THE REINDEER HERDS OF ALASKA
By William A. Spicer
AN interesting report of the results of an effort to provide a life-sustaining industry in one of the mission fields was made some time ago by Ex-Governor Brady, of Alaska, at a missionary conference. He referred to the late Dr. Sheldon Jackson's endeavor to plant the reindeer in northern Alaska, where the Eskimos were suffering privation owing to lack of game and lack of food. Many will remember the discussion in the newspapers when Dr. Jackson visited north Sweden in his efforts to gather up reindeer herds for Alaska. The results are summarized in the following report from Record of Christian Work: "Years ago, this devoted home missionary was traveling in a revenue service cutter on the far northern coast. When the vessel dropped anchor at Cape Prince of Wales, the natives rushed onto the ship and made for the swill casks to try to get remnants of the crew's food. Dr. Jackson conceived the plan then and there of importing reindeer to supply the Eskimos with means of livelihood. Some Christian friends gave him $5,000 for this purpose. After many difficulties and much disparaging comment from those who 'knew it could not be done,' he finally was able to place seven hundred reindeer among the Alaskans. This was in 1902. The last report announces the existence of fifty-four different herds, with nearly forty thousand reindeer. The Eskimos own about sixty-three per cent of these, and earned with them, last year, some forty-five thousand dollars. The creatures live on moss, and provide milk, meat, skin clothing, and motive power. We have, affirms Ex-Governor Brady, a possibility of raising millions of reindeer and supplying our markets with delicious meat. The Eskimos' ambition has been aroused by this new venture, and the younger ones are seeking education."