17 shows a population of 335. During the year ending June 30 there have been 19 births and 25 deaths. The excessive mortality largely due to the ravages of an epidemic of measles, which broke out in December and was so general that school was closed during that month. During the progress of the disease, 157 people were sick; at one time the teachers were caring for 125 patients. The measles alone proved fatal in but one or two cases; but five tubercular boys, when left in a weakened condition by the measles, were quickly carried away by the other disease; five other children followed within two months. Of those who died, 9 were young people between the ages of 10 and 20 years, 13 were babies, and but 3 were adults. Tuberculosis and its menigital complications claimed 75 per cent of the number.

Early in October the people organized logging, milling, and building crews, and began the construction of a new church. Before snow fell the frame was up and sheathed and the roof was on. This is to be a church belonging entirely to the people They are accepting no help from the mission board's building fund. All the labor is donated and the Forest Service has allowed free use on stumpage for the lumber. In the fall the bureau authorized the erection of a teacher's residence at Hydaburg. A plan was selected, and the lumber was cut to fit the plan in Seattle and forwarded to Hydaburg.

After Christmas the interests of the townspeople centered in industrial progress. A new dock, measuring 44 by 96 feet, with an approach 360 feet long and 16 feet wide, was completed. It is located at the southern end of the town. The dock is substantially built, resting on hemlock piles, faced three sides with spruce fender piles, and surfaced with 2 by 12 spruce planking. At the shore end the foundation for a warehouse to be used in connection with a cannery, was completed and part of the framework of the building was set up. On the north side of this structure the foundation for a cannery building to measure 40 by 100 feet was about half finished. For setting the piling for this work, a steam pile driver was rented from Sulzer at an expense of $10 per day. The driver was in use for 19 days at an expense to the trading Company of $190. This was paid for in logs.

These construction operations kept an average of 20 men working for three months. Every man in town put in some time at the work. Wages, fixed by the stockholders of the trading company in open meeting, were 30 cents per hour for workmen and 35 cents for bosses. Most of the earnings were applied to pay up accounts owing the trading company by the laborers, and the surplus went to purchase stock in that company, it being agreed that such stock should not draw dividends until the cannery produced profits from operation. The mill crews and the logging crews were also paid in this manner, and during the period the trading company collected $4,042.80 current and back accounts, and the net increase in the accounts receivable was beld to $10.24; $500 worth of stock was sold.