Edward William Nelson and Edward Alphonso Goldman Collection, circa 1873-1946 and undated
Physical Description:
1 field book
Physical Location:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Sublocation:
Box 11 Folder 2
Record type:
Fieldbook record
Object Type:
Field notes
Diary
Place:
United States
Alaska
Amaknak Island
Unalaska Island
Date Range:
1877-1878
Start Date:
18770526
End Date:
18780513
Abstract:
This field book documents Nelson's time in Alaska between 26 May 1877 to 13 May 1878. Nelson was on assignment in Alaska to study the zoology of the area as well as meteorology, geography, and ethnology. In this field book, Nelson maintains a narrative description of his daily activities, in which he relates his observations (and occasionally collecting) of various animals including birds, seals, whales, fish, foxes, squirrels, and others animals. Nelson often includes taxonomic names and common names. Descriptions of landscape are included. Nelson also describes a trip to Amaknak Island during which he dug up a number of bones of fish, whales, and seals and many shells. Descriptions of weather conditions, occasionally including the temperature are also included as are some rough sketches. Locations include Amaknak Island, Unalaska, and other Alaska locations.
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