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RI 
 
 
UNITED STATIiS. ^o. . ^:693). 
 
 J^r ^ 
 
 BEHRING SEA ARBITRATION. 
 
 KEPOKT 
 
 OF TRE 
 
 BEHRIN& SEA COMMISSION, 
 
 AND 
 
 REPORT OF BRITISH COMMISSIONERS 
 
 OF 
 
 JUNE 21, 1892. 
 
 WITH FIVE MAPS AND DIAGRAMS, AND APPENDICES. 
 
 I 
 
 Presented to both Houses of Parliament by (Jonunand of Her Majesty. 
 
 March 1893, 
 
 „^^^^^^g^^^- 
 
 li O N I) O N • 
 
 PRJNTKD FOR UEll MAJESTY'S STATlOxNKKV OFFICE 
 
 BY HARRISON ANO SONS. ST. MARTIN'S LANE, 
 
 miNTKHS IN OKDINARV TO IIKII MAJK8TV. 
 
 ltv».^ '^"1^1'"' ^"''^''""^- ^^iti^Ji^otlyoT^U^^iigi; ,„y Book^ller. from 
 
 EVRh .... SPOTTISWOODE. E.„ Ha«„,.„ Sr«„T. F.k.t Sth.., EC .so 
 32. Abinodon Str«t. W«.TiiiN8T.a, S.W.: o> ' 
 
 JOHN ^•^NZ.KS^ Co 12 H.«„v„ S.«.„. Ep...„a„„, ..„ 
 
 30, W«»T NiLK StUBET, GLA800nr, OR 
 
 MODGK?. FIGGIS, & Co.. Limited. 104. ORArroK Sr«,r. D„ru.v. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Paiagraph. 
 
 , 1 
 
 
 Page 
 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS 
 
 V, vi, vii 
 
 ; 1 
 
 t 
 
 REPORTS. 
 
 
 
 JOINT REPORT 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 i 
 
 REPORT OF BRITISH COMMISSIONERS 
 
 2 
 
 1-25 
 
 1 
 
 1 j 
 i 
 
 Introductory .. .. .. .. .. .. 
 
 PARI' 1.— SUMMARY OF FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS. 
 
 I. — The Form'sk, Pbesent, and PnosreoTivE Condition of the 
 Fur-Seai Fishery in thr North Pacific Ocean. 
 
 3-5 
 
 i 26-34 
 
 (A.) General Conditions of Seal Life .. ., ,. 
 
 C. 7 
 
 35-59 
 
 (B.) Killing on the Breeding Islands, . .. ., .. 
 
 7-1! 
 
 i 60-70 
 
 (C.) Scaling at Sea . . . , . . . , . . 
 
 11-12 
 
 1 i 71-84 
 
 (D.) Additional points connected with Sealing at Sea or on Shore. . 
 
 12-14 
 
 85 100 
 
 (E.) Former and present condition of the Industry . . . . . , 
 
 14-16 
 
 ! 101 
 
 II. — Considerations relating to tiik Basis upon which Precautions 
 
 
 
 MAY BE DEVISED FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE FuR-SeAI, 
 
 17 
 
 102-114 
 
 (A.) Interests involved .. .. .. .. .. ,, 
 
 17-19 
 
 115-144 
 
 (B.) Principles involved .. 
 
 19-23 
 
 145 
 
 (C.) Summary of general conditions hearing upon Regulations . . . . 
 
 III. — Measures for the Protection and Preservation of the 
 Fuii-Seai, of the North Pacific. 
 
 23 
 
 146 
 
 (.<.) General nature of Measures required . . 
 
 23 
 
 147-150 
 
 f i.) Improvements in the Methods of taking Seals 
 
 24 
 
 151-154 
 
 (ii.) Restriction in the Xumher of Seals taken . . 
 
 24 
 
 155-161 
 
 (B.) Specific scheme of Regulat1on^ recommended 
 
 25 
 
 162 
 
 (C.) Methods of giving effect to Regulations . . . . , . , . 
 
 26 
 
 1 163 
 
 (D.) Alternative Methods of Regulation 
 
 26 
 
 164 
 
 (i ) Kntire Prohibition of Killing on one of the Breeding Islands, 
 
 
 
 with suitable concurrent Regulations nt Sea 
 
 26 
 
 165 
 
 (ii.) Recurrent periods of Rest . . . . . . , , 
 
 26,27 
 
 166-168 
 
 (iii.) Total Prohibition of Killing on the Breeding Islands, with con- 
 
 
 
 current strict Regulation of Pelagic Sealing . , 
 
 27 
 
 160-170 
 
 1 
 
 i [ 
 
 (E.) International action . . 
 
 PART II.— DETAILED OBSERVATIONS ON THE FACIS AND 
 CONDITIONS OF SEAL LIFE. 
 
 I. — Natuhat. History am) ENVinoNMKNx of the Fur-Seai, of the 
 Noinii Paimfic. 
 
 (A.) Migrations and Range of the Fur-Seal of the North Pacific — 
 
 27,28 
 
 1 171-196 
 
 (i.) Eastern side ol the North Paeifie .. 
 
 29-32 
 
 197-208 
 
 (li.) Western side of the North Pacific. . 
 
 32-34 
 
 209-223 
 
 (iii.) Distribution nt Sea 
 
 34-38 
 
 224-243 
 
 (B.) F'ood of the Fur-Senl . . 
 
 38-42 
 
 244-276 
 
 (C.) Physical characteristics of the Prihvlolf and Commander Islands, and 
 
 
 t 
 
 nature of the Breeding Grounds 
 
 42-49 
 
 277-283 
 
 (I).) Annual progress of events in Seal Life on the Breeding Islands 
 
 49, 60 
 
 284-291 
 
 (E ) Ages nt which Males roach Virility and the Females produce Young . . 
 
 50-52 
 
 292-294 
 
 (F.) Requisite proportions of Sexes . . 
 
 52 
 
 295-297 
 
 (G.) Coition 
 
 62, 53 
 
 298-302 
 
 (II.) Age at which the young Swim. — Number of young nt u Birth ,. 
 
 53,54 
 
 303-316 
 
 (I.) Distances to which Seals go from the Breeding Islands in search of 
 
 
 
 Food, and times of Feeding . . 
 
 54-67 
 
 1 317-325 
 
 (J.) Habits when Suckling, . ,, .. ,. ,. ., 
 
 57, 68 
 
 326-343 
 
 (K.) Natural causes of Destruction ,. ,, .. ,, ,, 
 
 58-61 
 
 i 344-356 
 
 (L.) Mortality of Young Seals in 1891 
 
 61-64 
 
 367-378 
 
 (M.) Methods of enumerating Seals on the PribylofF Islands and estimates 
 
 
 1 
 
 of Numbers , , , . , , . . , , , , 
 
 64-67 
 
TABLK OF CONTENTS. 
 
 ni 
 
 Parngraph. 
 
 377-395 
 
 396-446 
 447-450 
 451-457 
 
 468-473 
 
 474-525 
 
 526-570 
 
 571-600 
 601-612 
 613-632 
 633-653 
 654-658 
 
 659-673 
 674-693 
 694-703 
 704-721 
 
 722 
 723-726 
 727-770 
 
 771-781 
 
 782-833 
 
 834-901 
 902-903 
 
 904-908 
 
 (N.) Various natural indications of former extent of ground occupied by 
 Seals on the Pribjloff Islands . . . . . . . . , , 
 
 (O.) Changes in Habits of the Fur-Scnl in recent years . . 
 
 (P.) Fur-Seals Breeding on tlie Southern part of the North American coa* 
 
 (Q.) Connection or interchange of Seals between the Pribyloff and Com- 
 mander Islands . . . , , , , , , , 
 
 (R.) Conditions affecting the Sca-Otter and SiaCow contrasted with those' 
 affecting the Fur-Seal . . . . . . , . 
 
 (S.) Breeding Places and Resorts of tlie Fur-Seal on the Western Side of' 
 the North Pacific 
 
 II.— Natives op the Coasts of Bhuisii Coiumbia anu Alaska 
 
 niRECTLY iNTEnESTED IN INDEPENDENT SeaLINO. METHODS OF 
 IIUNTINO, AND NUMDEH TAKEN 
 
 III. — Pelagic Sealing. 
 
 (A.) Origin and Development 
 
 (B.) Methods .. 
 
 (C.) Proportion of Seals lost 
 
 (D.) Composition of Catch . . . . . . , , ]\ 
 
 (E.) Future of the Industry 
 
 IV. — CoNTKOL AND METHOD, OF SeaLINO ON THE PrIBYLOFF IsI.ANDS 
 
 THEIR Nature and Results. 
 
 (A.) Methods cniplojrd 
 
 (B ) Decrease in Number of Seals, its Origin and Progress 
 
 (C. ) Standard Weights of Skins taken 
 
 (D.) Driving of Seals .. .. .. ,. " 
 
 (E.) Protection of Rookeries from Disturbance .. ,', 
 
 (F.) Native Interests on the Islands .. 
 
 (Goii'uds : ;: 
 
 v.— NuMBEB OF Fur-Seals Killed upon the Puibyloi f Island 
 
 VI.— Historical Notks on the Condition of the Fur-Seal Hook 
 EUiEs of the Pribyloff Islands in various Years 
 
 VII. — The Fub-Seal Fishery in the Southern Hemisphere 
 
 VIII — Makketinq the Seal-Skins 
 
 Page 
 
 PART III. 
 
 CONCLUDINU RgmABKS 
 
 67-71 
 
 71-73 
 
 79 
 
 79-81 
 
 81-83 
 
 84-91 
 
 91-97 
 
 97-102 
 102-104 
 104-109 
 1C9-113 
 113,114 
 
 114-116 
 116-110 
 119-121 
 121-123 
 124 
 124, 125 
 125-131 
 
 131-134 
 
 134-140 
 
 140-140 
 
 149 
 
 150 
 
 MAPS AND DIAGRAMS. 
 
 I. Track Chart oi Routes followed by the British Behring Sen Commissioners, 15th July to 
 0th October, 1891. ^ 
 
 II. Skctcii Map, illustrating Resorts and Migration Routes of Fur-Seals in the North 
 Pacific. 
 
 III. Sketch Map, showing approximately the Area frequented by Fur-Seals in the period 
 
 extending from loth July to 16th August, 1891. 
 
 IV. Sketch Map, showing approximately the Area frequented by Fur-Scals in tlic period 
 extending from 15th August to 16th September, 1891, 
 
 V. Diagrams illustrating Number of Fur-Seals Killed. 
 
 [305] 
 
 [APPENDICF.S. 
 
 a 2 
 
ir 
 
 APPENDICES. 
 
 Appputlix (A) 
 (B) 
 
 Li>t of IVisons iind AiUliorilies siipnlvinL' cviilenoo 
 
 (•Irouliir t.) ni.d replies fioin Toloninl nnd Foreign Ooveriimcnts . . 
 
 \-aiimis liters and commuiiiotttlons ielalii,p to tlii- Fur-Seal« of the British 
 «ji)liimbiaii iiiid neii'hhoiirini; coasts 
 
 ^ '■ •• at ■• 
 
 Misccllannoiis coiit.<.poiidencc and A[i'mornndn . . 
 
 (E) Seal Pi(!sci vation IJogulntions and Oivlinnnccs . . 
 
 (F) 
 
 (G) 
 (H) 
 
 ■• •• •• •• 
 
 MiHcellancous 'Jablcs 
 
 *• • • • « .. ,, 
 
 Affidavits rolating to Pelagic Sealing. . 
 
 rage 
 
 151-153 
 
 154-l(i9 
 
 170-178 
 179-192 
 193-203 
 
 204-212 
 213-218 
 219-241 
 
( «ix ) 
 
 INDEX TO REPOET OF BEHRING SEA COMMISSION, AND REPORT 
 
 OF BRITISH COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 age 
 
 1-153 
 4-l«9 
 
 [)-178 
 )-l92 
 J-203 
 
 1-212 
 1-218 
 1-241 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 A. 
 
 Acland (Akcrly) Dr., autopsy of dead pups, 1891 
 Affidovits 
 
 Baker, Captain W. E. 
 
 Bisset, Captain A. . , 
 
 cos.cN ; 
 
 Cox,W. 
 
 Crockci', II. . . , , 
 
 Douglas, A. 
 Haekett, Captain C. 
 
 KelIey,C.J 
 
 Lain},', A. D. 
 
 McDougall, C. . . . . 
 
 McLean, L. L. 
 
 Magnescn, Captain T. M. . . 
 O'Lcary, Captain W. 
 Petit, Captain W. 
 Robirts, G. 
 
 Thomson, R, , , . . , , 
 
 Alaska Catch — 
 
 Sales in London , . 
 Alaska Commercial Company — 
 
 Advantages derived from islands bj . , 
 Seals on Uobben Island destroyed by.. 
 Treatment of natives by 
 Allen, Professor— 
 
 Feniales receive • des in water 
 Killing under Russian management . . 
 Aleutian Islands- 
 Early history of . , 
 Formerly resorted to by fur-seals 
 Passes through which seals travel 
 Population of, in early times 
 Aleuts — 
 
 Interests in seal industry . . , . 
 
 Method of hunting fur-seal . , , . ] 
 
 Amsterdam Island- 
 Fur-seals on . , . , 
 Appendices , , 
 
 Area Limit (see Limitation of Scaling) — 
 Knsily manageable on shore , , 
 
 Possible arrangement at sea 
 Area of Rookeries (see also Rookeries) — 
 Accurate definition impossible . . 
 
 Lichen as indication of . . 
 Polished rooks as indications of , , ,' 
 
 Argentine Rejmblie — 
 
 Reply to inquiries.. .. ., 
 
 Sealing prohibited in . . . , ,' 
 
 Atka Island — 
 
 Grey pups seen at . . . , 
 
 Attn Island — 
 
 Seals seen at , . , . . , 
 
 Australasia- 
 Protective regulations in .. ,, , 
 
 [302] 
 
 Page. 
 
 3S2 
 
 67.1 
 
 513 
 
 724,725 
 
 295 
 GC3, 661 
 
 248 
 247 
 175 
 248 
 
 248 
 529-534 
 
 840 
 
 141 
 142, 1 13 
 
 395 
 
 380 
 
 377-379 
 
 175 
 534 
 1 29 
 
 219-241 
 222 
 226 
 224 
 234 
 228 
 239 
 ?".7 
 319 
 230 
 237 
 240 
 227 
 238 
 220 
 228 
 230 
 
 217 
 
 131-241 
 
 168 
 168 
 
nx 
 
 INBBX. 
 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 Page. 
 
 B. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bachelor Sciils ($ee Killablc Heals and Males). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Barclay Soiiiul— 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Srals Hi'cn near in December, January, and 
 
 February 
 
 • ■ 
 
 . . 
 
 182 
 
 , 
 
 Borrt'ii IVnialcs — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Liir^jL- imnihcv observed . . . . 
 
 
 
 
 431-433 
 
 
 „ „ in Bchring Sea 
 
 
 
 
 646 
 
 
 Uehrin^' Islnml — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 l\'scrii>iii)n of . . . . . . 
 
 
 
 
 262 
 
 , , 
 
 Itdokt'ries on . , . . . . 
 
 
 
 
 265-267 
 
 , , 
 
 Behriiig iSca— 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Date iif entering by schounorA ,, 
 
 
 
 
 649 
 
 . • 
 
 I'jir'y explorations in, as bearing on seol Iif 
 
 I! •• 
 
 
 
 205, 206 
 
 , • 
 
 l'"ir.Ht pelugic sealinp; in . . . . 
 
 
 
 
 596 
 
 . , 
 
 Uiin;j;e of fur-seal in . . 
 
 
 
 
 216 
 
 .. 
 
 Bonilln Island- 
 Seals obtained near, in spring, mostly cows . , ., 
 Brazil — 
 
 Reply to iniiuirie!<. Sealing unknown in . . . . 
 Breeding-grounds— 
 
 Nature of . , . , • • , . , , 
 Breeding- places — 
 
 Kfll'ct (if stopping killing on .. ., .. 
 
 In Golf of Georgia .. .. ., .. 
 
 In Nurtli I'aeitic .. .. ,. ,, ,, 
 
 In Southern Ileniisphore .. .. ., .. 
 
 Killing on {see Killing). 
 
 On Haystack Island .. .. ., 
 
 On Race Rocks, near Victoria . . . . . . 
 
 On Smitli's Island .. .. ,. ,, 
 
 Original condition of .. ., ., ,. 
 
 Possible establishment of, on coasts of British Columbia or 
 
 Aleutian Islands .. ., .. ,, 
 
 Reasons for selection of by seals , . . . , , 
 
 Time of arrival at, and departure from .. .. 
 Breeding Rookeries — 
 
 Examination of . , . . . , . . 
 British Columbia— 
 
 Boats and men employed in fur-seal fishery of (1887-91), . 
 
 l"ur-seals permanent winter residents on coast of , . 
 
 Pelagic catch, and vessels (1871-91) . . 
 
 Replies t ) ii,(iuiries from Indian agents and other residents in 
 
 Sealing lleet, value of in 1891 
 
 Skins taken on coasts of, by Indians . . , . 
 British Commissioners — 
 
 Commissions .. ,, .. ,. .. 
 
 Conduct of inquiry . . , . . , , , 
 
 Instructions to . . . . . . . . . , 
 
 Places visited . . . . . . . . , , 
 
 Plan of Report . . . . . . . . . , 
 
 Se. 01 al Report of.. .. ., ., 
 Brownlow, Earl — 
 
 Information as to breeding of deer , . . , , . 
 Bryant, Captain — 
 
 Co])ulation often occurs in water . , , , . , 
 
 Death r-rals from natural causes .. .. ., 
 
 Killing under Uu-isiaiis ,. ., ,. ,, 
 Bulls (see Males). 
 Burgomaster Gulls — 
 
 Ser Is killed by, on Robben Island . , . . , . 
 
 639 
 
 31, 244-276 
 655 
 244 
 
 32 
 
 524 
 
 248 
 
 30 
 
 225 
 
 407 
 27, 186 
 
 600 
 569 
 
 c. 
 
 Canton — 
 
 Reply to inquiries from 
 
 Cape Horn- 
 Skins sold in Loudon 
 
 Cape of Good Hope — 
 
 Protective Regulations at 
 Reply to inquiries from 
 Seal life at 
 
 295 
 
 337, 338 
 
 665 
 
 328 
 
 167, 168 
 
 172 
 
 172 
 172 
 172 
 
 207-212 
 170,171 
 
 VI, vu 
 
 3-5 
 V, vi 
 4,5 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 184, 185 
 
 180 
 
 216 
 
 194 
 154, 155 
 154, 1^5 
 
INDEX. 
 
 xxxl 
 
 Cutch— 
 
 CompoHition of (see Pulngic Scaling). 
 
 Diagrnin illii«trntin>j[ .. ,, 
 
 Senls niid Bcn-olftrs in Jnpnti 
 "C!mllon«cr"— ' 
 
 Observations on fc:ils (iiiriii!» voyairc of 
 
 Uiport by Mr. John Mu y .. ,, " 
 
 Charts (sro Miips iind Dinriinms). " ' 
 
 Chile- 
 
 Harly seal fisheries on const of . , 
 
 Close Season («ffl Limitations)— 
 
 Di'st cnnibintd with number limit 
 
 Defined 
 
 Hilleront effects on sen and shore 
 
 On Falkland Islands 
 
 Only n]ii)licabk' to pelagic scaling . . .'.* 
 
 In Uruguay .... 
 Clubbing- ^ 
 
 At Cape of Oood Hope .. ., ,, 
 
 fireater eare recomracnded , . .. ,, ** 
 
 In l'"alkbiiul Islands .. .. ,, ]] 
 
 Coal sold to natives — ' " ' 
 
 High price of .. ,. ,, ,, 
 Coast Catch .. 
 Cod- 
 
 Numerous near Bchring Island . . . , 
 
 Coition . , , , ^ ^ ^ " • 
 
 Possible at sea, but usual on land ,, .', 
 
 Commander Islands — " 
 
 Date of discovery . . ., 
 
 Different tioni Pribyloir Islands .'.' " 
 
 Length of drives on" .. ,, ,\' \' 
 
 Mij;ratiuni little lee riled .. 
 Physical eli;)raet"rislies of .. .. " 
 
 Protection against ra'ds on . . ,, *', *| 
 
 Sail s of skins in London ., ,. 
 
 Seal-killing in earlv vears (in ,, ."* ]* 
 
 Seals arrive later than on Pribyloff Islands .*.' '.'. '[ 
 
 ., seen all tlic winter in uiild seasons . , . ] 
 
 Skins taken for sliipment 
 t.'onimunieation between seals on I'ribyloff and CoramandJr Islands 
 
 {set' (thn Intcrmn!.";lins:) 
 Comjiositi '11 of Catch (s^r Pelagic Scaling)— 
 Kvidcnco of sealing captains 
 IVreentage of bearing females 
 Copper Island— " " " 
 
 Description of . . 
 xookenes on 
 
 Yearh'ugs scarce on, in 1891 . , \\ \\ " 
 
 (.'o\va (sec (iho Cows suckling)— 
 
 Age when first jinp is born . .. 
 
 Arrival on islands.. .. .. '* " ** 
 
 Date of first going to feed , . , ". ,' ,' \' 
 
 Distances they go to feed . . . . ,' _' ' * " 
 
 Travel rapidly in Behring Sea when in nun ! " 
 Cows suclding— i 1 •• 
 
 Killed at sea 
 
 ■»'. • •• •• •• ■■ 
 
 iSatives say they do not eat . . 
 
 Keinain as a rule close to shore .. 
 
 Kemarks as to theory 
 
 Their own young. Analogy of other auimals .'.' 
 
 Views of Professor Elliott . . 
 
 Currents in North Pacific Ocean.. 
 
 D. 
 
 Dall, Mr.— 
 
 Early history of Aleutian Islands 
 Dates of arrival of seals on islands 
 Dead pups — 
 
 Autopsy by Dr. Acland (Akcrly) 
 „ by Dr. GUnther . . 
 
 Exceptional in 1891 .. 
 
 None on St. George's Island 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 855 
 
 451-457 
 
 C45-6J7 
 614 
 
 2G3 
 2G8 
 114 
 
 285 
 279 
 bOG 
 309-;!12 
 187 
 
 314 
 
 207 
 
 309 
 317-324 
 317-325 
 
 320 
 
 196 
 
 248 
 
 278 
 
 352 
 354 
 355 
 318 
 
 I'u-e. 
 
 Facing 2.{ 
 16U 
 
 181 
 183 
 
 137 
 155, 150 
 
 • • 
 
 133 
 
 • • 
 
 131 
 
 155, 193 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 169 
 
 147 
 
 155 
 
 • t 
 
 « • 
 
 156 
 
 725 
 035 
 
 •• 
 
 231 
 
 295-297 
 
 • • 
 
 295 
 
 • • 
 
 247 
 261 
 
 • • 
 
 706 
 
 
 197 
 
 
 244-27G 
 
 
 167 
 
 .. 
 
 
 218 
 
 283 
 
 214 
 
 202 
 
 
 214 
 
 183 
 
XXXll 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 
 Parograpb. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Dead nup» (continued^ — 
 
 Not duo to p«InK>c scaling . . 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 3AS 
 
 • • 
 
 On North-coBt Point rookci^ 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 a a 
 
 340 
 
 • • 
 
 On Tolstoi rookery . . 
 
 
 
 t • 
 
 • • 
 
 348 
 
 ■ • 
 
 Opinion of Mr. Fowler . . 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 348 
 
 • • 
 
 Opinions of natives as to causes of 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 346 
 
 • * 
 
 rroliaHc rouses of .. 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 366 
 
 • » 
 
 Decrease- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Affirmed . . 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 , ^ 
 
 67,04 
 
 2 
 
 CliiuHy of mali'K on islands . . 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 71 
 
 f • 
 
 Miiy lie arrested by Kcgulations 
 
 
 
 ■ • 
 
 • t 
 
 04 
 
 • • 
 
 Not entirely due to pelagic sealing 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 71 
 
 • • 
 
 Not observed at sea 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 87 
 
 • • 
 
 On Commander Ittlands , , 
 
 
 
 • ■ 
 
 • « 
 
 92 
 
 • • 
 
 On land, observed in 1880 .. 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 686 
 
 • • 
 
 On Pribyloff Islands 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 80-91 
 
 • • 
 
 Origin and progress of 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 674-693 
 
 • • 
 
 Deer-breeding— 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Analogous to seal-breeding. Information from Ea* . 
 
 3rownlow 
 
 • • 
 
 , , 
 
 184, 185 
 
 Departure of seals from islands , . 
 
 t • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 282 
 
 • • 
 
 Depletion (tee alio Extermination) — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Greater danger of, on shore . . 
 
 • • 
 
 , , 
 
 • • 
 
 ■ • 
 
 117 
 
 • • 
 
 Less danger of, nt sea 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 118 
 
 • • 
 
 Depositions (see Affidavits). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Destruction - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Natural causes of , . 
 
 , , 
 
 • • 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
 
 326-343 
 
 • * 
 
 Devereux, Captain 0. — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Seals on coast of A'ancouver 
 
 • • 
 
 • « 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 184 
 
 177 
 
 Diograms {see also Mops) — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Coniporison of pelagic and island catch in one season 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 Facing 22 
 
 „ of numbers killed on land and 
 
 sea from 
 
 early times to 
 
 
 
 present . . . . 
 
 • • 
 
 « • 
 
 • • 
 
 
 • • 
 
 „ 150 
 
 Diseoses of fur-seal {see also Epidemics) 
 
 • • 
 
 , , 
 
 • • 
 
 
 330 
 
 a a 
 
 Distances cows go to feed. Various statements os to 
 
 • • 
 
 
 309-312 
 
 a a 
 
 Distribution of seals nt sea 
 
 
 , , 
 
 • • 
 
 
 209-223 
 
 • • 
 
 Affcctcil by winds and currents 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 
 209 
 
 , a 
 
 Charts III and IV 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • * 
 
 
 • • 
 
 Facing 150 
 
 Means taken to osccrtnin . . 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 
 210 
 
 a a 
 
 Various observations on 
 
 
 
 s • 
 
 
 223 
 
 • • 
 
 Drives — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cause fright and distress . . 
 
 
 ■ • 
 
 • • 
 
 
 74 
 
 a a 
 
 Cruelty of . . . , 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 
 704 
 
 « a 
 
 Large number of seols rejected from 
 
 , as uukillable 
 
 a a 
 
 
 708 
 
 a a 
 
 Length of, on Commander Islands 
 
 
 
 ■ • 
 
 
 705 
 
 a a 
 
 „ of, on rribyloff" Islands 
 
 
 
 a a 
 
 
 705 
 
 a , 
 
 Mr. Goff's opinion on 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 708 
 
 • • 
 
 Mr. Palmer's opinion on 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 • • 
 
 187-189 
 
 Mortality caused by excessive 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 74, 704 
 
 • • 
 
 Professor Elliott's opinion on 
 
 
 
 • ■ 
 
 
 714 
 
 a a 
 
 Recommendations as to regulation o 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 147 
 
 a a 
 
 Vital energy of seals impaired by 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 708 
 
 • • 
 
 Vaste of seal life ia 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 721 
 
 a a 
 
 Weakness of seals after 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 710 
 
 
 E. 
 
 Karly Explorations in Hehring Sea — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 References to fur-seals in accounts of 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 205,206 
 
 • -. 
 
 Elliott, Professor — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Obstrvatioiis on death of seals from naturol 
 
 causes 
 
 . a 
 
 • • 
 
 337 
 
 • • 
 
 „ on driving . . 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 « • 
 
 714 
 
 • • 
 
 „ on interrelation between Pribyloff and Commander 
 
 
 
 seals . . 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 a a 
 
 • • 
 
 452 
 
 • • 
 
 „ on proportion of moles to females 
 
 a a 
 
 a , 
 
 10 
 
 a . 
 
 „ on seal life 
 
 ■ • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 277 
 
 « • 
 
 Epidemics (sec also Diseases)— 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 At Cope of Gord Hope 
 
 , , 
 
 • • 
 
 a a 
 
 « • 
 
 • • 
 
 165 
 
 Evidence — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Circular of inquiry to Governments 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 a a 
 
 • I 
 
 • • 
 
 154 
 
 List of persons and Uovcrnracnts supplying 
 
 a a 
 
 • • 
 
 
 • • 
 
 151-153 
 
 Replies of Governments . . 
 
 • • 
 
 a , 
 
 • • 
 
 
 a a 
 
 134-169 
 
 Excrement — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Absence of, noted . . . . 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • •> 
 
 • • 
 
 2-13 
 
 • • 
 
 Kone on rookeries. . . . 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 242 
 
 • • 
 
ZKDEX. 
 
 xxdU 
 
 ogc. 
 
 185 
 
 r? 
 
 ; 22 
 150 
 
 150 
 
 89 
 
 Extent of ground occui)ic(I liy smU . . 
 
 Ixtoniiinotion (see alio Depletion) of Fur-soala 
 Fiimncirilly impojgiMc 
 
 7. 
 
 Fiiirwrnllicr Ground — 
 
 „ „ .^""'"''""t numerous on from Ist to 15th Juno., 
 ralklnnd InlnudR — 
 
 Protective ReauIatioiiH on . . 
 
 neply to inqun lea. . , , 
 
 Fiiriillones Ii.lnn(ls— " ** 
 
 SenlH formerly bred on , . 
 Feranles (see aho Cows) 
 
 neatruction of, at Capo 
 
 Excess of, owinf? to killing of ninli's on shore .'." 
 
 Ijarge number liilled on islands in 1868 
 
 J 1 oporlion of, in pcliiuie cnteh 
 Fish— 
 
 All kinds of, eaten by seals , , 
 
 Large number of, near rockeries 
 Flag— .... 
 
 Distinctive, for pelagic sealers in Jopau 
 
 _ ■. recommended , . 
 
 Flottcry, Cape- 
 Catch of seals near 
 
 Flower, Sir W. II.— 
 
 Memornndum on elassifiention of fur-seal 
 
 Fogs- 
 Assistance to raiders 
 
 Food— 
 
 mZ!o "^' "! -T" H'""' "" Commander Islands 
 Disianc.' ; . wind, seals go for. from islands . . 
 i-ur-.Mal ,n Juan Fernandez reported to nbstain from 
 
 I) surface not bottom feeders 
 Information gained on, from natives , . 
 
 Of 1'^rinl'"*'''" ''^'"■"""' °" ^'" Migration) . .' 
 
 Only bachelors nnd cows leu've islonds for 
 
 Principal kinds of. . 
 
 Rarely found in seals killed 'on islands ' ' * 
 
 Stones found in stomnehs of seals 
 
 Worms in stomachs of seals 
 Fowler, Mr.— 
 
 Opinion as to dead puns in 1891 
 Fur-seal {see also Seals)— 
 
 Abundance of, atfceted by weother 
 
 " iw sea near rookeries . 
 
 ilecoming more pelagic 
 
 Bred formerly on rocks in Ilecate Strait 
 
 lireed on outlying rocks on Asiatic cJast 
 
 Change of habits in recent years 
 
 " >• on each side of Pacific 
 
 '. „ produced by disturbance 
 
 Contents of stomachs examined 
 
 Cuntiiiued abundance at sea 
 
 Date of arrival nt Pribjlolf Islands 
 >. leaving Pribyloff Islands 
 
 JJistribution at sea {sc: Distribution) 
 
 Docs not migrate in Southern Hemisphere 
 
 Early takes of. ou Pribyloff Islands .. " 
 
 Evidence of return to same hauling.grounds ' * 
 
 hxcess of breeding males in 1 8 7 1 
 
 E-Kcessive killing of, in 1868 
 
 Food of (sec Food). 
 
 Hunted by Aleuts 
 
 „ Indians from time immemorial 
 Increased wariness of . , 
 
 Maximum age of . . \\ 
 
 Migration range of (see Migration) ','. \\ 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 377-39'i 
 
 45H 
 
 Page. 
 
 187 
 
 • • 
 
 248 
 
 035 
 
 808 
 
 77,78 
 
 226 
 231 
 
 163 
 185 
 
 • • 
 
 768 
 
 129-193 
 155, 156 
 
 154 
 
 165 
 
 • • 
 
 172, 178 
 185 
 
 [3U2j 
 
 235 
 
 
 303-316 
 
 
 243 
 
 
 330, 231 
 
 
 225 
 
 
 224 
 
 
 224-243 
 
 
 305 
 
 
 226, 227 
 
 
 233 
 
 
 236-238 
 
 
 237 
 
 fl 
 
 348 
 
 • • 
 
 408 
 
 
 313 
 
 
 85,428 
 
 
 410 
 
 
 447-450 
 
 
 30-32 
 
 
 523 
 
 
 396-446 
 
 
 207 
 
 
 Ao 
 
 
 234 
 
 
 402-407 
 
 
 188 
 
 
 174 
 
 
 29 
 
 
 772-779 
 
 
 270 
 
 
 (5 78 
 
 
 677, 808 
 
 
 28 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 175 
 
 
 527 
 
 
 337,399,412-414 
 
 
 288 
 
 
 27 
 
 
xxxiv 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 ■ ' 
 
 Fur-sual (continued)— 
 
 Most abundant near rookeries 
 
 Motives for landing 
 
 Northern limit of . . 
 
 Number killed on PribjIoflF Islands .' * 
 
 Of ,;'», .."*'"?' '/xt"°1 PJ;°P°rt'onate to distance from islands 
 
 kwM T." "Z'^^^':''' T'-^'^ : •'''"^™« '""thern range of 
 
 01,n,vnor ^'^' "^',"*'?' '" ^'^•'' ^"t'' *'>»«'' of South Seas 
 >Jla brceding-jjrounds of, on— 
 
 Gulf of Georgia 
 
 Hajsfack Island .'. 
 
 Race Kecks (near Victoria) 
 
 Smith's Island (Washington Territory) .".' 
 
 1 lace in classification of mannnalia . . 
 
 * S^itv ;7Jn'p'-KTi*rr''^^-?™""''' 'f *°°'"»"ch hamssed 
 »caicity of, on Pnbylofrislauds, in 1835-36 .. 
 
 lable of number killed on Pribyloff Wands, 1817-91 '.'. 
 
 L'sed as food by Indians .. 
 
 Varieties of, in Southern Hemisphere" ' 
 
 Evidence of 
 
 Gaft- ^' 
 
 Usi ■! to stciiif wounded seals 
 Goff, ^fr— 
 
 Opinion on drives. . 
 
 Kcport on decrease 
 German}- — 
 
 Interests of, in sealing industry 
 Grass— ° ' 
 
 As iiulication of rookery area 
 Gravid Feinalos— 
 
 Killed off Queen Charlotte Islands 
 
 Killing of, deprecated by pelagic sealers .* '. 
 
 M „ should be avoided 
 Number in pelagic spring catch .'. 
 
 Seldom killed in Beliring Sea ., 
 
 Travel rajjidly in Bchrini; Sea 
 Gray, Captain— ^ 
 
 Letter on hair-seals 
 Grebnitzky, M.— 
 
 View3 as io migration of seals 
 
 . ., proportion of females to males 
 ), "stngey" skins.. 
 Greenland — 
 
 British legislation affecting . . 
 Hair-seal Fishery Regulations 
 Norwegian Law and Ordinance 
 Grey Pups — 
 
 S'ai'rk^'isS " '"1; '^^: ""-^ '^:;»--'^'= ^ets 
 
 „ in Queen Charlotte Sound 
 „ at Unalaska . . 
 Gilnthcr, Dr.— 
 
 Autopsy of dead pup 
 
 H. 
 
 Habitats — 
 
 British Cdluiubiau cast in winter in Eastern Pacific 
 In summer and winter 
 Japanese const in winter in Western Pacific 
 No separate .summer and winter, in Southern Hemisphere 
 hummer and winter distinct in North Pacific 
 Habits of Fnr-?eiil («r Fnr-scal)— 
 Cause of ehiiii;;c in 
 
 Change of, in recent vears .. 
 Hair-seal — " " • * 
 
 Diseases of 
 
 Letter from Ciplaiu Gray :is to 
 Protective mea-nres (sec Greenland and Newfoundland)." 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 2H 
 246 
 
 218 
 771-780 
 215 
 190 
 836 
 
 446 
 
 800 
 771 
 
 582 
 835 
 
 653 
 
 601 
 
 27,180 
 
 192 
 27, 201 
 
 29 
 
 29 
 
 397 
 396-446 
 
 342 
 
 Page, 
 
 172 
 
 172 
 171, 172 
 
 172 
 185, 186 
 
 708 
 
 
 692 
 
 • • 
 
 103 
 
 • • 
 
 384-387 
 
 • • 
 
 638 
 
 633 
 
 80 
 
 • • 
 • * 
 
 648 
 
 
 643 
 
 187 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 186, 187 
 
 202 
 
 54 
 
 202 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 . • 
 
 200-202 
 
 • • 
 
 198-203 
 
 • • 
 
 202, 203 
 
 179 
 175 
 
 • ■ 
 
 171 
 
 183 
 
 186,187 
 
INDEX. 
 
 XXXV 
 
 Harems — 
 
 Itreak up of ,. ,, 
 
 Diiiifjer if too lai},'o ,, 
 
 Tiicrcascd size of .. ,, 
 
 I'loportion of iiiaUs to females 
 
 Iluiitiiiq: Hights of— 
 
 ;V'-''."''' 
 
 >ativo9 of British Columbia 
 ti of islands . . . , 
 
 I- 
 
 Ice— 
 
 -Mortalit.v of seals caused by 
 Incnase of seals on Tribjloff Islands in later Russian times '.'. 
 Indians — 
 
 I'implojnient of. in scaling-scliooners .. 
 
 Interest of, in seal Ksliery . . . . '/ 
 
 .Method of huntin;; fur-seal , . 
 
 Number of seals lest by . . , , \\ 
 
 I'rices paid to, for skins, in 1891 '.'. 
 Indian Ajjents — " " 
 
 Keidies of, to Circular of inquiry 
 Interests involved . . • • , . 
 
 Aleuts . . 
 
 As represented by skins taken 
 British Columbian 
 •jcrman.. 
 
 V"j-' :: :: 
 
 .lapanese .... 
 
 l.inul and sea, compared ., "' " " 
 
 Natives on islands 
 
 Kiis>ia •' 
 
 ii.tdniin-ling of Commander andVribvloff 'seals 
 
 Mr. Kiliott's views on .. ' .. 
 
 I.Uerrelation of Com.nander and I'ribylofT Veals (.s<v/lntermingiing). 
 
 •Jackson, Mr. — 
 
 Seal rcokcries at Capi' of Good Iloiie. . 
 Jan May en — ' ** 
 
 Itcgulafions for hair-seal fisheries 
 .Ia))an - 
 
 distinctive flag for scalers in 
 
 Fih-seal fisheries of . , 
 
 llegulations for seal (Isheries .', ]| 
 
 „ ," . " .1 not enforced .. 
 
 Ueply to inquirips. . 
 
 Sealing-vcssels saiiiiig from.. 
 M'ieierhabitnt of seals on west side of Pacific!! 
 •!i!!iit C ommission— 
 lu'liort of 
 
 Kelp- ^• 
 
 Birth of pr.ps on, improbable ,. 
 
 Katen by p. ;;,s in September 
 
 lullablc seals (v c KilHnj,. of Seals on Pril.yloff Islnndsl— 
 Nuiiiber fixed too high . . . , 
 
 f'niall iiamlHT (if, in 1890 
 Killer-whales— 
 
 Destruction of young seals bv 
 Killin;; of females at sea 
 
 IVrujissihle. 10 pres ive xormal pi,.p-^rtion of sexes 
 
 ,-„• ''i"-^ "', ''■'""''''* '•■"'''-''•■^ practice less harmful 
 Killmg of .^eals mu F'ribvlofF Islands- 
 Average annual slaugi.;-,- ,;;,,;,,, 1/,,;^^,, j;.;^^ , 
 
 "uiitrol of, bv United States' ' 
 Evil effects of 
 
 Excessive in early Russian period 
 
 Paragrnph. 
 
 280 
 292 
 54, 55, 430 
 293 
 
 123 
 123 
 
 123 
 
 327 
 ■11, 12 
 
 11 1-1 13, 557, 506 
 
 509, 570 
 
 530 ei fe<2. 
 
 515 
 
 548 
 
 123 
 
 108 
 111-110, 123 
 
 103 
 
 112 
 
 103 
 127. 128 
 112. 123 
 
 103 
 ■151-457 
 
 ■!52 
 
 • • 
 
 • * 
 
 ■ • 
 
 
 215 
 240 
 
 • • 
 
 •• 
 
 
 58, 59 
 130, 437 
 
 ; 
 
 • » 
 
 • • 
 
 
 031-330 
 
 77-M) 
 
 SO 
 
 7!) 
 
 emcnt 
 
 too 
 
 • • 
 
 35, 
 
 17-51, 002 
 
 43 
 
 44, 45, 009 
 
 40 
 
 Page. 
 
 
 170, 171 
 17, 18, 19 
 
 
 
 S2i 
 
 • • 
 
 129 
 
 ISC 
 
 102 
 
 105 
 
 75, 480-508 
 
 
 ■)O0-.)OJ 
 
 102-104 
 
 . , 
 
 107 
 
 . , 
 
 100-167 
 
 ■19S 
 
 
 27, 201 
 
 , , 
 
 

 XXXVI 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 I' ' 
 
 t M 
 
 lli' 
 I* ' 
 
 Killing of Seals on Pribyloff Islands (conlmueci)— 
 Iiiimcdiatc cause of danger to seal life 
 Methods employed iu, cruelty of {set Drives) .'." 
 " n theoretically good, . , . 
 
 " .. waste involved ill . . 
 
 Mr. Palmer on bad effect of, , 
 Number killed, 1817-91 ,. 
 lUgulations for, at different periods , . ,' * 
 
 >, difficulty of 
 
 Sudden iHcrease of, under United States' manaKcment 
 ^suggested improvements in, . , , °^ 
 
 ») prohibition of, on one island 
 •• total prohibition of 
 Ailluii? on Breeding Islands- 
 Cause of depletion in Southern Hemisphere . . 
 Klawnk-i'"'' ''^"" ""l''""-'' '" Southern Hemisphere 
 
 Seals taken by Indians of . , 
 Kurile Islands- •• .. 
 
 Scaling in the .. 
 
 L. 
 
 Lagoon liookery on St. Pnul Island 
 Lampsoii, C. M., and C'o.-_ 
 Sale of skins in London 
 Licences— 
 
 Proposed issue of, to white hunters . . 
 Lichen- 
 Test of area of rookeries , . 
 Limitation of Scaling by 
 
 Close season 
 
 Number of seals taken {see Number Limit) 
 
 Restricted area . . . . 
 
 Lobos Islands — 
 
 Fur-seal fishery on 
 
 Skins shipped from ( 1 887-9 1 ) 
 ,, sold in London (1873-92) 
 
 Total catch of seals on (187G-91) 
 Little Kastcin Itookerv, St. George Island*.! 
 Los.s of seals at s.a {see Pelagic Scalina;) . . 
 Lubmnon and Kctavie Hookcries, St. Paul Island 
 Luikf — 
 
 Observations on killing of male seals .. 
 
 M. 
 
 Mackay, Mr. J. \V.— 
 
 Seals on coast of Hiitish Columbia .. 
 Males— ^'"''' ^'''"'"" °'' ^''"''' °" '''''^^■'""' Islands).* 
 
 Age of virility , . 
 
 Danger to scallifc if too many killed" ' 
 Decrease of, on i.slamis . . . [ 
 
 Proportion of, to fniiaies .. " 
 
 Scarcity of, on islands, makes hr.blts of .seals iiTe*gular '.' 
 Alanatcc (sff Soa-co\v> " 
 
 Management on — 
 
 Comnnindei-, eomiiaivd uitli tlial on Pribyloff Islands . . 
 
 M.nw <' • 1 1 ■"'"'' ' '"'*"ffi<;'';"t cnrc taken till recently . . 
 fflaps (sM also Diagrams). ' 
 
 1. Track (;iiait, showing route of British Commissioners 
 
 Z. Kcsorta and migraticu routes <if seals 
 
 3. Area of 8L-al,s, July !ind August 
 
 \- r " August and September 
 
 Mayi^rJaS^!:"" ""'"'" "''^"'^ ■""^'^- -'^ I""- "^ B^ins 
 
 Observiitions on seal lill' 
 
 Kejiort on Pribyloff Islands ." .' 
 Meteorological observations taken in 1891,'." 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 117 
 
 611 
 
 660 
 
 74,75 
 
 39,'771 
 36-38 
 
 76 
 
 659 
 
 147, 148 
 
 164 
 
 121, 166-168 
 
 117 
 154-160 
 
 176 
 
 PaKc. 
 
 256, 273 
 
 150 
 
 
 
 
 380-382 
 
 * • 
 
 130-138 
 
 
 130,131, 137 
 
 
 130, 141-144 
 
 • > 
 
 • • 
 
 109 
 
 • • 
 
 215 
 
 • • 
 
 215 
 
 • • 
 
 215 
 
 257 
 
 
 77, 81, 82, 
 
 
 250 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 291 
 
 183-165 
 
 187-189 
 
 160-107 
 
 215-217 
 
 
 • 1 
 
 287 
 
 
 289 
 71 
 
 • • 
 
 54 
 
 
 431 
 
 ■• 
 
 72, 427 
 76 
 
 
 
 Facing 150 
 „ 150 
 
 
 » 150 
 
 
 „ 150 
 
 
 „ 151 
 
 277 
 815 
 
 • * 
 
 219 
 
 • • 
 
INDEX. 
 
 xxxni 
 
 MethoJs of takiiip; Seals— 
 
 Iinjirovcmcnts suggostcd at sea 
 
 •.,. . " V onshore .. .. 
 
 Migration — * * 
 
 At fajic of Good Hope 
 
 Coiirsc of seals in sprin"- 
 
 In North Pacific ,.'''.'. \' 
 
 Imiiiiri.'s as to, made in Britisli Columbia 
 
 Anno at Falkland Islands .. 
 
 Kniijzc of, on west side of Pacific 
 
 Iteasons of 
 
 Seals travel north in snrin-'und south 'in autumn 
 
 hoMthern course in North Pacific hypothetical . . 
 
 1 wo hnes of , , _ ^ " 
 
 Modus vivouli of 1 Sni . . 
 Mortality of young seals in 1 80 r(Mc Dead Pups) .'.' 
 
 N. 
 
 Native iiilc>resls on islands 
 Natives oil Inlands — 
 
 Allc;,red ill treatment of 
 
 I'lsuflieient coal supply to .. 
 Native nues interested in sealiii" 
 Ncah 13ay {se< Cape !• lattery)— 
 
 Kvi'lcnee of Indians as to gravid females taken 
 
 JNets— 
 
 Kini)]oynient of should he forbidden . . 
 Givy pujis (ibtair.ed by 
 
 Newfoundlauil proteetivo Regulations 
 Now South M'ales— 
 
 Sealing industry in, ceased to exist .. 
 New Zcaiaud— 
 
 Seal fishery of 
 Nordeiiskiold, linron— 
 
 Letter from 
 North Atlantic— 
 
 Fiir-seiil unknown in 
 North-Kiist Point, St. Paul Island— 
 
 llookcry on 
 North Kookery, St. George Islaiul 
 North-wost catch — 
 
 Sales in Loudon . . . , 
 
 North-west Coa>t — 
 
 Iiidiau seal fishery on 
 Number killed on Islands {sec aho Killing of Seals oil' 
 
 -Ntt juoperly curtailed 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 near 
 
 Pribylotr Islands^— 
 
 laud 
 
 miuimuui 
 Nuiiiber Limit — 
 
 liest eomliiued with time limit 
 Piissihle ajiplieation of, at sea 
 Safe iiiaxinuiiu should be fixed on 
 L'jpecially efteolive on land . . 
 Number of Seals v\\ Islands— 
 
 Aheeled most l)y excessive killini; on shore 
 Area occupied best index of 
 Bryant's imthod of ciiuuK'ratiii»' 
 Klliott's „ ,_ ■' '' 
 
 l''.stimates of, exaggerated .. ** 
 
 (Ipiiiioi'.s of various authorities as to '. '. 
 
 Okhotsk Sea — 
 
 Fur-seal in 
 Origin ol'deeicase of seuK 
 Otttr Maud— 
 
 iiaids oi; 
 
 Seals on, , 
 
 0. 
 
 Pacific 
 I 
 
 P. 
 
 Mi,;;ratiiiiis of fur-seal in {kcc Mi<Mation), 
 
 'aimer, Mr. \V 
 
 Observatiniis on brocding-islaiuls 
 
 149, 150 
 147, 148 
 
 195 
 
 171-1% 
 
 172 
 
 197-208 
 
 208 
 
 27 
 
 190 
 
 27 
 
 .'JOS 
 
 314^356 
 
 723-7jfi 
 
 724 
 
 725 
 
 626-570 
 
 635 
 
 150 
 656 
 
 837 
 
 256,390,3!)! 
 257 
 
 72,73, 131 
 155 
 loii 
 
 137 
 
 130, 161 
 
 151 
 
 131 
 
 92 
 3r.s 
 35'S 
 359 
 90, 305 
 366 
 
 522 
 
 674-(l',)3 
 
 716 
 251, 710 
 
 Page. 
 
 155 
 
 156 
 
 195-198 
 
 157 
 182, 183 
 
 183 
 
 216,217 
 170-172 
 
 •■^'■iJ 
 
 ■II 
 
 187-18» 
 
ZZZVlli 
 
 iin>Ex. 
 
 T" 
 
 
 Pelagic cntcli (see also Pelngio Scaling). 
 
 Approximate statistics of United States 
 
 iJcliriMg Son, about 5 per cent, cows in milk '. *. 
 
 Jlntish Columbian. Kcnorts of 
 
 .* • • • • 
 
 " >» schooners , . 
 
 C'li;ii-ucter and composition of 
 
 r)i:i)^ninis i!liistrating 
 
 Eiulv Mtclits in Uchrin;.' Sea 
 
 Incoinplettness of United Stales' statistics 
 
 >'.inib(.'r per bom and man ,. 
 
 Tioportion of fcmalos 
 
 Wcins lukcn in 1891 
 
 Summary from 1871 to IS'Jl' 
 Pelagic Scalers— 
 
 ■Vot poacliers 
 
 OiJinions as to nbiindanoe of seals at sVa 
 Pelagic Sealing— 
 
 Advantagt-s of Indian n.etiiod of spearing 
 
 Affidavits lyspec'Ing (see Affidavits) . . ',', 
 
 Amount paid to Indians engaged in 1840 
 
 A new factor of decrease in seal life . . 
 
 At first not objectorl to . . 
 
 Ben.fits to IndiiMis 
 
 Capitid cmidoyed . , .'.' ," 
 
 C'onllieiing evidenee as to sexes taken * ',', 
 
 Continuation dejieiids on abundance of seals '. '. 
 
 ton.d not have caused first decrease on land .' ' 
 
 Criticisms on .. ., ' 
 
 Cruelty of, as ecmpnred with land kilii'no. 
 
 Uanger to men employed , . . . 
 
 Date of commencement . " " ' 
 
 • • • • 
 
 ,, " , . " 111 Beliring Sea 
 
 Early bi-tory of . . 
 
 First known attempts .', \[ 
 
 „ l>ractised in canoes .. ',* 
 
 ,, seizures by United States' Government 
 r nture of 
 
 Growth of, in United States" 
 Improvements suggested . . \[ 
 
 Indians seldom lose seals when speared 
 I-oss exaggerated , , 
 
 ., by white hunters .. *_' 
 
 Mcthors employed . . * ' " * ' 
 
 None at Cape of Good Hope ' 
 
 ., in Falkland I>lnnds .. 
 Not eau-e of dead pups in 1891 ,[ 
 
 Number of gravid females caught in spring 
 Origin and development of .. .. _'' 
 
 Originated with natives on coast 
 Parity of interests with land scaliii'' 
 Peculiar to North Pacific . . . .' 
 
 Proportion of seals lost 
 Eegnlations suggested 
 Self-regulative" ,. . ." "' 
 
 Sexes not di<-tiiiguislicd 
 United State>' interests in '.'. 
 
 Peiiods'^^'lS^''"' ^''"'' "'"' ^'''"''' •^"'"'^I'i''" fl<=efs, 189V 
 
 Found iiuvss;iry i;i Kussian period 
 
 Suggested as nroteetive measure 
 Physical cl,ar.aeun.lie. of I'rihyloff and Commander Islands '. '. 
 Places visited by Dnti^h Commissioners . . 
 Polaviiia Hookeiy, St. l>,ud Island 
 
 First diiv<-n"in 1«79 
 Poacher— 
 
 Term cannot he appli, ,1 to pelagic scalers 
 Precautions on Island ,— 
 
 n •. ^'^l!:^'^ "" Couini:ii:<lers than I'ribylofls 
 Pnbyloff Islands— 
 
 Date <if disooveiy, . 
 
 Decrease of 5<'al,s nolle, d in 1870 
 Decrease of kiilabl.- heals m irked in 1885 
 Description of 
 
 Historical notes on lookoiies 
 Killing of seal- excea-ivo 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 Page. 
 
 427 
 
 217 
 
 684 
 
 0!)0 
 250-253 
 782-S33 
 
 054 
 
 • • •• 
 
 646 
 
 312 
 
 052 
 633-653 
 
 207-212 
 
 • • 
 
 • ■ 
 
 Facing 22 and 
 
 691 
 
 
 108,597 
 
 
 87 
 
 
 77, 78 
 
 
 • . 
 
 204 
 
 • • • ■ 
 
 ao7 
 
 612 
 
 
 403-407 
 
 
 657 
 
 « • 
 
 . ! 585 
 
 60 
 
 583 
 
 585 
 
 219-241 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 106,114 
 
 634 
 
 • • 
 
 054 
 691 
 
 • • 
 
 77 
 610-012 
 
 • • 
 
 009 
 
 
 04 
 
 
 69, 506 
 
 
 588 
 580 
 582 
 590 
 
 • • 
 
 • a 
 « • 
 
 654-058 
 
 " 
 
 599 
 149, 150 
 
 •• 
 
 617-627 
 
 
 014 
 010-028 
 601-012 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 • • 
 
 • 
 
 155 
 
 . 355 
 
 048 
 
 156 
 
 . 01-03, 00-68, 
 
 
 571-000 
 
 
 571-580 
 120 
 
 •• 
 
 05 
 
 
 613-032 
 
 650 
 1 1 S, 055 
 
 • • 
 
 033 
 103 
 000 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 40 
 105 
 
 • • 
 
 244-270 
 
 
 • • 
 
 ■1 , 5 
 
 250 
 
 
 081 
 
 
 012 
 
 • t 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 3 
 
INDEX. 
 
 XXXIX 
 
 'age. 
 
 312 
 7-212 
 
 • • 
 
 23 and 150 
 
 204 
 207 
 
 -211 
 
 PribylofT Islniuls (coiitiiiiin/)— 
 
 Methods piiiployc'd ,, 
 
 Mr. PnliiiPi-'s visit to ., 
 
 Native iiopulatidii of 
 
 I'lij sical cliararteri-tics of . . 
 
 Statislifs of skins taken on , . 
 Proj'oition of Seals lost at Sea — 
 
 {Ste Pel;ii;ic Sealing.) 
 Proleclion {sec IVoti'cfive Measures and Regulations)— 
 
 Aiistrali'sia . , , . 
 
 Conditions of, sunnnaiized . . 
 
 Desirable 
 
 Duty of, affirii^ed . . 
 
 Easier on land tluiii sea 
 
 Falkland Isknuli . . 
 
 InadcqutU'V of, on iireedinn-islands 
 
 Industrial interests must be eonsidered 
 
 •Ian Maycn . , . . , , 
 
 Must be both on sliore nnd sea 
 
 Must inehulc whole migvatiou raiii;-e .. 
 
 NewfoinuHinid ,, .. .. 
 
 Precedents fur . , . , ,, ,, 
 
 Shouhl control all methods of sealing. . 
 
 t^outli Africa 
 Protective Measures (sec also Protection and Rcgulations)- 
 
 C'ape of Good Hope 
 
 ralklaiul Islands , . 
 
 Greeidaiid 
 
 Improved methods of taking, necessary 
 
 International po-opevation nec'.'ssarv .. ,. 
 
 .laj.au . . , . , . * , , 
 
 Xewfoundland 
 
 Prolii'iition ol' killing; on one island suggested .. 
 
 licstriction in numbers killed necessary 
 
 SiK'cific rccomnicndations for 
 
 Tasmania . . , , 
 
 Tiital prohibition of killing on islands 
 
 What are required . , . . 
 
 Pricis of Skins (.s/-o aho Skins)— 
 
 Average in London, 1871-Sl 
 
 From (.'ape of Good Hope . , ., 
 
 Pnji? — 
 
 Age at which ihey swim ., ,, 
 
 Autopsy by Dr. Gtiuthcr .. .. \\ 
 
 liiitb of, on (iucen Charlotte Islands.. 
 
 Do not know their own niotlier.s 
 
 Full of milk in November ,, 
 
 lulled by- 
 Bulls iighting ,. 
 Indians 
 Storms , , . . . 
 
 Killed for food 
 
 Fiive when ti'ken I'rom dead cows 
 
 Mortality in 18'Jl.. 
 
 Number at a birth 
 
 I'eriiid of sutkling 
 
 Probably drown if Ijorn at sea 
 
 rnweaned skins unmerchantable 
 
 Q. 
 
 (liii on fhailotte Islands — 
 Pups born on . . 
 Seals sren on, in winter 
 
 Queen Charlotte Sound— 
 Groy pups in , . 
 
 R. 
 
 Ilaids 
 
 Complaints of, in 1891 
 
 Destruction caused by, to all classes of seals 
 
 »• i> United States' vessels in South Seas 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 659-673 
 
 723 
 
 244-270 
 
 109 
 
 Pago. 
 
 187-189 
 
 129 
 
 « • 
 
 H5 
 
 4 • 
 
 H') 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 116 
 
 
 129 
 
 • • 
 
 1-15 
 
 
 140 
 
 « • 
 
 129 
 
 • • 
 
 115, 110, 120 
 
 
 115 
 
 
 129 
 
 
 129 
 
 
 12C., 110 
 
 
 1.'9 
 
 .. 
 
 , , 
 
 19 1 
 
 . . 
 
 193 
 
 
 198-203 
 
 M7~1.J0 
 
 
 100,170 
 
 • • 
 
 
 191, 100 
 
 . , 
 
 19 0-1 OS 
 
 100 
 
 
 101, 102 
 
 , . 
 
 1 
 
 20 
 
 1 
 
 158 
 
 298-;i()0 
 18;! 
 :iOl 
 321 
 211 
 
 iSoO 
 (iiiV 
 328 
 71, 007 
 G30 
 
 83 
 301 
 241 
 215 
 
 74 
 
 301 
 177 
 
 23 
 
 213 
 105 
 
 727-770 
 
 700 
 74, 729 
 732, 733 
 
 171 
 
 (I?. 
 
 '^\ 
 
 ^t 
 
 f',1 
 
;! 
 
 xl 
 
 IXDEX. 
 
 IJnids {continuril)— 
 
 Destruction of snnls on Ifobben Island by 
 Drain on S(nl life canst'd by .. .', 
 Rase witb whicb tlicy CMij 01- nindo .. 
 liic-alityof 
 
 Ii.siiffirient i)rotoetion against, on riibvloft' Islamls 
 T.ist of, on PiihyloiF Islands 
 ^kaiis talccn to'fl.i'clv, on foniinandcr Islands ,'.' 
 .No reLcrdwl insianpc of, bv Canadian vessels on P.ibvloff Islands '.'. 
 Iveiidrml posMble by laxity of control 
 SliriiiM bo more strietly !;uarded a','ainst 
 
 Sin.ilnriiv of methods to tliose oansin- destruction of'south Sen' 
 Ireednig resorts 
 Raidii!;;. vessels-- 
 
 Seals ];i!le<l by, in waters mar roukeries 
 Kan^e of fur-seal (see Mi'^ralion). 
 Kcdpatli, Mr, J. C— 
 
 Thinks seals cat kel|) 
 «cef JJookrry, St. Paul Island .. 
 Regiikidoiis (,v/c cilm Pidteclivo -Measures)— 
 Alternative methods of 
 
 Ci'mpeMsatory adjustment of ,\ \\ '' 
 
 General conditions sunimari/,ed 
 International en-opcration necessary ,, 
 May arrest dccrear.e 
 
 Metliods cf carryinf.; out .. ., \\ 
 
 Mutual concessions necessary 
 
 Should be based on industrial as well as physical requirements 
 fepccibc scheme of, recommended 
 Various suggestions for .. .. " 
 
 Rifles, use of, in pelagic sealing, should be prohibited '' 
 
 Ifobben Island — 
 
 Destruction of seals on, by Alaska Commercial Comi)anv 
 Means taken by Russian Uovcrnnicnt for protection of " 
 Migratum routes of seals frequent iiiR 
 
 1>'1 -Its •• •* 
 
 Iiaids on 
 Rookeries — 
 
 Area of («fc Area o! lloukcries). 
 Features of ..... 
 
 Kormer extent of . . 
 
 Necessary eonditions f(.r, exist elsewhere 
 N'ot iicecs-arily limited in aica 
 Cn Hehring Island, North and South.. \. 
 
 On Copper Inland., 
 
 On St. Oeorge Island (Oreat Kastern, Lit'tlc lOastern, Nortli," 
 Starry Arteel, and Zapadnie) . . . . 
 
 On St. Paul Island (I.agODn, Lukannou and Kctuvic, North-EasV 
 ^ 1 oiut, 1 olavma, Keef, Tolstoi, and Zapadnie) 
 Protcetion of, better on Commander than Pribylofl' Islamls 
 Keports a.s to eoiulition of, unsatisfactory 
 
 Slioidd not be disturbed ,, " " '* " 
 
 Smell of.. .. .. '■ " 
 
 Russia — " ' * ■ ■ • • 
 
 Inerea.se < f seals on Pri: .ylolf Islands under rule of 
 Iiilerests of, in senliuL' industry 
 
 INI 
 
 iigeinent of Cimniandcr islands by 
 
 iin 
 
 rccautums ajri 
 
 1 
 
 Kobben Islanii 
 
 [irotected by, , 
 
 s. 
 
 San r 
 
 lie]dy to inquiries made at 
 
 Sealing fleet 
 Scarcity of Seals (sci; Killi 
 
 I)i;e to over-killing of n.alcs 
 
 ng on Islands) — 
 
 Sea-cow — 
 
 E.xtermiiiation of 
 
 J'. 
 
 I''islieri(\s — 
 An 
 
 ibuiidancc of 
 
 entiiie Ilepuhlio 
 
 Uislralii 
 
 Cape of Gaod Hope 
 Chilean .. 
 
 Parngraiih. 
 
 Page. 
 
 734 
 
 
 770 
 
 
 76a 
 
 
 727 
 
 
 759 
 
 
 737-7GO 
 
 
 707 
 81, 612 
 74 
 148 
 
 728 
 
 7.:;o 
 
 240 
 256 
 
 163-168 
 15C-1.J8 
 
 145 
 
 169,170 
 
 91 
 
 162 
 
 102 
 
 100 
 155-161 
 
 mo 
 
 150, 656 
 
 513 
 515-517 
 
 203 
 510,51.", 
 
 258-260 
 
 273 
 
 276 
 
 272 
 266. 267 
 268, 269 
 
 2.jfi 
 722 
 52 
 148 
 271 
 
 41,42 
 
 103 
 
 72,722 
 
 767 
 51.j-5n 
 
 ■138 -440 
 
 470 
 
 471 
 
 877 
 
 869, 889 
 885, 887 
 878, 879 
 
 S( 
 S< 
 
 8. 
 
 SI 
 SI 
 
 179 
 206 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Xli 
 
 Seal FiBlicrics {continued) — 
 
 Falkland Inlands . . . . , . , , 
 
 Lobos Islands . , , , , , 
 
 New Zealand . . . . . . . . \\ 
 
 South Shetland . . 
 Sealing at Sia (s«e Pelagic Pealing). 
 Scaling Fleet — 
 
 British Columbian .. .. ., 
 
 United Stiites' .. ,. .. .. '' 
 
 Sealing Imlustrv {sec alio Interest's involved) — 
 Cni)ital in. ployed ill 
 
 Former and present condition of .. ,. ". 
 
 German, Japanese, Uussian, and United Stotcs* interest *in 
 Intt'iests on sea and shore . , 
 Niiniber of men employed in 
 Seal Islands — 
 
 Flnnrishiiig comlition of when ceded by Kussio 
 Senl'i'g on Islanda— 
 
 i'arity of interests with scalin!» at sea 
 
 Sii>ry;ohte(l improvements in methods . . . . \\ 
 
 Seal Life — 
 
 Keconiing more pelagic 
 
 Conditions of, on breeding-islands . . , . ,', 
 
 Dislinbancc of, greater in recent years 
 
 Evidence as to conditions of " . , 
 
 Fluctuntions in number . . . . , . 
 
 OoiK ral conditions of , , , . , , ^\ 
 
 Gradual diminution of, on islands 
 
 Natural conditions interfered with . . . , . | 
 
 Shoidd be stmlied at sea as well as on land . . ,', 
 
 Seal Logs — 
 
 K<])t by Her Majesty's and United States' cruizcrs in 1891 
 Seals feeding {nee also Food) — 
 
 Doubtful whetiicr by night or dav 
 Seals (,vfc nlno Fur-seal) — 
 
 Methods of enumeiating ., .. 
 
 Sinkinj' when shot 
 
 ,, Loss ol by, exaggerated 
 ,, Views of Professor Allen as to 
 Sca-olter, ()!)servations on ., 
 
 Breed all ihe year round 
 Catch of, in Japan 
 
 Could b'j protected more easily than the fur-seal 
 Forniei rookery of, at Capo Lopatka , . 
 Inadequiite protection of, by United States' Government' 
 Lar^e nund)er of, iu early days 
 Not i)ropcrly jjelagic ' ,', 
 Only remaining rookery is on Copper Island 
 Value of skins of , . . , ,, 
 
 Scecatehio (rre Bulla). 
 Seizuri s of tsealing-vessehi 
 Date of first seizure 
 Summary of 
 Sc.\es — 
 
 Kequisite proportion of 
 Shanghai' — 
 
 Kv'ply to incpiiries from 
 Sheej) — 
 
 .Analogous to seals in brecu 
 Habits wlien suf'kling 
 Shot found iu seals killed on islands . . , , [' 
 
 Skins — 
 
 Average price in London, 1871-1)1 .. 
 Bought from Indians mostly " groy ]mi)8 " or smalls 
 Classed in London more by quiility than ori"in. . 
 Copper Island, sales of . . " . . 
 LdU'erenees between " Alaska " avd " Cojjper ".' ." 
 From Cape Horn . . . . . [[ 
 
 ,, Cape of Good Hojie ,, 
 
 ,, Connnander Islands (18()2-91). . *.' .'[ 
 
 „ Lobos Islands , , , , 
 
 Marketing of . . , . 
 
 Ncrth-west coast catch, distinguished by shot and spour niarks 
 
 " si'li^ of . . 
 
 Obtained from ladians (18.')2-'J0) 
 Of " stagey '' ami pup nvnU unmerchantable .' '. 
 
 l)y United States' Government— 
 
 Im^ 
 
 liabits 
 
 Pi ragraph. 
 
 882, 88-1 
 
 876 
 892-894 
 872, 873 
 
 600 
 600 
 
 104-107 
 
 io3 
 
 102, 103 
 111, 112 
 
 67G 
 
 12G 
 147, 148 
 
 85 
 277-283 
 
 390 
 
 52, 53, 5f) 
 
 33 
 
 2f)-34 
 
 701 
 
 34 
 
 15 
 
 210 
 
 310 
 
 357-376 
 613-630 
 
 613 
 
 630 
 459-409 
 
 1G0 
 
 464 
 ■107 
 408, 169 
 4(>0 
 461 
 405 
 459 
 
 590 
 109 
 
 292-294 
 
 (i2S 
 
 1S2 
 05;! 
 
 653 
 
 Page, 
 
 .. 
 
 216 
 
 
 155 
 
 .. 
 
 214 
 
 . . 
 
 215 
 
 902, (103 
 
 
 n5;i 
 
 
 
 210,21 
 
 
 213 
 
 205 
 206 
 
 14-16 
 
 166 
 
 ISO 
 181 
 
 213 
 
 • o 
 
 218 
 
 74 
 
zlii 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Sking {continutil)— 
 
 Shipment of, no uvidenoc of fraud . . 
 
 Weight of 
 
 Weight of, on islomls 
 
 „ ^, ••„ . " Reduction in since 1888 *' 
 
 HouthciM Hemisphere — 
 
 Account of fur-seals in early times , . 
 
 * ui-scal fisheries of . . . . \\ 
 
 South ae^ Sealingl. '*'""'''""' '''"""" '^''''°y'^'^7 AmeriVan 
 
 jN'^ imulogj- witli pelagic sealing 
 Speni s used by Indians for killing seals . . 
 " Stogov " .scasoi: .. f 
 
 i'eriodof 
 " Stagey " skins— 
 
 Never taken at sea . . 
 
 Unmerchantable . . 
 Stampedes— 
 
 Death of jjups caused by . . . , , , 
 
 Starry Arteel Uookery, St, George Island .. 
 Stones found in stomachs («« Food). 
 Suckling {see also Cows) — 
 
 CoTvs u-ill suckle young of other cows at Cape of Good Hope 
 llalnts during time of .. ^ 
 
 Swan, Judge— 
 
 Lctli'i s from , , 
 
 Thinks seals are found near Cape Flattery all the year round 
 
 T, 
 
 Table showing normal increase of seals . . 
 Tasmania — ' * 
 
 Protective Regulations in . , 
 
 Reply to inquiries from 
 Tax on skins paid to United States' Government, increase of 
 Time limit (see Close Season) . . . a=c vi 
 
 Tolstoi Rookery, St. Paul Island.'.' 
 
 u. 
 
 United States- 
 Scaling fleet, 1891 
 
 -, " » incomplete Returns of catch of 
 
 Uruguay- 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 vessels 
 
 Reply to inquiries. . 
 
 Vcniaminov, Bishop — 
 On drives 
 
 V. 
 
 Virgin fen.ulcs difficult to distinguish from 'young m'a'les 
 \ inlity, age of . . , ^ ■' o 
 
 Volcanic origin of brcodina- island's 
 
 w. 
 
 Wariness of seals .uuses them to siiun the coast . . 
 Wark Inlet — 
 
 Grey pups taken in 
 Waste of seal life on islands 
 Weight of skins taken on islands ' 
 
 " " » largely reduced in 1889 
 
 w ." -J ,.">. , " lowered in 1883 . . 
 
 >V estern side of North Pncific— 
 
 Breeding-plac! !i of fur-seal on 
 History of sealing industry on 
 
 logo 
 
 670 
 671 
 
 694-703 
 697 
 
 • • 
 
 844-854 
 834-901 
 
 • • 
 
 83, 190-192 
 155, 156 
 
 597 
 
 503 
 
 202, 281 
 
 133 
 
 •• 
 
 134, (331, 032 
 74 
 
 
 74, 331-333 
 257 
 
 . . 
 
 317^325 
 
 165 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 172-177 
 
 371-375 
 
 695 
 
 I'JO-138 
 
 2.50 
 
 .097 
 
 V12 
 
 633 
 
 284-291 
 
 249 
 
 426 
 
 177 
 
 74, 75, 667 
 
 694-703 
 
 697 
 
 696 
 
 42 1-525 
 477-485 
 
 158 
 
 158, 159 
 
 206 
 
 109 
 
INDKX. 
 
 xliii 
 
 igo 
 
 90-192 
 156 
 
 JS 
 
 -177 
 
 Wbnlo I'ooil— 
 
 Seals most numerous where it is found 
 Wilson, Sir Sanmel, M.P, — 
 
 luforination ns to slioep-brccdinR , , 
 Woriiis— 
 
 Seals trotiblcd by . , . . . , 
 
 Paragraph. 
 
 Yesio 
 
 Y. 
 
 Coast fishery . . . . , , 
 
 Seals seen near, in autumn and late winter 
 
 z. 
 
 /apadnie Uookery, St. George Islaiul 
 
 1, ,, St. Paul Island 
 
 Zapooska {see I'eiiods of Kest). 
 y.onc of Protected Waters — 
 Defined., 
 Recommended . . . , 
 
 239 
 
 343 
 
 Page. 
 
 184 
 
 • 
 
 • • 
 
 ■ • 
 
 199 
 
 166 
 
 • • 
 
 , 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 257 
 256 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • 
 • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 155-160 
 151-155 
 
 • • 
 •• 
 
 s 
 
 159 
 
 
'i 
 
 IIRIIKTNG SIU COM^TISSrON. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO BRI'IMSM f'OMMISHIONKRS. 
 
 ■'i 
 'I 
 
 t 
 
 ^ 
 
 No. 1. 
 
 Tlir Miiniiiis nf SiiHsliii)-ii In Sir fi. nfiflrii-Pnirrll and Dr. Diiirson. 
 
 Gentlemen, h'orriyn Office, June 21, 1891. 
 
 THE Queen Iiaviii;-' been yiacioii^ly pleased to apjioint you to be iier Commissioners 
 for the purpose of inquirin;>' into the conditions of seal life in IJebring Sea and other 
 parts of the North PaeiHe Oceuii, I transmit lo you herewith Her Majesty's Commission 
 under the Sign ISIanual to that effect. 
 
 The main object of your incjuiry will be to ascertain, •' Wiiat international arrange- 
 ments, if any, are necessary between Great Britain and the United Stales, and Russia 
 or any other Power, for the purpose of preserving the fur-seal race in Behring Sea 
 from extermination ?" 
 
 Her Majesty's CJovernment have proposed to the United States tliat the investigation 
 should be conducted by a Commission to consist of four experts, of whom two shall 
 be nominated by eacli Government, and a Chairman, who shall be nominated by 
 Arbitrators. 
 
 If ihc Government of the United States agree to this proposal, you will he the 
 Delegates who will represent Great Britain in the Commission. 
 
 But, in the meanwhile, it is desirable (hat you should at once conmicnce your 
 examination of the q stion, and that for that purpose you should proceed as soon as 
 you conveniently can to Vancouver, from whence the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty liavc been requested to provide for your conveyance to the various sealing 
 grounds and other places which it may be expedient for you to visit. 
 
 Application has been made to the United States' Government for permission for you 
 to visit the seal islands under their jurisdiction, and a similar request will be addressed 
 to the Itussiiin Government in the event of your iindin-j;' it necessary to visit the 
 Commander Islands and other Russian sealing groimds. 
 
 Your attention should be particularly devoted to ascertaining — ■ 
 
 1. The actual facts as regards the alleged serious diminution of seal life on the 
 PribylofF Islands, the date at which such diminution Iiegan, the rate of its progress, and 
 any previous instance of a similar occurrence. 
 
 2. The causes of such diminution ; whether, and to what extent, it is attributable — 
 (a.) To a migration of the seals to other rookeries. 
 
 (6.) To the method of killing pursued on the islands themselves. 
 
 (c.) To the increase of scaling upon the high seas, and the manner it which it is 
 pursued. 
 
 I need scarcely remind you that your investigation siiould be carried on with strict 
 impartiality, that you .should neglect no sources of information which may be likely to 
 assist you in arriving at a sound conclusion, and that great care should be taken to sift 
 the evidence that is brought before you. 
 
 It is equally to the interest of all the Governments concerned in the p .ling industry 
 that it should he protected from all serious risk of extinction in conseq.iuce of the use 
 of wasteful and injudicious methods. 
 
 You will he provided with all the documentary evidence in the possession of this 
 Department which is likely to he of assistance to you in the prosecution of your inquiry. 
 
 Mr. A. Froude has been appointed to be your Secretary, and will accompany you on 
 your tour. 
 
VI 
 
 ) ll 
 
 Scparntc dospalehos will bo ndilrossoil to jou with regnnl to the expcnHCs of vour 
 misHioii, and tlio tbnn in wliich your corrcs|)oitdcuco with tlii.s Otllec bhould bo 
 conducted. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) SALISBUHY. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 1. 
 
 lion pnssod under tho ]\nyn\ Hiffn ^^nlnlnl and Si^rnot, appointing Hir George 
 >th Hiidcn-Poweli, K.C.M.G., M.V., and George Mercer Dawson, LL.D., F.R.S., 
 undertake an inqtiiry into tlie Conditions of Seal Life and the precautions 
 
 Commission 
 Smyl 
 
 to undertake an inqtii.j ....,, »..^ ..., .^ ~ - , - 
 
 neccBsnry for preventing the extermination of the Kur-scnl Species in Hcliring Sea 
 and other parts of tlio Nortli Vneilic Ocean. 
 
 VICTORIA, l.y the Graeo of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Hiitain and 
 Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, ICinpress of India, 8ic., to all and lingular to 
 whom these presents sliall come, greeting ! 
 
 "Whereas, wo have deemed it expedient that Commissioners should be appointed for 
 the purpose of iiHiuiry into the conditions of seal life and the precautions necessary for 
 preventing the extermination of the fur-seal species in Heliring Sea and other parts of 
 the North Pacific Ocean : 
 
 N'ow, kno>v ye, tliat we, reposing especial trust and confidence in the diligence, skill, 
 and integrity of our trust v and well-heloved Sir George Smyth Baden-Powell, Knight 
 Commander of Our Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, .Member 
 of Parliament; and of our trusty and well-boloxed Professor George Mercer Dawson, 
 Assistant Director and (Jcologist of the Canadian Geological and Natural History 
 Survey, have nominated, constituted, and appointed, and do by these presents 
 nominate, constitute, and n])point tliem our Commissioners to undertake the inquiry 
 aforesaid : 
 
 And we do hereby give to our said Commissioners full power and authorif to do 
 and perform all acts, matters, and things which may l)e necessary and proper r duly 
 carrying into effect the object of this our Commission. 
 
 In witness whereof we have signed these jiresents with our Royal hand. 
 
 Given at our Court at Windsor Castle, the 22nd day of June, in the year of our 
 Lord 1891, and in the fifty-fifth year of our reign. 
 
 By Her Majesty's command, 
 
 (Signed) SALISBURY. 
 
 No. 2. 
 The Mnrqvis of Salisbury to the Behring Sea Commmioners. 
 
 Gentlemen, Foreign Office, January 16, 1892. 
 
 I HAVE to inform you that Her Majesty's Minister at Washington has sent home 
 the text of seven Articles, signed by himself and Mr. Blame on the 18th ultimo, 
 which are to be embodied in a formal Agreement between Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment and that of the United St .tes for referring to Arbitrators certain questions at 
 issue between the two Governt ;mt9 in regard to the jurisdiction claimed by the 
 latter over the waters of Beb, ng Sea in connection with the fur-seal fisheries 
 therein. 
 
 Sir J. Pauncefotc has also fv vardcd the text of an Agreement signed on the same 
 day for the appointment of two < 'mmissioners by Her Majesty's Government and that 
 of the United States rcspectivcl; to ii.vestigate, conjointly with the Commissioners of 
 the other Government, all the fact relating to seal life in Behring Sea, and the necessary 
 measures for its proper protection vud preservation. 
 
 A copy of Sir .T. Pauncefote's despatch, inclosing both these documents, is forwarded 
 herewith for your information. 
 
 I now transmit the Queen's Commission under the Sign Manual appointing you to 
 be Her Majesty's Commissioners in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Com- 
 mission Agreement, and I request that you will proceed to Washington as soon as you 
 can conveniently do so, in order to draw up the Report indicated in the second paragraph 
 of the Agreement. 
 
1 
 
 VII 
 
 TS of 
 
 3sary 
 rded 
 
 Tho information wiiick lins been obtained hy your Aniericjin colleagues and your- 
 selves during your recent visit to lieliring Sea will supply ytm with material for the 
 preparation of your Report. 
 
 TlitTC are, however, a few points to whicli Her Majesty's Government consider it 
 desirable that your special attention should be directed. 
 
 You will observe that it is intended that the Report of Die Joint Commissioners 
 Khali embrace recommendations as to all measures thtit should be adopted for tlie preser- 
 vation of seal life. Vor this purpose, it will be necessary to consider what licgulations 
 may seem advisalde, whether witiiiii tiie jurisdictional limits of the United States and 
 Canadii, or outside tliosc limits. The liCgulations which the Connnissioners may recom- 
 mend for adopticm within the respective jurisdictions of the two countries will, of course, 
 he matter for tlie consideration of the respective Clovernments, while the Regulations 
 affecting waters outside the territorial limits will have to be considered under clause ♦) of 
 tlie Arbitration Agreement in the event of a decision being given by the Aili^rators 
 against the claim of exclusive jurisdiction put forward on heiialf of the United States. 
 
 Tlie Report is to be presented in the lirst instance to the two Governments for their 
 consideration, and is subse(|uently to be laid hy those (iovcrnments before tho Arbi- 
 trators to assist tlicm in determining tho more restricted question as to what, if any. 
 Regulations are essential for the protection of the fur-bearing seals outside tho territorial 
 jurisdiction of the two countries. 
 
 In the event of any points arising on which the Commissioners are unable to arrive 
 at an understanding, they should report jointly or severally to each Government on such 
 points. 
 
 In conclusion, I have to state that Her Majesty's Government place every reliance 
 on your tact and discretion in the conduct of your investigations with your American 
 colleagues, who will, no doubt, be equally desirous with yourselves of arriving at a 
 common agreement on the questions to be discussed. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) SALISBURY. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 2. 
 
 Commission passed under the Royal Sign Manual and Signet appointing Sir George 
 Si ytb Haden-Powell, K.C.M.G., M.P., and Professor George Mercer Dawson, 
 Assistant Director and Geologist of tiie Canadian Geological and Natural History 
 Survey, to be Her Majesty's Commissioners under the liehring Sea Joint Com- 
 mission Agreement between Great Britain and the United States of the 18th 
 December, 1891. 
 
 VICTORIA, by the Grace of (iod, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and 
 Ireland, Queen, Defender of the F.iith, Empress of India, &c..&c., &c., to all and singular 
 to whom these presents shall come, greeting ! 
 
 Whereas we have deemed it expedient that Commissioners should be appointed for 
 the purpose of inquiring into the conditions of seal life in IJehring Sea and the measures 
 necessary for its proper protection and preservation under the Agreement bctwe n Great 
 Britain and the United States of America of the 18th December, 1801. 
 
 Now know ye that we, reposing especial trust and confidence in the diligence, skill, 
 and integrity of our trusty and well-beloved Sir George Smyth Baden-Powell, Knight 
 Commander of our most dislinguisheil Order of St. IMiciiael and St. George, Member of 
 Parliament, and of our trusty and well-beloved Professor George Meicer Dawson, 
 Assistant Director and Geologist of the Canadian Geological and Natural History 
 Survey, have nominated, constituted, and appoin'ed, and do by tliesc presents nominate, 
 constitute, ami ajipoint them our Commissioners >o undertake tho inquiry aforesaid. 
 
 And we do hereby give to our said Commissioners Full Power and authority to do 
 and perform all acts, matters, and things which may be necessary and proper for duly 
 carrying into cifcct the object of this our Commission. 
 
 In witness whereof we have signed these presents with our Royal hand. 
 
 Given at our Court at Osborne tiic 1st day of January in the year of our Lord 
 1892, and in the 55tb year of our reign. 
 
 By Her Majesty's command, 
 
 (Countersigned) Salisbuxiy. 
 
 rapli 
 
< 1 ) 
 
 BEHKING SEA COMMISSION. 
 
 JOINT IIEPOIIT, 
 
 .\o. 3. 
 
 The I'chiintj Scd Co,ni>iissio,iet\s' to the ^r<n■,/t,is of SnlLs!jiir!/.--{l{crr;rr(/ Mtirch li).) 
 
 U'ashiiKjloi), Marrli i, 1S;):>. 
 
 My hard, 
 AVH hav 
 
 comlit) 
 
 Under tlic instiuetions contained 
 
 h Have the lionour (o transmit lierewitli a IJepoit si-nod tliis d .v hy'llic 
 ^sioncrs of (iivat Britain and the United Stales apiminled to invosti-ate ti.c 
 on ot seal lite ni the North Pacific Ocean. ^ ^ 
 
 in jour Lordsiiip's despiitclies of the I'Kh 
 
 Jane, ISDl, and of tlie loth January last, and in accordance wi'tl 
 
 \Vc liave, &c. 
 (Signed) GEOKGI-: BADIvX-l'OWKLL 
 
 (JEOIJGE M. DAWSON. 
 
 Inclcsuro in No. 3. 
 
 BEIIIllXG SEA COMMISSION JOINT IJEPOHT. 
 
 An A-reemynt ha', hi- been entered into betuocn the Gover::n.en(s of CreU 
 Britain and the United States to the elfoct that— 
 
 '' ''^»^'|' 9overninent sliall appoint two Commi.s.sioners to invesli-ate, conioii t!v with 
 he Comin.ssioners ot the other Government, all the fads havini;- rdution to seal life i! 
 JJelirin^' Sen, and the inoa^nros nccossar.y for its proper prolt'ctioa and preservation; 
 
 Ihe iour CommissK.ncrs shall, so far as they may be able to a^ree, male-, a Joint 
 seSv^tof; 1 r"'^' '"' Governments; and they shall aNo repon, eilher ioimi ol 
 se^cialb, to each Government on any points upon whicii tiiey may l;e unable to' .•.-.■ree- 
 
 J hesc Keports shall not be n.ade p.d.lic until they shall he submitted "io the 
 
 c^multtii r" '''^''"'" * '"' ^''' ^<»"^'"^^"^^' o^ ^''^i'- ''^i"^ "-«• ''v tl.o A, Intmtl's 
 
 And we, ill acconlance with the above Ao-reement, havino- been duly commissioned 
 
 by our respective Governmenis, and bavin,:., communicated to each other our res pe ' ' v • 
 
 powers, tound in -ood and due form, have a-reed to the foli,)uino- ]{onort • ~ 
 
 1. I he lomt invesli-.ition has been carried out bv us, and ue have utdi-ul rl 
 sources of mtormationavaihible. ' ' <• c uiii,.,.u .i,i 
 
 2. The several bree.lii.o- places on the I'ribylolT Is!and>, have been evamined and 
 inveSu.^1 '"'""-""'"^ '^"'^ methods tor taking the seals upon the inlands have b;^"!, 
 
 y. In regard to ibe distribution and habits of the fur-scal when seen at sea infor- 
 iiiation^base.l on the observation., resided by the cruizcis of tiie United Stales anl 
 
 1305] 
 
 
2 
 
 Great Britain, engaged in carrying out llie inocliis viiendi of \S01, has been cxciiangcd 
 for tlie purpose of enabling general conclusions to bo arrived at on these points. 
 
 4. Meetings of the Joint Commission were held in Washington, beginning on 
 Monday, the 8th February, and continuing until Friday, the 4th Marcli, 1803. As a 
 result of these meetings, we find ourselves in accord on the following propositions: — 
 
 5. Wc arc in thorough agreement tliat, for industrial, as well as for other obvious 
 reasons, it is incumbent upon all nations, and particularly upon those having direct 
 commercial interests in fur-seals, to provide for their proper protection and preservation. 
 
 6. Our joint and sevcnil investigations have led us to certain conclusions, in the first 
 place, in regard to the facts of seal life, including l)otii the existing conditions and their 
 causes; and, in the second place, in regard to such remedies as ni.ay he necessary to 
 se^jre the fur-seal against depletion or C(mimercial extermination. 
 
 7. Wc find that, since the .\laska purchase, a marked diminution in the number of 
 seals on, and habitually resorting to, the Pribyloll' Islands has taken place ; that it has 
 been cumulative in effect, and that it is the result of excessive killing by man. Jlltirr 
 
 8. Finding that considerable diirereiicc of o])inion exists on certain fundamenta' 
 propositions, which renders it impossible in a satisfactory manner to express our views ii 
 a Joint Report, wc have agreed that wc can most conveniently state our respective 
 conclusions on these matters in the "several" llepoits which it is provided may be 
 submitted to our resi)ective Governments. 
 
 Signed in duplicate at tlie citv of Washington this 4th day of March, 1S1>2. 
 
 (Signed) GEORGE S.MYTPI BADEN-POWELL. 
 
 GEORGE MERCElt DAWSON. 
 THOMAS CORWIN MENDENHALL. 
 CLINTON HART MEllRIAM. 
 
 (Signed) Ashley Anthony Fkoudk, 
 
 JosETU Stanley-Buow 
 
 UDK, 1 
 N, J 
 
 Joint Secrelaries. 
 
8 
 
 exchanged 
 s. 
 
 ■inning on 
 !0i?. Ana 
 >ns : — 
 er obvious 
 ing direct 
 servation. 
 in tlio first 
 1 and tlicir 
 cossarv to 
 
 number of 
 lat it has 
 
 idamenta' 
 r views ii 
 I'cspectivc 
 J may bo 
 
 VELL. 
 ALL. 
 
 llEroilT OF THE BRITISH BEHRING SEA COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 No. 4. 
 
 The Behring Sea Commissioners to the Marquis of Salisbury.— {Received August 14.) • 
 
 ^ wiTir .. f i 1 . , ,. , Foreign OJice, AnguM 13, 1892. 
 
 WN H reference O our despatch of the 4th March, 1892, inclosing the Joint «ep,rt 
 ot 1,0 Joint Commission, we nou- have the honour to submit, as the " several '' Re o t 
 c,mton,plated ,n that despatch, the Report which we have had the bono, r to make t 
 IW V !'tr *'•' ^"''" "'"''•■ '^' Commission appointing «. to investigate sea i^' n 
 
 Ik'liring Sea 
 
 We have, &c. 
 (Signed) GEORGE BADEN-POWELL 
 
 GEORGE l\. DAWSOX. 
 
 Inclosuro in No. t. 
 REI'Oiri'. 
 
 To TiiK QuKicN's Most Excellknt Majkstv. 
 JMay it rj,i;.v,si.; Youu Ma.testv, 
 .•oudilim;s^df's.^l1^? Commissioners, appoints to underlake an inquiry into the 
 
 .,.1,0,- IW,.. fo. ,1,0 ,,„,„„se „r „,eso,.vi„s ,W ttu^io "1™ ^.^^e X „ rf'' "'' ""•'■ 
 on the ndx^rnat.onal r.ghts involve<l, and on the establishment of lleoidation f r H 
 
 i^iinn/s^r '" ""' ^'"""'''"" ""' ^'" ♦"'•-^''> •" - habituaiirs;;;: ;:: li: 
 
 .-:. Wherefore, in oarrjing „ut the ter:.,s of our Commission, it has been our obic-t 
 . aapmc and i-eeord the most con.plete information available, in orl«r to , Z o e in 
 
 :;u;j;;::;nri?r;^s;;i^':;;^^:i: -^ '^^^'^^^'- "»i-'^"'' ^»^ -tu..; sihsSoJ; 
 
 v'ilir'ro.- k"7- "'^' '"'•"" *'^" *i"'\'l'"''^ "^■'•" ^''« ^"'t'' »^«^'ifi^' Ocean was provided fur 
 
 US b 
 
 ind 
 
 \\ rool 
 
 lit our re<]tiest from the res])ec'iive Gov 
 - ^^y - 
 
 kerios situated in American or Jfnssian torrit 
 
 ernmenls. 
 
 ory was obt lined 
 
 J- . .',3!!! rl'!!"!:'';!!^ '''fr,!*"' ^■'^^'•"" «"yi' i''''^'^^ H<"^»cd in, «,..! sud 
 
 <ho NoHli Pacific Ocean, ai;a liolil 
 [30.5J 
 
 11)2 
 
 ig personal interviews wi'h such persons as should 
 

 i-ntisfv 11.4 that wc liail neglected no source of information which might I)c likely to assist 
 us in arriving at sound crnclusions. 
 
 8. Care was taken before commencing our local investigations to complete our 
 personal kiiowlodgc of all d(!cumentary evidence to which wc could procure access, 
 including the previous official correspondence, and a mass of puhlic and private puhii- 
 cations, descriptions, records, and opinions. 
 
 {). Peqiicsts for information were also addressed to several countries outside the 
 ]!rohal)lc scope of our personal inquiries, from which collateral information of importance 
 could be derived. With the aid of the Canadian and Imperial Govern nent.s, a series of 
 (jueslions wore sent to the various (Governments who now hold the chief resorts of the 
 fur-seal in tiie Southern Hemisphere, namely, the Argentine, Uruguayan, Cliilean, and 
 Ih-azilian Republics, and the Colonies of the Falkland Islands, the Cape of rio'nl Hope, 
 Tasmania, New South AVales, Victoria, imd New Zealand. 
 
 10. Inquiries were a'so made for information in regard io the Xorth Pacific seal 
 fisheries to the Governments of Russia and Japan, to Her liritannic Majesty's ComMds 
 at Shanghac, Cant.m, Honolulu, and San Francisco, and to the Canadian Indian Agents 
 along the coast of Hritish Columbia 
 
 11. In regard to personal work, a brief account of our proceedings m ill explain the 
 plan of action adopted, and we append a Chart of our track. From the fth to the 
 JIth July we consulted with the Canadian Ministers in Ottawa; we then crossed the 
 continent by train, and at Vancouver and Victoria held prearranged interviews witli 
 those who wore engaged in the practical work of sealing, and with the Commander-in- 
 chief of (he Pacific Station and the port antlioritics. So soon as the chartered steamer 
 " Danube" could be got ready for sea, we left on a direct course for the port of lliuliuk, 
 in Unalaska Island. 
 
 12. The " Oanube " made the passage of about 1,400 miles in seven and a half 
 d.ays. After consulting at Unalaska vith the Senior Naval Officer, Commander Turner, 
 of Her Majesty's ship "Nymphe,'' we made the b-.st of our way to the PribylofF Islands, 
 where we spent several days carrying out our first inspection of the seal rookeries in 
 company witii Professor Mendenhall and Dr. Merriam, the Commissioners-designate ot 
 the United States, every hospitality and courtesy being afforded by the officials both of 
 the Government and of the lessees of the islands. 
 
 13. At this date the rookeries were still at their fullest, and the organization had 
 not yet broken up. After careful inquiry into the various questions connectetl with the 
 habits and treatment of the seals on these islands, we started on the 0th August on a 
 cruize of 1,450 miles to the eastward and northward in company with Her Majesty's 
 ship " Pheasant," to satisfy ourselves as to the limits of the range of the fur-seal in those 
 parts of Belning Sea. We visited the native and other Settlements r.n Xunivak Island, 
 Cape N'ancouver, St. INlatthew Island, St. Lawrence Island, and Plover Bay in Eastern 
 .Siberia, near the entrance of Bchring Straits, returning thence for a second inspection 
 of the Pribyloff rookeries and to note the difference in their appearance after a fortnight's 
 interval. 
 
 1 1. 'Ihence wc proceeded to lliuliuk Harbour, Unalaska, to communicate by appoint- 
 ment with the Commanding Officer:! of tiic English and United States' war-ships as t;> 
 future movements. Leaving that port on the 24th August for the westward we cruized 
 along the Aleutian chain, calling at the Islands of .Vtka and Attn, on which are the only 
 remaining native Sel dements in the western part of the Aleutian chain. 
 
 15. We then crossed to the Commander Inlands, and there received from the Russian 
 authorities every facility and courtesy in our task of learning all wc could concerning 
 seal life on those islands. Thence we proceeded down the coast of Kamschati<a to 
 Petropanlouski, where again the Russian authorities gave us every information. On this 
 cruize Her Majesty's ship "Porpoise," sailing in company, proved of the greatest 
 assistance. 
 
 1(5. Leaving Pefropaiilouski on the 10th September our course was shii])ed for the 
 Piibyloff Islands, so as to strike them from a westerly diic:;tion, and continue across that 
 portion (f Hebring Sea our observations of seals seen at sea. A thi'd and final CNami- 
 nation of the Pribyloff ro(ikeries was (hen made after a further interval of twenty-six; 
 days, and Unalaska was again reached on the ITtli September. 
 
 17. Leaving Pchiiiig Sea on the 20tli Septeml)er, we visited l\iidiak l>lanil, Sitka, 
 and Sliakan, making in(iniries of both the native and White I'esidents as to the fur-seal 
 fishery in thi> tii-fant territorv of the United States. Continuing our cruize of investi- 
 
 i;ali(.n. we called at (lie )( 
 
 )llowing places on 
 
 the coast of Itritish Columbia, viz , Port 
 
 Siiiijison, Metla-kat'a, Port l';s>inuton, Massct ((^)ueen Charlotte Islnuls), IJelhi-Hell.!, 
 
 >'nwitfi. Clayoqnot S 
 
 OUIH! 
 
 nu 
 
 1 nurclay Sound, where, by personal incju'ries, we were 
 
rnnl)lc(l to amplify tlic written statements wliicli, in compliance with our previous request, 
 liad boon forwarded to us by the In<lian agents on the coast. The Indian Settlement at 
 Xeah Bay, on llie United States' shore of the Straits of Fuca, was also visited, where 
 \vc likewise obtained valuable information. 
 
 ]8. The facts thus obtained afforded a direct knowlelge of the fnr-sealing industry, 
 both past and present, as it affects the Indians of South-east Alaska and British 
 Columbia. 
 
 I!). Wo completed our local investigations by obtaining from the sealers in Victoria, 
 Vancouver, and Seattle, further evidence as to their opinions and wishes, thus con- 
 cluding our task by obtaining autlioritativcly the views of all persons connected with 
 t!ie fur-seal fishery on the facts of seal life and on the protective measures they would 
 favour. 
 
 20. The cruize in the ^orth Pacific occupied nearly three months, and the log 
 shows a distance covered of more than 9,000 miles. 
 
 21. "We were thus enabled to examine for ourselves all the principal seal rookeries, 
 and especially to in«pect the typical rookeries on the Pribyloff Islands at three different 
 seasons, at the widest intervals of time possible within the period at our command : to 
 learn, by personal inquiry, knowledge of tlie limits eastward, northward, and westward of 
 the present liabitat of the fur-seal, and to satisfy ourselves as to the peculiar features of 
 the localities which the fur-seal ;li(l or did not select as shore resorts. 
 
 2".'. [n regard to the important point of the facts and reasons of the presence of the 
 fur-seal in jtarlicular iiortions of the ocean at particular seasons of the year, a point on 
 w hich we could find little or no previous descriptions or recorded observations, records were 
 collated from schooners engaged in scaling, and for 1891 we formulated a plan of seal 
 logs and seal track. charts i)ased on recorded observations of seals seen at sea, which has 
 been very ofTiciently carried ont on the British men-of-war "Nymphe," "Porpoise," and 
 " Pheasant," and on our own chartered steamer, the " Danube,"— similar work having 
 also Ijcon carried on by the United States' men-of-war and revenue-cutters employed in 
 Behring Sea during the same season. For this purpose also special inquiries were made 
 as to the kinds of fish constituting the favourite food of the fur-seal. Photographs were 
 also taken by us of the seals, their breeding places, and surroundings. 
 
 2;]. It may be observed further, that in obtaining evidence from persons of experience 
 or knowledge of the subject, we adopted, in general, the informal plan of free inter- 
 views and inde])endent conversation. In this way we acquired very distinct and 
 trustworthy knowledge of their opinions and experiences. 
 
 21'. The witnoKses who thus gave evidence included ofiicials of the Governments 
 and the Comj anios, and ex-o!ficia!s now otherwise employed, owners, captains and 
 hunters engagod in pelagic sealing ; natives, chiefly Aleut and Russian half-breeds, 
 engaged in killing and skinning seals on the Pribyloff Islands ; natives, such as Indians, 
 Innuits, and Aleuts, who habitually hunt and kill fur-seals, and merchants and others 
 connected wiili the trade in furs. 
 
 25. In the following statement of the results of our investigations, we propose, 
 first of all, to present, in summary, in Part I, a general view of the conclusions at which 
 we have arrived as to the condition of seal life in the North Pacific Ocean, and as to the 
 measures necessary for the preservation of the fur-seal industry. i«: .^"~; 
 
 \Vc would then, in Part II, deal in a more systematic manner and in detail with 
 the various divi.siors of the subject, and subsequently give, as Appendices, such corre- 
 spondence and statistics as may be needed to contplete our account of the subject under 
 investi"ation. 
 
6 
 
 Habits of 
 the fiir-seal. 
 
 iligrations. 
 
 WiiiU'i- aivi 
 
 siiiiinuT 
 
 iiatiitats. 
 
 Cvcnis on 
 
 \ircoiliiiy; 
 lilacos. 
 
 i(,-o;'il;ng 
 places. 
 
 Paut I. 
 SUMMARY OF FACTS AND CONCLUSION.'!. 
 
 I. — The Former, Present, and Prospectivk Condwion of the Fur-seal 
 Fishery in the North Pacific Ocean, 
 
 (A.) — General Conditions of Seal Life. 
 
 2fl. The fur- .seal of tl:c North Pacific Oceai is an animal in its nature essentially 
 pelnfjic, which, during the greater part of each year, lias no occasion to seek tlic land, 
 iind very rarely docs so. For so i c portion of the year, however, it naturally resorts to 
 certain littoral breedinjr places, wlicrc the young arc brought forth and suckled on land. 
 It is gregarious in habit, and, though seldom found in defined schools or compact Ijodies 
 nt sea, congregates in large numbers at the breeding places. Throngliout tlie brooding 
 season, the adults of both sexes — if not entirely, at least, for very consi.lerable peiioJs— 
 abstain from food, but during the remainder of the year the seals arc notably inihunced 
 in their niovcnients by those of the food-fishes upon which they subsist. 
 
 27. Such movement.s are, however, subordinate to a more general one of migration, 
 in conformity with which the fur-seals of tlie Xortli Pacific travel northward to the 
 breeding islands in the spring and return to the southward in the autumn, tbllowing two 
 main lines, one of which appro.\imates lo tlie western coast of North America, while the 
 other skirts the Asiatic coast. Tiiose animals which pursue the first-ntentioned migration- 
 route, for the most part breed upon the Pribyloff Islands in summer, and spend the 
 winter in that part of the ocean adjacent to, or lying off, the coast of iiritish Columbia. 
 Those following the second route breed, in the main, on the Commander Islands, and 
 winter olf the coasts of Japan, 'i'he comparative proximity of the breeding islands 
 frequented by tne seals pertaining to these two migration-tracts during the summer 
 insures a certain interrelation and interchange of seals between the t groups, to an 
 extent not fully known, and which doubtless varies much in dill'crent years. 
 
 28. The fur-seal of the North Pacific may thus be saiti, in each case, to have two 
 habitafs or homes between which it migrates, both equally necessary to its existence 
 under present circumstances, the one frequented in summer, the other during the winter. 
 If it were possible to confine the fur-seal to the vicinity of the northern islands resorted 
 to during the breeding season, or even within the limits of Hehring Sea, the species woidd 
 become extinct in a single year ; but if, in any way, it were to be debarred from reaching 
 the islands now chiefly resorted (o for breeding purposes, it would, according to 
 experience recorded elsewhere, speedily seek out other places up-ii which to give birth 
 to its young. 
 
 'J',). The fur-seal of the Southern Hemisphere, while recognized as distinct in kind, 
 resembles that of the North Pacific in its habitual resort to littoral breeding places and 
 in other respects, but is not known to migrate regularly over such groat tracts of sea, or 
 to have definitely separable summer and winter habitats. 
 
 ;)(). With reference to the length of the period duiing which the fur-seals resort to 
 thcsliore : — The breeding males begin to arrive on the Pcibyloff Islands at varying dates 
 in May, and remain continunusly ashore for aI>out three months, after which tliey are treeil 
 from all duties on the ])reeding rookeries, and only occasionally return to the shores. 
 The breeding ienialcs arrive for the most part nearly a month later, bearing tiieir young 
 immediately on landing, and remaining ashore, jealously guarded by the males, for several 
 weeks, after which they fake every opportunity to play in the water clo^c along the 
 beaches, and about a month later tiiey also begin to leave the islands in search of food, 
 and migrate to their winter habitat. The young males and (he young females come 
 ashore later than the breeding seals, and at more irregular dates, and "haid out" by 
 themselves. Lastly, the pups of the year, born in .Fune and July, commence to " pod," or 
 lierd together away from their mothers, towards the middle or end of August, and after 
 that frctiuent the beaches in great numbers, and bathe and swim in the surf. They remain 
 on the islands until October, and even November, being among tlie last to leave. 
 
 •!il. AVhile resorting to or remaining on the lar.d, the fur-seal is ])raelically 
 defenceless, and it is, tlicretore, on uninhabited islands or rocks that large numbers of 
 seals are known to congregate; durin:^' the breeding season. Such places alono have 
 allordcd the necessary security Irom various predaceous animals and from man, ami all 
 the notable seal " rookeries " of both heirisplieres have been found on unpeopled insular 
 
areas. Tlic Intilude and coirespontling climate of sucli breeding places his doubtless 
 been a circumstance of some importance in rendering certain loculities congeniiil to the 
 fur-scal, but even the single species inhabiting the North Pacific shows a considerable 
 range of adaptability in this rcspeetj provided that tlic necessary security against 
 disturbance and destruction be afForded for adults and young. 
 
 32. Until the discovery by the llussians of tlie Commander Islands in 17tl,and the 
 ]*ribyloti" Islands in 1780, these were iloubtless, in the average of years, fully peopleil 
 with seals up to the limits impo-sed by natural conditions, such as food supply, areas 
 available for breeding grounds, and the counteracting effects of destructive agencies at 
 that time ntftcting seal life. Among the litter, particular mention may be made of pre- 
 dacoous mariiie animals such as the killer whale and shailc, and to hunting carried on in 
 the southern portion of the migration-range of the seal by various native tribes. These 
 agencies were almost continuous in their operation, but, in addition, certain occasional 
 causes of destruction of seals must not be lost sight of. Among these arc, inclement 
 seasons in which the breeding islands, or some of them, remained so hmg ice-bound that 
 tlio females were unable to land in time to give birtii to tiieir young; autumn storms, 
 fatal to young seals, and also the recurrent inroads of murrains or diseases of various 
 kinds. 
 
 Of the two first of these last-mentioned causes, instances which have resulted in 
 great damage to seal life have been recorded on the I'ribylotl' Islands. In regard to the 
 third, thou^li elsewhere observed, there is a remarkable absence of notice in the records 
 of these islands, 
 
 33. The separate or concurrent effects of such causes, even before the era of the seal* 
 hunter, must have produced great fluctuations in the total volume of seal life in certain 
 years or terms of years. There are of course no data available in actual proof of this, 
 but that such must have occurred is sufficiently obvious from analogy with the known 
 facts relating to other animals, and particularly those of a similar gregarious habit. 
 
 34. In all parts of tlie world the discovery of the breeding islands of the fur-seal has 
 usually been followed by unrestricted slaughter upon these breeding places, and this has 
 invariably resulted in general depiction, often approaching extermination, but in no 
 known case within historical times, has it actually resulted in complete extirpation. 
 
 ()ii;>iijal 
 cnnditioiis 
 on lirocdiiig 
 
 Natural 
 fliictuntion* 
 ill niinibei's. 
 
 Interference 
 with natural 
 cunditions. 
 
 (B.) — Killing on the Breeding Hands. 
 
 35. The discovery of the breeding islands in the North Pacific, and the slaughter Kffi-cis of 
 of seals upon them by man, introduced a more important factor in regard to their seal killinp. 
 life, the general ctfect of which, under what regulations soever, tended inevitably towards 
 a reduction in the aggregate number of seals frequenting the islands. In other words, 
 the initiation of commercial killing on the breeding islands interfered with the previously 
 established balance of nature. It formed a heavy new draft upon seal life, while no 
 compensating relief was afforded ajrainst the active depredations of other enemies or 
 against other natural occurrences which had heretofore set limits to the increase of the 
 seals. Their former places of secure retreat were invaded by man, w iiile, during the greater 
 part of each year, they remained exposed on the open ocean as before to innumerable 
 accidents, and entirely beyond the contrcd or possible jjrotcction of those in charge of the 
 brocdirg islands. The inroads of the seal killers on tlie islands might be modified in kind 
 or in d give, l)ut tiicir general tendency could not be reversed. 
 
 ."G. 'I'hc Pribyloff and CJommander Islands of the North Pacific have, however, ii,.^,,!.,,;,,,,,^ 
 continued to be the resorts of large numbers of fur-seals lor more tlian 100 years on'tuvcdinff 
 siibsecpicnt to their discovery and occupati(»n by the I^issians. Almost from the first, i^lmils. 
 regulatio.is restricting the slaughter of seals oi'i land were instituted and carried out by 
 tiie Russian authorities, and similar measures have been continued in the case of the 
 Prihylolf [slantis by the Government of the United States. Though continuous, or nearly 
 so, in their general operation, such regulations have varied much in their nature, and 
 even more with regard to the degree ot efficiency with wliich they have l)een enforced, 
 and in the latter respects they have at no time been entirely satisfactory for the purposes 
 iiitende;!. 
 
 37. During the early years of the Uussian control, the conditions of seal life were very iinprnvr- 
 imperfectly understood, and but little regard was paid to the subject. A rapid diminution ment* in 
 in the number of seals frequenting the islands, however, eventually claimed attention, and regulations. 
 improvements of various kinds followed. Among the first of the more stringent measures 
 adopted was the restriction of killing to males, which followed fiom the discovery that a 
 much larger number of males were born than were actually required for service on the 
 
8 
 
 NumbcM 
 killed 
 on the 
 PribylolT 
 Islands. 
 
 Depletion 
 thrfoteiied 
 ill Hiis»iaii 
 times. 
 
 Iiicrea!<e in 
 later years 
 of Russian 
 rfiijime. 
 
 Cniteil 
 States' 
 control. 
 
 Effects of 
 
 excessive 
 
 slaugliter. 
 
 brecilinpc " ronkerics." The killing of fcinnlcs was prncticaily fi)rl)iil(len on the 
 Pril)}'loi[t Ishinds abtiut 1847, and un the Coninmndcr Islaiidi.' prubalil)' about the .same 
 date. 
 
 S8. The obvious fact wan alno recon;nized that the killing for food nlonc of large 
 numbers of voimg seals or " pups," when their skins came to possess no comiiiercMal value, 
 was a useless naste of seal life. On the Commander Islanii.^ this prncticc ceased alter 
 the year 187 i. It was strongly protested against as earl v as 1875 on the Pribyloff 
 Islands, but was not actually forbidden there until the year 1891. 
 
 30. The number of seals annually killed on the Pribyloft' Islands during the earlier 
 years of the Kussian regime is not nccurutely known, though fairly e.\act statistics arc 
 extant from the year 1817. Suflicient is known, however, to show that the number 
 killed in various years before this date differed widely, and was in some years 
 excessive. The whole number of seals killed in certain terms of years has 
 been recorded witit approximate accuracv. A study of the figures thus available 
 indicates that the average annuiil killing during the twenty-one years, 1787 to 1800, 
 both inclusive, was about 60,000; during the nine years, fnm) 1807 to 1816, it was 
 approximately, 47,500 ; and during the years from 1817 to 18G0 was 25,000. 
 
 Combining the whole period covered by the figures above quoted, and adding the 
 year in which the islands were discovered, we find that the killing on the Pribylolf Islands 
 averaged for tlii'i term of eighty-one years about 3i,0i)0 annually. 
 
 The e.xact figure.**, in so far as these can be obtained, are given in a tabular form 
 (§771). 
 
 40. 'J lie excessive killing of seals in certain years of the Ikussian ])criod of control, 
 together with the nearly promiscMious .shiugliler (for the first utirt of this peiiod) of .«eals 
 of both sexes and all ages, doubtless liiid mucli to do «ith the alarming decreiise in seal 
 life which occuvred more than once during this period. It is to lie noted, however, in 
 this connection, that as both males and females continue to ho prodiictive as bre'dersfor 
 a number of years, the eHcct of excessive killing (if any particular class of seals, such as 
 young nniles or young feniaU s, lor t\v.) or three consecutive years, coidd only produce its 
 full effect on the breeding " rookeries " after the lapse of four or fivi- yoars. 
 
 It is thus instructive to observe that even to maintain the comparatively low average 
 number killed during the Russian period, it was found absolutely necessary on several 
 occasions to institute periods of rest or "zapooska," in which all killing of seals was 
 prohibited for some years. 
 
 41. It is also noteworthy, that tor many years previous to the close of the Russian 
 control (probably from about 1812) under a more enlightened .system of '.ranagemcnt 
 than that of the earlier years, the number of seals resorting to the islands was slowly 
 increasing, and that the average nuinbci" taken annually was gradually raised during these 
 years from a very low figiue to about 30,000, without apparently reversing this steady 
 improvement iri the inimbers resorting to the islands. 
 
 42. In 1807, the last year of the Kussian tenure, a sudden and great increase in the 
 take of seal-skins was allowed to occur, and the number rose abruptly in this year to 
 about 75,000. 
 
 43. In the next year, being the first in whicli the PribylolF Islands i)assed into the 
 control of the United States, an almost promiscuous slaughter occurred, in which it is 
 estimated that over 242,000 seals were killed. In 1 SOU about 87,000 seals in all were 
 killed, making an averaj^e number for each of the three years, 18G7 to ISUO, ofover 
 130,000, and including large numbers of females. 
 
 44. The effect of the irregular and excessive killing on the breeding islands in these 
 three years (long before pelagic sealing had grown to be of any importance) became 
 apparent in two principal ways: (I) the number of seals diminished on the breeding 
 islands to an extent much greater than could be accounted for by the actual number 
 slaughtered, and at about the same date the seals were seen in unprecedented abundance 
 off the British Columbian coast to the south.ward (facts clearly shown in the diagrams 
 and by the figures elsewhere given for the catch) ; (2) the number of yoimg jjroduced 
 in the three following years was much less than before, and this, in conjunction with the 
 extraordinarily high limit of 100,0w0 allowed by law to be taken each year, com- 
 mencing in 1871, speedily brought about a very marked decrease in males of killable 
 age. Thus, in 1875, notwithstanding the generally optimistic tone maintained in 
 official reports, we find a first significant note of warning, and economy of seal life is 
 inculcated. In the same year the number of skins obtained was considerably reduced in 
 lace of a steady market, and before tiie decline in prices of the two succeeding years, 
 which decline, no doubt, accounts in part lor the still smaller number of skins taken in 
 these two years. 
 
45. It is particularly important to note tlic effects of the excessive killing of the years 
 1807-G8-t)9, which, combined with those ensuing from llie slaughter of male seals of par- 
 ticular ayes ir various yanrs to 1870, can he closely foUowccl, chiefly by means of Captain 
 Bryant's intelligent notes on Ibis period, which are elsewhere summarized (§ 810 et sen.). 
 
 4(». It is clearly apparent, and is borne out by t!ie experience of later years, that 
 any severe disturbance of tlie luitural conditions on tlie breeding islands is at once 
 reflected in changes of habits of the seals and in the irregularities and overlapping of 
 dates in the annual cycle of seal life. Such changes are not prevented by the restriction 
 of killing to males, for an excess in number of males is a ])art of the natural conditions; 
 and any change in the pro)iorti(m of males, even if not pushed so far as to become in 
 itself a cause of decrease in numbers born, constitutes a true cause of change in habit's, 
 and has a very special effect on the lime and place of landing of the females (§ lidii et sei/.). 
 An oxeci'S in number of nuiles, with the consequent competition for females, must, in all 
 probability, further be regarded as a provision for maintaining the strength of the race as 
 a wliole by means of natural selection, and in the case of the fur-seal it is not possible to 
 substitute for such provision the artificial selection of breeding males, as is done with 
 nninnils under the contrcd of man. 
 
 47. In 1870 tile I'ribylotf Islands were leased by the United States to the Alaska 
 Commercial Company, and the number of seals to bo killed for skins was fixed empirically 
 at 100,000 annually. This number was admitted at the time by the best authorities 
 to be experimental (§§ 810, 815), and it was provided by Congress that the Secretary 
 of the Treasury might reduce the number allowed for killing if found necessary, for the 
 sake of preserving the seals and with proportionate reduction of rent. Practically, 
 however, and on grounds not publicly explained, it remained unaltered, and became a 
 fixed limit. 
 
 48, As early as 1875 and 187G the number thus established was ollicially reported as 
 being too great, but it was not reduced or changed durii:g the entire twenty years' term 
 of the lease, except by an alteration made in the relative proportions to be killed on 
 Ht. Paul and St. (jleorgc Islands in 1874, when also tiie time during which tlie killing 
 for skins might progress was extended. 
 
 4;). The limit thus fixed did not include seals killed for food at .reasons or of ages 
 at which the skins were not merchantable ; and, as a result, the total recorded take of 
 .«;eals on the islands in each full year of the lease but three, actually exceeded 100,000. 
 Of these three exceptional years, one falls below 100,000 by a very small amount only, 
 while two are considerably below it. Thus, excluding the first year, the number known 
 to have been killed in each of the nineteen succeeding years of the lease aver ^es 
 10.3,147. The official figures for the entire twenty years of the lease furtiier show tnat, 
 during this term, I2!),;)30 seals, including about 03,000 unweaned young, or "pups," 
 weie killed for food or otherwise, of which the skins were not marketable ; this waste 
 alone being more than 7 per cent, of the whole number killed. 
 
 50. These totals, however, do not inehule seals lost or destroyed in various ways 
 incidental to the modes practised in driving and killing (§ 704 vt fieq.), nor those taken or 
 killed in raids (§ 7-7 et seq.), or other illegal ways consecpient on the imperfect protection 
 of the islai'ds. These together would raise the figures representing the annual killing by 
 a very material thouL'h unknown amount. Lieutenant Maynard, in his report written in 
 1874, estimates tlie total number of seals killed each year about that date at 112,000. 
 According to llrvaiit (" Monog'-aph of .N'orth American Pinnepeds," p. 410), the total 
 number of seals actually killed upon the inlands during the first six years of the United 
 States' control amounted to 110,000 annually. 
 
 51. Tiie killing since 18(57 of so large a number of seals on the Pribyloff Islands 
 thus constituted a draft on their seal lite of a character never before attempted, and more 
 than twice as great as any similar demand of which comparable records have been pre- 
 served ; the annual average, as above stated, for the previous eighty years, having been 
 about 34,000. 
 
 52. The various reports on the condition of the seals resorting to the Pribyloff Islands 
 
 in diti'erent years, and other pul)lislied information bearing on the same subject, are often 
 
 contradictory, and sometimes so manifestly inaccurate, particularly in respect to the 
 
 crucial point of the number of seals, that it is difficult from these alone to form any 
 
 satisfactory or coherent idea of the actual state of seal life during much of this period. 
 
 These discrepancies in part arise from the frequent changes which occurred in the personnel 
 
 of the Government Agents and Company's officers, in consequence of which no single 
 
 method of ascertaining the condition of the " rookeries," or of estimating the number 
 
 of seals frequenting t'lo iislands, was long maintained ; in part from the appearance in 
 
 several cases of the same individual, now in tlie capacity of an employe of the Company, 
 [305J . «• ^ . r y ^ , 
 
 pl'Oili.ri tl liv 
 (lutiirbaiicc. 
 
 Ul .<(!,< LI,, 
 
 It<'|><irt('(l It. It 
 hi"l-. 
 
 CXtTl'llc.l 
 
 1C'0,00(,'. 
 
 l{6)>ni(s 
 iilTord 
 iinsatUfao- 
 tory dalii. 
 
 ■■',': 
 
10 
 
 Evidi'iici' of 
 oilit>r IuihIm, 
 
 I'lnportinna 
 o" timlrx to 
 
 icllKlU'S. 
 
 l'"urllior 
 
 SOllll'l'S of 
 
 iiifor.iiatiun. 
 
 IiimIo 111? 
 
 I'linrraiK'u 
 ili.'cn'.i^i'. 
 
 Xi;iiilicr 
 (ix.Ml fur 
 liilli'ii; t()!i 
 lii'.'ii. 
 
 Xot 
 ad^ntabie. 
 
 and again an a siijiervisini;' officer of the (Jovcnnnent. There arc also, unfortunately, 
 certain groups of years during whicli no serious attempt appears to have been made to 
 record tlio true condition of tlie breeding islands. This is particularly the case in years 
 between 1 880 and 1 8M). 
 
 u'6. The killing on the islands was, however, hy law confined to male seals, and 
 it is, rather from the collateral evidence atforded hy allusions to the proportion of 
 virile males to females, together '.ith other incidental references, the meaning of which 
 becomes clear when coupled with local knowledge, than from many of the direct 
 statements published, that a true idea of the actual condition of seal life on the islands 
 during these years can be formed. 
 
 54. The proper proportion in iiumher of virile males to adult females is a matter of 
 iniportaiu'o, and in estimates, made while the rookeries of tlie PribylofF Islands 
 were still in excellent condition, there is a salist'actory moasiire of agreement on this point. 
 Hrynnt placed this proportion at one male to nine to twelve females, while Elliott states 
 the mean numl)er of females in a harem in 187'2-7't at from five to twenty (*' ^lonognipli of 
 North American Pinnepeds,'' p. .'V,)0; United States' Census Heport, p. Hit). M. Gre'Diiitzky, 
 Superintendent of the Commandor Islands, and a mitundisl of ])re-eminent experience in 
 tlie facts of seal life, informed us that when the jiropoition of leniiilos exceeied ten to 
 each mature male, he considered that too many males were being killed, and that eaeli 
 harem should in no ease contain more than twenty foniales. ^^ hen, therefore, we find 
 the hnrenis in tl.e Priliylotf Islands growing yearly larger, till at the present iiino they 
 surpass (lie pro])orti()ns aliove mentioned from four to eight limes, it is reasonable to 
 conclude that in this eliiinge tlie effect of an excessive slaughter of young males is 
 vcnclered a|)paicn(. 
 
 dC>. Our own and all other local ohservatiiuis on the rookeries during the last 
 few years prove that it is no uncommon event to find a single male seal with a harem 
 numbering from forty to fifty, and even as many as sixty to eigl f.y, females. 
 
 r>(!. Further evidence with the same meaning is afforded by the increasing number 
 of barren females ; by the disturbance and change in the habits of tiic seals ; by the actual 
 dearth of " killable " seals in the vicinity of the nearer rookeries, and the extension 
 of driving (as early as IS"!) or 18S0) to jdaees which had previously been held in reserve 
 and whicli had seldom (U' never Iteen drawn upon in earlier years; by the driving of 
 "killables" from the very margins of the breeding rookeries, whicli should have remained 
 undisturbed; by the longer time during which the killing re(|iiired to be continued 
 in later years in order to enable the full quota to be obtained, and by llie larger numl)er 
 of undersized and otherwise ineligible animals, including females, ruthlessly' driven U]) 
 in recent vears and turned away from the killing grounds in an exhausted and bewildered 
 if not actually injured state. The proportion thus turned away, according to the report 
 of the Special Treasury Agent in 18!)U, actually rose to !)i) per cent, of tlie wliolc number 
 driven. 
 
 u~. A critical investigation of the published mailer, togetlier with the evidence 
 personally obtained from many sources and an examination of the local details of the 
 rookeries and liauling grounds on the Prihylolf Islaiuls, leads us to believe that there has 
 been a nearly eontinuons detericiration in the condition tvf the rookeries and decrease in 
 tlie number of seals fiv(jiienting the islands from the time at which these passed under the 
 control of the United Stales, and that although this decrease may possibly have been 
 interrupted, ( r even reversed, in some specially favourable years, it was nevertheless 
 real, ami in the main persistent. 
 
 58. There can be no doubt that the niiniber fixed by law and maintained for 
 commercial killing on the breeding islands lias been nnicli too great, and that the 
 resulting slaughter of more than 10;i,(iO(l ma'e seals in each year has been more than 
 the total volume of seal life could fairly stand. The sparing of females in a degree 
 prevented, for the time being, the iietual depletion of seals on the islands, and this, with 
 the fact lluit the killing ol' immature males does n<>t immediately produce its effect on the 
 " rookeries," caused tlie ap])arent decrease to be at fust gradual. As, however, this effect 
 was (;f a eiumilative ehai acter, it could not very long escape observation, and it was 
 observed by the natives, as we iiersonally ascertained fr(nn them, to be distinct and serious 
 at least as early as 1882 or 188:i, while t'cdoiiel .Murray, the Government Agent, and 
 Mr. IClliotI, the Special Tiensiiiy Agcnl, in their several reports to the Treasury, trace 
 the beginning of the notable diminution back as far as 187*.) or 1880. Other evidence 
 of a eircmnstaulial rather than a direct eharaeler, elsewhere detailed, enables t:;c earlier 
 effects of the general decrease to be followed still further back (§ 074 et .vc-r/.). 
 
 5''. It is particularly necessary to note that the adoption of a high fixed number to 
 be killed each year, practically prevented such a system of adaptable control, based on the 
 
11 
 
 observed facts of each year, ns would have enabled tlio best results to have been (ibtaiued 
 and due provision to have been made in time to counteract the ellects of uut'iivoiinil>le 
 Kcasoiis or of other extraneous condition.^ affectin^^ st<al life. 'I'he system adoplcd was 
 in fact purely artificial, and one not suited to the natural rcqinreinents of tiie case. 
 
 Iiiilri ciKti'iit 
 
 (0.) — ISeaUng at Sea, 
 
 no. prom the circumstances above noted, the maintenaiico of seal life in tlio North p.i inip 
 Pacilic was threatened and reduced to a critical state in consequence of the methods m i>>iiv^ » 
 adopted on the breeding islands, where the seals were drawn upon annually to, and even tni'ii'-r iliatt 
 beyond, tlie utmost limits possible apart from depletion, and where, in conse(|ueiu'e of the "" *'''' ' 
 enlari^cd season of commercial killing and the allowance of " food killing " during the 
 entire time in which any seals resorted to the islands, these animals had practicall;; no 
 mulisturbeil season of respite. At this time a new factor also tendinu towards decrease 
 appeared in the form of "pelagic sealing," a phrase applied specially to the hunting 
 of the fur seals on the open sen, schooners or other small vessels being employed as a 
 base of oi)erations, 
 
 fll. This pnrticidiir nu'lliod of sealing originated as a natural outgrowth from that i,s origin 
 practised from (in\e inmicmorial I)y the natives of tlie coast of Hritish C!ulumbia, and ami (linel(i|i- 
 ])arls of Soiitli-easlern Alasiia antl the Stiite of Wasliington. In this induj^trv these "i^"'- 
 natives linve from the iirst i)ecn largely interested, though it lias been taken up, fostered, 
 and directed by the Whites. It was thus in its mode of origin a perfectly natural and 
 K'gitininte development of the native modes of hunting (§ 571 et .".w/.). 
 
 ('i2, IVla,';;ic sealing, as thus by degrees expanded into an inii)ortaiif industry, was 
 an css'-ntially novel hutiiod (f taking the fur-seal c<msequent on the peculiar habits 
 mid maritime genius of the native jjooplcs of the we>t coa-l of Nortii Ameriea, and 
 lailirularly of thoi^e in Jhilish Coluininn, and the vicinity of Cape Flattery in the 
 adjacent .*»tate of Washington. It was from the first, and still is, an important source 
 of revenue to a native jjopnlation, numbering many thousands, as well as a help to their 
 advancement in civilization. 
 
 (]■), Under the circumstances above described as prevailing on the breeding islands, 
 the grfwth of this new industry, lio\\evcr, meant a further aceeleralicm of the rate of 
 diminution of the fur-seal of the North I'acific as a whole. 
 
 (U. The hunting of the fur-seal by the native peoples in their own canoes, aiul 
 Ui-'wj; the shore as a l)a«e of ojjerations, iiad been practised from times which are ".iiivf 
 jnehistorie for tiie AVest Coast ; but the total nmnbcr of seals thus taken (save in certain '"'"'"'?• 
 e.xeejjtional years) was always small, and it was not till about the year 18G9 that tiic Iirst 
 practical essays were made in taking the seals at sea with thi; assistance of schooners 
 provided with Indian hunting crews and canoes. This method of hunting was initiated 
 almost simultaneously, about the time mentioned, in British Columbia and in tlie adjacent 
 State of Washington. 
 
 05. It may here be particularly noted that the industry thus developed in Peciilinr 
 consequence of peculiar local conditions, had never elsewhere appeared as a factor of cliaracdr nf 
 commercial inqjortance, ami that in so far as we have b.'cn able to discover by inquiries j."''','r'° 
 specially directed to this point, no vessels carrying hunters lor the purpose of taking '^''' '"'^" 
 seals at large on the sea-snrface had ever before frequented any seas anywhere. 
 
 The vessels sailing from New lilngland and from some Ihitish ports, which formerly, 
 in considerable numbers, made sealing voyages to the Southern fLnnispherc (§ S:{4 
 ct sci] ), slaughtered the seals there only on shore and at the breeding places, and this 
 wilhout any respect for the rigids of territorial dominion or property over the islands they 
 frequented. The "sealing fleet" employed in the Southern Hemisphere has, therefore, 
 at no time been of the same character with that engaged in pelagic sealing in the North 
 raeific. 
 
 GO. For several years subsequent to its inception, pelagic sealing remained in the its gio.vtli. 
 hands of a few persons, and was to so great an extent a trade secret tiiat little 
 information can now be obtained respecting it. This is particularly the case in regard to 
 the sealing-vessels sailing from Uiuted States' ports, sonic of which, although interested 
 in pelagic sealing proper, are known to have obtained many skins by illegal raiding on 
 the breeding islands from the earliest years of the control of these islands by the United 
 States. 
 
 07. From four schooners in 1878 and 1879 (about which time the new development 
 of sealing first began to attract some attention), the sealing tieet owned in British 
 Columbia gradually increased, till in 1889 twenty-three, in 1890 twenty-nine, and in 
 [3051 2 
 
12 
 
 First pclnific 
 Hfnliiiu' III 
 liehring'K 
 
 Ifi'il fifty vckhi'Ih were employed in it. So Ihr ns linown, the first of these vessels 
 to enter Belirin;!; Sl«ii for imrposes of Honling was the "Alary Ellon," in 1884. In 
 ISHfi two of the Uritish Coliinihian vessels continued their voyage into Hehring Sea, 
 nnd in the followiiify year tlie entire fleet, then numbering eighteen vessels (excepting 
 two which were wreelied), did so. 
 
 The fifty vessels employed in 1^91 were provided with !>70 boats and canoes, and 
 were manned by 1,083 Whites nnd Indians. 
 
 (is. The number of skins thus obtained grew in iiroportions eurresponding to the 
 growth of the llect from ,'»),3I0 in 1889 to A^,\\:) in 1890, and to 49,016 in 18«.>1. 
 Only a poition of these catelies wore, however, mmlo within Hehring Sen, and of this 
 portion an increasing percentage was obtained in tlie western region of that sen. 
 
 (>!). At least oiu' vossol registered in tlie United States is known to have entered 
 IJeliiing Sea for legitimnle pelagic sealing as early as 1881, nnd, in this particular 
 extensicm of the industry, the British Columbian sealers cannot therefore claim to he the 
 pioneers. 
 
 70. The United Slates have for many years past strenuously endeavoured to build 
 up native mnritime industry. In this pelagic sealing they undoui)tei!ly have on the I'acilic 
 coast a useful nursory for seamen, Tlie industry of wlialing lias shown a serious 
 falling-off in recent years, but that of sealing has exhibited a mnrkcd and steady 
 increase. In 1885 there were not ten vessels so employed. In IS'Jl the sealing Hcet 
 owned in the United States nunihercd more than forty vessels, and the value of the catch 
 is reported to have exceeded 30,000/. 
 
 Di'rrraiie 
 iibsnrved on 
 J'ribyloff 
 Iiilanda. 
 
 Measures 
 practised to 
 ublaiu quota. 
 
 Waste of 
 teal life. 
 
 (D.) — Additioniil points counerlcd with Sealiinj ill Sea or on Shore. 
 
 71. The decrease in the niiinlur of seals resorting to the Pribyloff Islands is 
 reported to have been more rapid since 188(5 or 1887, and this has been attributed to the 
 growth of pelagic sc'aling. .\t the saiiio time, the chief complaint has been that a great 
 proportion of the senls taken i\t sea are females, whereas the most noticeable decrease 
 observed on tlie islands is in males. While, therefore, it may be admitted that pelagic 
 sealing must be held accountable for its share in tlie total effect, the above-mentioned 
 incompatible complaints cannot be received without question. W^lien a decrease became 
 apparent on the islands, prudence should have dictated some curtailment of the annual 
 slaughter there in correspondence with the effect of the new factor tending towards 
 diininution. 
 
 72. No such curtailment, however, occurred. The Company holding the lease of 
 these islands on fixed terms were not interfered with, but continued to take their full legal 
 quota of skins without regard to the risk to senl lite as a whole. Not only so, but instead 
 of reducing the catch, the standard of weight of skins taken on the islands was steadily 
 lowered so as to include a younger class of seals under the designation of " killablcs." 
 Instead of skins weighing 7 or 8 lbs., those of 5 lbs. and (as we have ascertained on 
 excellent authority) even of 4 lbs. and of 3^ llis. have been taken and were accepted by 
 the Company as early as 1 889. 
 
 This is in marked contrast with the conduct of atfairs on the Commander Islands, 
 where no seals yielding skins below 7 lbs. in weight have been allowed to be killed for 
 some years, and where in 1891, in order to afford a h'iU/s- of safety, the limiting weight 
 of skins was raised to 8 lbs. 
 
 73 The Company holding the lease of the I'rib; loP Islands bad, of course, its own 
 interests in view, and the period of its least; wa^ 'ii;i.viiig to a cliisc; but it must be 
 naued that no explanation has been offered by tlio lloveriiniciit Agents in charge of the 
 islands of the principles under which they were guided to allow this lowering of standards, 
 with the concomitant encroachment on the limits of brcetliiig rookeries, and the 
 extension of the area of driving to places hitherto held in reserve. 
 
 74. Summarizing the causes of waste of seal life involved in the methods actually 
 practised in killing seals on the Pribyloff Islands (§ (559 rt svij.), we find the following to 
 be the most serious : — 
 
 (i.) The killing of unweancd "pups" and of "stagey" seals for "food," which 
 together reached an average amount equalling 7 per cent, of the total annual catch. 
 The skins of such seals are unmerchantable, and tlieir slaughter is now admitted to be 
 unnecessary, but it has been allowed to continue till tiie year 1891. 
 
 (ii.) Accidental killing of seals, due to over-driving, and other violence insepaiable 
 from the mode of " driving " and clubbing the seals. TMiese evils had been fully dealt 
 with by the United States' Special Agent in his report for 1890. 
 
18 
 
 (lii.) " StnmpcdcH " upon tlio breeding rookeries, cnusol by efforts (o Hecuro 
 "drives" too elosc to tlieir borders, or to carelessness of various kinds. Those arc 
 esiK'ciall}- destructive to "imps," wlilcb are trampled to death bv tbe older seals. 
 
 (iv.) EH'ci'ls of dislurbaiiec on llie breeding rookeries, and of distress nnd fright 
 resulting from " driving," which, it is be'ieved, ouuscs many mothers with young, nu 
 well ns other classes of seals, to leave the breeding islands prematurely. 
 
 (v.) Surreptitious killing of seals by unauthorized persons on the islands. This 
 nniy not have reached great dimensions, but is known to have occurred, nnd no stat'stien 
 can bo obtained respecting it. 
 
 (vi.) Haids upon the rookeries, rendered jjossible by the laxity of control and super- 
 vision, which prove most destructive to nil classes of scols engaged in breeding, and 
 espceiall; to nu '•"r." mothers and "pups." 
 
 7-'. The official statistics show, besides the seals kiiled of which the skins were 
 accepted for shipment, only those killed for "food," and of which tho skin« were 
 rejected. All the incidoi.t.il causes of loss above noted nro unacounted for, and tho 
 actual pciccntage of wastage in securing the annual quota of skins since the Alaska 
 purchase i lus remains indeterminate, bnt niijst have been great. It is Jielicvcd to have 
 exceeded 1(» per cent., anil may well have reached 20 per cent, on the .vhuie number of 
 skins accepted. 
 
 7(>. It is tints dear that the slaughter of seals npon the breeding islands is in itself 
 an essentially critical and dangerous method of killing, which, although established by 
 long custom, <an scarcely be otherwise justified. No regulations whicli have heretofore 
 been devised have even theoretically removed such dangers. Till quite recently, altogether 
 insulUcient care has been exercised iri carrying out existing regulations ; and the facts 
 above referred to show clearly in what way, notwithstanding stated rules, nnd, in the 
 absence of thoroughly independent and trained supervision, such rules may be so 
 interpreted or strained as to permit the most seridus damage to seal life as a whole. 
 
 77. Against the methods of pelagic sealing two principal lines of criticism and of 
 attack have been developed, and both have been so persistently urged in various ways, 
 that they appear to have i..iiieved a degree of recognition by the uninformed alt(»gether 
 unwarranted by the facts, in so far as wc have been able to ascertain them, though in 
 both there is an underlying measure of truth. It is stated (1) that almost the entire 
 pelagic catch consists of femnles; (2) that a very large proportion of the seals actually 
 killed at sea are lost. 
 
 78. It is undoubtedly true that a considerable proportion of the seals taken at hea 
 are females, as all seals of suitable size are killed without discrimination of sex. This is, 
 in part, however, a direct corollary of the extent and method- of killing npon tho 
 breeding inlands, where, practically, in late years, all males reaching the shore have been 
 legally idllablc, ami wlieie, as a matter of fact, nearly all the young males which land 
 have been persistently killed for some years, with the necessary result of leaving fe»er 
 killable males in proportion to I'cinales to be taken at sea. 
 
 lU. The precise bearings (m the industry as a «hole of the character and composi- 
 tion of the pelagic catch unide along various parts of the coast and in Behring Sea are 
 discu^^ed at greater length elsewhere (§ (jli'i et se(].), but it ntay be here noted that the 
 great snridus of females, resulting from the practice just alluded to, has certainly 
 rendered the killing of con;i(lerablc numbers ot these at sea less harmful in its eftect 
 than it might otherwi-e h;ive been. 
 
 >«0. To assume that the killing of animals of the female sjx is in itself repreiicnsible 
 or inhuman, is to make an assumption alFecting nil cc.'^cs where animals are preserved or 
 doniestieafed by man. ^lost civilized nations, in accordance with the dictates of 
 humanity as well as those of selt-interest. make legislative provision for the protection ol 
 wild animals during the necessary periods of bringing forth and of rearing their young; 
 but the killing of females is universally recognized as permissible if only to preserve the 
 normal proportion of the sexes. This is the case in all instances of game preservation 
 nnd Ftock raising, and in the particular example of the fur-seal, it is numerically demon- 
 strable that, in maintaining u constant total of seals, a certain proportion of females 
 should be annually available for killing. The killing of gravid females must, however, be 
 deprecated as specificall}- injurious, and in any measures proposed for the regulation of 
 seal hunting should receive special attention. 
 
 81. Kesptcting the number of seals lost after being killed at sea, a large mass of 
 evidence has been accumulated, not alone directly from the pelagic sealers proper, but 
 .also from independent native hunters, both Indian and Aleut, and from other sources of a 
 disinterested character. The result of this goes to show that the asserted wastefulness 
 of the methods employed is gravely exaggerated by common report, and that tliere has 
 
 Difficulty of 
 
 ri"i;iil,iliii'jf 
 shiinkillitiu; , 
 
 Allp;;ntioiis 
 !i<;aiiint 
 
 Killing of 
 
 t'pm:lle><. 
 
 I'crcentage 
 
 lint of St'llg 
 
 killed. 
 
r' 
 
 11 
 
 Moitaiily 
 
 KtTi'ct 
 of liip:ii 
 
 jirict's. 
 
 lieciiMiing 
 ni( rt'i.fKi'j'c. 
 
 Morr tliiin 
 pvcr t'oiiiid 
 at fca, 
 
 been niarkeil improvement in tliis lespoot iliio to tlio iiu-reasin^- oxpeiienco of the 
 hunters (§ Cil-T el acq.). 
 
 82. ^\.nain.st tliis cxiicrt ('.'sliMiony we liu'.l s.-aiwly more than snpposititious state- 
 ments ([uotoil and ro(jU()toil, whirli, when traced Iiack to tlieir sources, are iliscovered (o 
 rest eitlier on very limited e\i;erienco or on very ilouhtliil authority; in stnne of wiiich tiio 
 number ot seals fired at is hopelessly confused with tlio nnmher killed, while in othors it 
 is even assumed liiat the numl)(. r of rounds of ammunition disposed of represents the 
 number of seals killed. We have tliou^ht it well to tollo •• '4) all the statements upon 
 wliich these alk\i>ations and hypotheticiil calculations are based, and practically all of 
 these are summarised elsewhere (§ 014), and call for no further comment here. It is 
 ccrt'uu that iuexpeiienccd hunters miss many seals, and lose a considerable proportion of 
 those hit, but such jjurely negative results cannot riiihlly be assumed to have any 
 hearing on the number lost by skilled hunters, such as cor.stilutc the crews of the 
 successful sealers. 
 
 8-j. .Moie recently a turlher accusation h:>s been made against the jiractice of 
 pelagic sealing, to the ell'ect that large numbers of females, with young upon the breeding 
 islands, are killed at sea, and that in cor.seipienee many of the young die. Tiie 
 consideration of this point involves so numy facts of seal Kfe that it cannot be treated at 
 length hero; but it may be mentioned that, when upon the i'rihyloll' Islands in 18'.)1, we 
 ourselves were the lirst to note and to draw attention to the occnrronce of a considerable 
 number of dead "pups" in certain parts of tlie rookery grounds. A'arious explana- 
 tions of this fact were oll'ered by the residents of the islanil-:, both Whites and Aleuts, 
 hut in no instance was the killing of the mothers at sea at first voluntarily advanced by 
 them as a principal cause. The aciual circumstances, ch)sc'ly investigated by us, were, 
 indeed, such as to call for some other explanation, as elsewhere detailed (§ [Ml rt .sc/.). 
 It is, nevertheless, certain that mothers are somelimes killed at sea, especially in 
 proximity to the shore fronts, and it is cliielly upon tlrs ground a radius of protection 
 about the breeding islands, extending beyond the ordinary Hmit of territorial jurisdiction, 
 is advocated as a measure of material benefit. 
 
 84. In additi(m to the circumstances obtaining on the breeding islands, a:ul the 
 inception and growth of pelagic scaling, the high prices ruling for skins iluring the ])ast few 
 years have to a consiilerable extent stimulated tlio lumtin'i' of seals by nativis all aions; 
 the coast. They have also tended to incite, on the i)arl 01 the more lawless sealers, raids 
 upon the shores of the lireeding islands theni-clvcs. nniny of which have proved successful 
 in C(nise(pience ot the wholly inade(piale protection which has heretofore been accorih;d 
 to these shores ; but, so far as we have been able to ascertain, no schooners sailing from 
 Ih'itish t'(dumbia under the Ihitish tiag have even been detected as participants in such 
 raids on the I'ribytolf Islands. 
 
 {]'j.)~ Voniii'y (tnd jiresiiil Coinlilinn of I lie Imhislnj. 
 
 85. Perhaps the most notable result of the above-mentioned co-operating causes, 
 embracing the di.-tnrbance of conditions on the breeding islands consequent on cto-e and 
 persistent diiving and great paucity of males, on raids made upon the shores of the 
 islands, and on hunting at sra during the northward migration of the seals, has been to 
 render that animal even more than before strictly pelagic in habit. 
 
 8(). Seals not actually cr.gaged in hreeding, including young seals of both sexes 
 and barren or unimjuegiiated, though mature females, have either m)t lauded upon the 
 islands, or have remained there tor but a short time ; and thus the aggregate munber to 
 be seen on shore at any one time ha^ • f late years become notably reduced. 
 
 87. At the same time, the general consensus of the statenienls ohtiiim.d from persmis 
 occupied in pelagic scaling goes to shou that there has been no similar decrease 
 in the number of seals fouiul at sea, hut rather a possib increase during tiie corre- 
 sponding years. The evidence of a genenil kind to this ellect does not stand alone, but 
 is fully confirmed by an analysis of the annu:d catch of the liriti^h Columbian sealing 
 fleet for the past few years, as exliiliite.l in the subjoined table, in which tlu' average 
 number of skins obtained to each canoe or boat, and to each man employed in tlic 
 pelagic scaling industry is given : — 
 
 un 
 l\.i 
 re; 
 nn 
 no 
 \\( 
 
 
 a r 
 
 
 ai)i 
 
 
 dill 
 
 
 tin 
 
 
 ava 
 
 
 hrc 
 
 
 Ilia 
 
 
 foi 
 
 
 hoM 
 
 
 exa 
 
 
 rep 
 
 
 stni 
 
 
 he 
 
 
 all 
 
 
 as 1 
 
 
 hcc 
 
 
 IIU' 
 
 
 vea 
 
 
 me 
 
 
 the 
 
 
 ore 
 
 
 of 
 
 
 on 
 
 
 i'ac 
 
 
 Up( 
 
 
 Spi' 
 
 
 Slg 
 
 
 inti 
 
 
 isia 
 ;ca 
 
 
 bill 
 ( 01 
 
 
 olis 
 
 1 
 
 vai 
 
of the 
 
 1HS7 
 1888 
 188'.) 
 1890 
 1801 
 
 \(';ir. 
 
 .MiinDcr 01 Bi'nis 
 
 Nimiln'r of S, ;ils 
 
 |.ir 
 
 t';iiio(' or Hout. 
 
 jar Mini. 
 
 IGl 
 
 sr, 
 
 HI! 
 
 55 
 
 IJG 
 
 58 
 
 ino 
 
 59 
 
 /.;■/ 
 
 40 
 
 ]>>; iVom 
 in hiich 
 
 eausc.s, 
 (i:-e aiul 
 
 of (lie 
 I)L'on to 
 
 1 st'xcs 
 
 Mill lllO 
 
 iiihrr to 
 
 IJCI'SUIIS 
 
 (U'L'icii.so 
 
 10 fOlTl'- 
 
 oiic, Imt 
 
 soalini,^ 
 
 ivonigo 
 
 ill tiic 
 
 WoatlR'r ami otlicr dlivioiis eircumstancos, including those connected with the 
 Tiiiccitain slatus of tlio sLalrs in respect to soiziiro, have of course affected the figures 
 fur the various .years to a coi'sidciahlo oxtent ; liut speaking generally, tlie results show a 
 lemaikalilc iiiiifonnily, ami taking;' into cniis'dei'atiou the measures adopted in 1S!)1 
 under the modus rlrtndi, the results of jielagic sealing in this year are particularly 
 miteuortiiy and (o ih.e point, sceiii;'; that of the fifty schooners employed, nearly all 
 uere turned hack hefore the expiry of the nsnal hnnting season. 
 
 SS. ^\t sea, however, it is generally ackiiowledi;ed that the .seals are becoming from 
 year to year more am: more dillicuU of ajijirvacli and capture, facts specially noted l»y 
 the native iiidepi'iident hnnters, liecause sjiecially atfcctiiig their catch by reason of the 
 greater distance frcnn shore to which it is now necessary to go in search of seal.s. 
 
 8!). While, theielore, it is certain that, in recent year.^ the number of seals to be 
 found upon the I'ribyloff Islands has very considerably decreased, it is uncertain to what 
 extent this particular decrease has been compensited for, or i.s counterbalanced by the 
 greater dispersion of seals at sea. Under all the circumstances, it must be con.sidered as 
 a remarkable evider.ee of the resistance of seal life to unfavourable treatment, that the 
 api.iareiit decrease upon the islands has not been even greater. 
 
 (10. lUspecting the actual amount of this decrease upon the Pribylolf Islands, it is 
 dillicult ti) arrive at auytliing like precise conclusions, in consequence of the lack of 
 trustworthy evidence of a comparable nature for the various years. A .study of the 
 available published data, made in connection with a personal examination of the various 
 breeding grounds themselves, has convinceil us, however, that some, if not all, the esti- 
 mates '.if the total number of seals made in the earlier years of the term of the Alaska 
 Commercial Company have been greatly exaggerated, while reports made in IP'.H), 
 however accurate in lliemseivc.s, have, liecau-e compared with these overdrawn estimates, 
 exaggerated the amount oi' the decrease. 
 
 Ul. The alarming l'oreca>t> as to (he condiiion of tlic breeding i.slands based U]ion 
 reports made in ]8i",(), have, I'ortnnau'ly, not been verified by the facts in 18!)]. a~ per- 
 sonally observed by us. If, imleo 1. the correctness of some of these reports for ISOO 
 be admitted, the rookeries mn-t have materially improved in condiiion in ISUl, while 
 all (he evidence colKcled iiulieate> that lliej, were, in 18',)! . in at least as good eondition 
 as tliey were in the preceding year. 
 
 !)■_'. On the Commamler lilands, where tlie breeding rocik 'ries have uiKhiilitedly 
 been more carei'ully and sy.--lc r-,,'!cally supervised, the nmnber of seals seen has gradually 
 iiicrenseil i'or many years, and lins in lafe ye.irs apparently ludd its o\mi npto the jirescnt 
 year, in uhich a decrease' l.as heiii note>l. There is reason to believe, however, that (he 
 increase c(!ased in ISSi) or |S<!(l, niul was replaced by a deficit in I Sill in coiise(piencc of 
 the number of skins tak-.Mi in tin twi; foregoing years, v.hieli greatly exceeded the average, 
 nresnmably because these yais were the last of the Alaska Comnicreial Company's le.i.se 
 of thes.' islands, Iveasonable proof is thus again allorded (hat (he sum (o(al ot seal life 
 on the breeding i-lands is ,iii'ec(ed most directly by exce-;sive killing on shore. 
 
 V'-'i. In nearly all tlial has heretofore been written on the fur-seal of the !Nor(h 
 Pac'' V , ((enlion has been too narrowly canlined to such ol)servatioiis as could be made 
 upon (ne breeding Islands, and the fact that the greater pait of the life of the seals is 
 spent, not upon tluse i>lands. but at large on Mie oconn, lias been to a great ext<'n( lost 
 sight of. 'I'liis naturally haj)peiied from the circumslance that those in any way 
 interested in the seal-*, till the beginning of pelagic sealing, renniined upon the breeding 
 islands, and knew merely what could be ascertained lliere. Tiie data nnv obtained at 
 sea. f I r the first time ei ables the iiiigratioii routes and the winter as well as the summer 
 hiihilaf of the fur-seal to be clearly nnderstood. and it becomes I'vident that, in 
 ( oiwiilering IIk' condition <>f seal life ;is a \\h'ile, we must include, not only ihe 
 oliservatio::s made on the . ands, but als > (h ' coinjdemeutnry, a'ul, in pari, countei- 
 vailing, facts noletl at sea. 
 
 Moro w.iry 
 tliaii lor- 
 
 Di'iiir.iition 
 oil i'rihyiolJ" 
 l-liuuls. 
 
 niniiiiiition 
 <Mi CoiniiMii- 
 (I; r isliimU. 
 
 F.icts at M';i 
 ami a^liori' 
 
 Clllll|l'('- 
 
 iii"iilai V. 
 
10 
 
 I'uiiclutions. 
 
 I'o!sil)le 
 
 ICIiUlt. 
 
 In.iiiotriat 
 con si li'i'u- 
 tioiij. 
 
 lie^Milaticiii 
 desirable. 
 
 04. A review in iletnil of r.ll tlio available fac's, most of which have been 
 alhided to or oiiUinod in the forejioin:? i);\rt of tliis summary, loads us to believe that 
 there has been, in the main, a <j;radi'.al re luction in the total V(dnnic of seal life in tlie 
 North Pacific, dntina: liark to a period approximately coincident witii the excessive and 
 irreji'uliir killing; on the PrihyloiF Islands in 1807 to IS(>,), but that this reduction in 
 total volume has not in late years Ijoen nearly so rapid as the ()I)si'rved decrease in 
 numbers upon the Pribyloif breedinj;' islands in the corresponding years. Suc!i a review 
 suggests that if suitable and moderate regulations be now adopted and carried out, the 
 decrease may bo arre-ted, and no danger of the proximate depletion of the fur-seal or 
 destruction of the fur-seal risliery need be anticipated. 
 
 {)5. If, however, the inflexible and heavy draft on seal life in the ])ast should be 
 maintained on the breeding islands, wliile jielagic sealing also continues to increase at the 
 present ratio, it is practically certain that the whole nu iiber of seals must, in the course 
 of a few years, become fnrtlier reduced to such a degree as to cause the inthistries l)ased 
 upon their capture to lose all importance from a commercial point of view. Tiie 
 contimied undue disturbance of the .'^eals must likewise tend to cause them to abandon 
 their present haunts. 
 
 00. Apart, therefore, from such, merely ethical considerati(ms us have from time to 
 tinie been ailvanced in lavour of the preservation of the fur-seal, but which appear to 
 have no .special bearing upon this more than on any other animal in a state of nature, 
 the intrinsic value of the fur of the leals together with the material interests involved 
 in the taking a-.-.d the dressing of the skins, seem to call for such regulations as may 
 result in the niafntejumce of the fishery. 
 
 07. A point, however, of grave l)ut unrecognized importance, is the direct influence 
 on the sealing industry of the market for seal-skins. It is neccssiry to remember tiiat 
 ihe re{|uirements of this market may from time to time altogether alter the regulaiioiis 
 necessary. In the Atlantic hair-seal tishery, for instance, the international regulations 
 l)ecame subject to the new reciuirements of a process by which the hair of newly-boii. 
 seals became commercially valuable. Again, the actual price of the skins at an^ 
 particular peiiod depeiuls largely ni)on (lie uncertain re(piirenients of fashion; and it 
 is known that the Alaska Connnercial Compiiny, recognizing this fad when lessees of the 
 Pribyloff Islands, by various more or less (irtct methods, did much to popularize ami 
 increase the market value of the seal-skins, of which in the earlier years of their lease they 
 held a practical monopoly. 
 
 08. To render this point perfectly clear, it is only necessary to cpuite the following 
 expressions from the report of the Congressional Connnittee of 1S70 on the Alaska 
 Ccmimercial Company : — "Every art and appliance and much money have l)een expended 
 in the cultivation of a taste for seal-skin furs, wliich the Alaska Commercial Company 
 
 had almost the exclusive control over V>y placing on sale a larger number of 
 
 skins than was rc(|uired the prices obtained would he les-;ened, and the popular estimate 
 of this luxury depreciafeii, si, that its i)resent value would be endangered and a change 
 of fashion probably effected, diverting it to some otlier fur, which might ruin the trade 
 altogether." 
 
 !iO. The high price obtainable for the skins in recent years has, however, been in 
 itself a principal cau^e of the increased activity in killing and hunting which now appears 
 to threaten the industry. If, for any reason, the price of seal-skins should fall below, or 
 even nearly to, the amount of the Government tax (10 dol. 2."> c.) jjuyaljle on skins under 
 the new lease of the IVibyloft Ulands, then, on tiie one hand, the lessees would no 
 longer find it remunerative to continue taking souls on shore, and, on the other, the 
 profits of sealing at sea would become .-o much reduced as to discourage i'urlhor 
 enterprise in this direction, 
 
 lOO. It would thus appear that, as matters stand, a most influential factor in 
 re.spoct to the fate of the fur-.seal fishery is one altogether removed from natural 
 facts of seal life, and that either the denumd for seal-skins as a whole, or the special size 
 or kind of skins called for by the market, nniy at any time be ch->nged in such a manner 
 as to introduce new determining factors in the industry. It is therefore evident that, in 
 u matter of such considerable importance, sonie additional and ])ossibly counteracting 
 system of regulation of an inti'lligont kind is desirable; thai thi^ should include a con- 
 sideration of the industrial features of tiie case as well as of tiio^e relating to ili fur-seal 
 as an animal, and shoiUd be susceptible of constant adaptation to the c anging ro(|uire- 
 meiits of the problem. 
 

 
 17 
 
 ave been 
 
 lieve tliat 
 lite in the 
 ■ssivo and 
 liiction in 
 ^eroase in 
 1 u review 
 (1 out, the 
 fur-seal or 
 
 sliouUl be 
 ■ase at tlie 
 the course 
 ries l)ase(l 
 iew. Tlie 
 abandon 
 
 im time to 
 appear to 
 ot nature, 
 s involved 
 »ns as niav 
 
 V 
 
 t influence 
 'ml)er tiiat 
 •o^'ulatioi!-; 
 ■c'gulat'ous 
 ie\vly-bo>i, 
 lis at an) 
 )ii ; and it 
 sees of the 
 ilarize and 
 lease they 
 
 following 
 
 le Alaska 
 
 expended 
 
 (^ompany 
 
 number of 
 
 estimate 
 
 a change 
 
 the trade 
 
 r, been in 
 )\\ appears 
 
 l)elow, or 
 iins under 
 
 would no 
 other, the 
 ;e furtiicr 
 
 factor in 
 in natuial 
 )eeial size 
 a manner 
 it that, in 
 iteracling 
 ide a con- 
 fur-seal 
 >^ roijuirc- 
 
 II.—CONSIDEnATIONS RELATING TO THE B.VSIS UPON WIlTCIl PRECAUTrONS MAY BE 
 DEVISED FOU THE PuESEIlVATIOX OP THE PUR-SEAL. 
 
 101. The case to he met in the North Pacific is outlined in tlic foregoing paragraphs, xhe cuse to 
 and is treated in greater detail in Part II of tliis lioport. Broadly stated, it is that too be met. 
 many seals are or may be killed, that there arc too few males on the breeding islands; and 
 that the seals, being so continually harassed and disturbed, may take to other breeding and 
 feeding jjlacos, or largely diminish in numbers, and in either case endanger and damage 
 the existing sealing industries. 
 
 (A.) — Interests involved, 
 
 102. In regard to interests, the sealing industry is naturally divided into what may, 
 for the sake ot brevity, he termed the shore and ocean interests respectively. The 
 rights in either case are indisputable, and tlie possessors of one class of these rights 
 will not willingly allow them to be curt.iiled or done away with for the mere purpose of 
 enhancing the value of the rights of their commercial rivals. Thus tiie onl}- basis of 
 settlement which is likely to be satisfactory and permanent is that of mutual concession, 
 by means of reciprocal and equivalent curtailments of right, in so far as may be necessary 
 for the preservation of the fur-seal. 
 
 10!5. It may be added, tliat the line of division between the shore and ocean interests 
 is not an international one, and that the question of compromise as between the two 
 industries cannot, in consecpience, be regarded strictly from an international point of 
 view. If we may judge from the respective number of vessels employed, the interest of 
 ftv^ii citizens of the United States in pelagic sealing is at the present time approaching to an 
 ecpiality with that of Canada ; while Germany and Japan have l)een or are represented 
 in sealing at sea, and other flags may at any time appear. The shore riglits, again, 
 are at present cliieily divided between the United States and Russia, although Japan 
 owns some smaller resorts of tlie fur-seal. 
 
 104. Confining ourselves nrore strictly to the eastern part of the North Pacific, to 
 which the present discussion directly relates, a comparison maybe nistituted between the 
 amount of capital employed in the prosecution of sealing on shore and at sea, and of the 
 other interests involved. 
 
 lO'i. At the present time tlie actual value of the buildings, ])lant, and equipment of 
 the North American Commercial Company, on the Islands of St. I'aidand St. George, is 
 estimated not to exceed |!tO,000 dollars (^tJjOOO/.). Adding to this a further sum to 
 cover other items of capital less directly connected with the islands themselves, the 
 entire inve-tod capital would probably be over-stated at 200,000 dollars (40,000/.) ; and 
 it is not to be forgotten that the Companies leasing the seal islands habitually do a 
 piotitahle retail trade in supplies, v^c, with tlie natives and others in addition to ac(piiring 
 the -eal-^kins. 
 
 10'), The estimated aggregat'' value of the British Columbian vessels employed in 
 ^•c.iiin;;, v.ith their equipment, as they saihd in 1891, was 350,000 dollar.-, (72,000/.). It 
 lia- iecM asserted that only a portion of diis total, corresponding with the length of the 
 per'iu la -acli year in which these vessels are actually engaged in sealing, should be 
 taken is tiw capital invested. This statement is, however, as a matter of fact, incorrect. 
 TIiv .1. >."i;ii;- vessels are seldom used in or litled for other employment, and nearly all of 
 them remain laid up in harbour between the dates of the closing and opening of the 
 sealing season — that is, between October and January, or February. 
 
 107. Adding to the . 'love amount an estimate of the value of the United States' 
 sealing fleet in the same year, which, it has been ascertained, exceeds 250,000 dollars 
 (50,0011/.), and may jn-obably amoimt to 300,000, dollars (60,000/.), an aggregate amount 
 of capital of about 050,000 dollars (I W,000/.) is represented by the combined fleets. 
 
 In the foregoing estimates, no mention is made of the revenue accruing to tin 
 f-overinncnt of the United States from the lea-e of the Pribylolf Islands to the sealing 
 * 'innany, 
 
 lOr*. it is ditiieidt to present r. numerically accurate statement showing the 
 111: gnitudc of tlie several interots as rcirosented by the number of skins taken on the 
 i'iil)yloll' l-lands and at sea re^pcc(ivoly. During the past few years, the statistics of 
 the Canadian pelagic catch have hicn fnl.y and carefully recorded ; but of the catches 
 made by the numerous vessels sailing from ports in the ITnited States, no trustworthy or 
 complete ollicial or trade statistics appear to exist. Certain appro.ximate figures for the 
 total pclimi" catch have, however, been obtained, the ditterencc between which and those 
 
 (yo5j p 
 
 Interests .it 
 sea iinil 
 nshnri". 
 
 Ca|)ilal 
 employed. 
 
 On iIr 
 Piibyloff 
 
 IsI;iii(Is. 
 
 In tlio 
 
 Canadian 
 
 vosstls. 
 
 Total. 
 
 Comparative 
 iinnilicr of 
 skiiK taken. 
 
 1 ; 
 
 \ \: 
 
 J 
 
 ^ 
 
 w 
 
18 
 
 Nmiilior 
 iiiin (III- 
 
 |)!<>M(1. 
 
 I tci'csls. 
 
 Xalivo n 
 
 >< IliillL'. 
 
 representing the Canadinn pclacic calcli, compared witli other incomplete statistics, may 
 be roughly assiiined as slio\\iiij>- the o;«tcii hj Uniled Stntos' vessels. Tiiese totals 
 include, iiowever, in some cascs^ skins taken on seizure tVoni both ranadian and Uniled 
 Slates' vessels. 'I he statement thus presented nuiy be considered as at least sullicientiy 
 accurate to indicate the relative importance and growth of the sl.ore and sea industries 
 respectively. The catches made by Uniled States' vessels are comparatively small in 
 proportion to the number ot vessels emidoyed, chielly because of the lack of skilled 
 hunters. 
 
 109. These statistics may be tabulated as follows: — 
 
 Yo.ir. 
 
 188C 
 
 Skins taken 
 
 on tlie 
 
 l'iil)jl(ift' Islands. 
 
 8i'),-IoJ 
 
 1887 
 
 <)O,770 
 
 1S88 
 
 8f.,'.i0o 
 
 1 88',) 
 
 7s,C,2;i 
 
 1811(1 
 
 iJd.dl.J 
 
 ISStl 
 
 1J,070 
 
 Skins taken at sea 
 Canadian Vessels. 
 
 21,311 
 
 20,:>(ir. 
 
 21,:i2'.i 
 27. 808 
 -!'.r, !7 
 
 •19,016 
 
 Apprnximate totals 
 
 fof Skins taken at sea 
 
 (ivciDils of catch by 
 
 I'niti'il States' V( ssi'ls 
 
 I !)eing fiaj!;nientai'v). 
 
 Ueniark^ 
 
 30,000 
 
 37,")0G 
 CO 
 
 ■12,8;() 
 
 oL.JiU) 
 G&,00(( 
 
 l-'irst st'i/.iu'es l)y fiiitcd St'ilcs' G.)- 
 veMiMK':,t." TInce Oaiiailian and 
 ont' I'i ited Stales' \essel siized. 
 
 Six Caiiadiaii and ten I'nited States' 
 ve-M'ls M'iztd. 
 
 No :-eizr.i('s luado. 
 
 l'"oiii' Canadian and two Unit"d 
 Slatis' vesiels "-eizcd. 
 
 No .'-oiz!iie< made. Killiii,!^ slopped 
 on I'litnlolT Islands, at fii^aivs 
 stilted. l)y United Stales'^ Go- 
 vernineiit A'jont. 
 
 Vessels tunied back iron Ilihiinj; 
 Sia beibre eoaipletion ol' voyaj;es. 
 Killiii'; on I'ribylofl" Islands, 
 limited to 7,500 nnder ni'xhit 
 Vivendi, aetiially readied 12,071. 
 
 110. Ill exjdanntion of the above talde, it may be added: (1) That the fioures 
 given lor the Pribylotf Islands are tliose of the skins actualiy accepted for shi|)ment in 
 each year by the lessees, and are theefore neither identical with tluLse representing llie 
 ship:iieiits made yearly, nor with those elsewhere given for the «liole numlier (<f seals kihed 
 in each year; {'!) that the relatively small coast catch made by the Imlians in their own 
 canoes and without tiic aid of sealing-vessels is not included in the pelagic catch ; 
 i'X) ihal the jielagie catch as given includes skins taken botli outside and witiiin Beiiring 
 Sea, and both in the easlorn nnd western parts of that sea, as well as such skins as were 
 olitained l.'v raids made on shore on tiie breediiiiv islamis. 
 
 111. Tiie luimln'r of men emploved in liie jh-itish ("oluiubian sealing tleet alone, 
 in this year (ISOU. was 1,(»S:3, in the United Slates" fleet ab'Hit 7."iO. nudving a total of 
 alioiit 1,i~:3i) iiersons earning their Hveliliood by ihis means, of whom alio'it l.l.'JOare 
 While and 400 liulians. in the shore sealing upon tiie I'ribvh'll Islands the number of 
 men employed is about 10 Whites and Sii " native-. " 
 
 llL'. Upon the l'rib\l(ilf Islands the wliok< "native" population deriving its support 
 irom the industry ot killing the Inr-.-eal numheis under J^Oii. Much has been .said as to 
 the necessity ot providing for the siipiiorl ot these jiarticular "natives." It is not so 
 generall} recognized, however, that in Ihitisli Columbia jirobably ],.",(i0 or '.^,000 natives 
 depend upon the earnings of about :170 Indian hunters employed in the sealing 
 fleet. The earnings of these hunters thus represent much of the support of a consideral)le 
 part of tlie entire native popidalion of the west coast of Vancouver Island. 
 
 11:'). The direct interest in sealing of the Indian tribes of IJritisb Columbia, parts of 
 Alaska, and the Stale <it' W'aslingloii is, moreover, i,ol ciMiiined to tlseir share in pelagic 
 sealinu' jiroper. The lesults d' indep^ndeni bunting, carried on for the most part in 
 canoes fnmi the slioic by men \\\\ i do nut ship in sealing-vessels, is, from the point of 
 view (if the Indiiins theiiisehes. not iiironsideiai'le. I' ainonntsfer the IhitisJi Colunibiaii 
 coast alone (v^ ;')()".») lo jm annual money value uf aboiil JJO.dOU ihdlars ((((inO/.), beside.-. 
 a considerable i'ood value represented hy the seal Iksli and tat. 
 
 Thi^ independent native hunting is undoubtedly a primitive vested interest of the 
 const tribes, and its (duiracter in (his respect is stiengthened by the fact, now made clear, 
 Hint the winter home of the fur-.seal lies along, and is adjacent to, the part of the coast 
 which these senl-huntiu<>' tribes inhabit. 
 
10 
 
 114. In regard, then, to the interests liiicly to be aft'octed hy any nieasuros of pie- 
 servation, it is evident that niiieli the largest amount oK invested eajjital is tliat enna^ed 
 in peliigie sealing, while the nuist important nalivo interest involved is that of the Indians 
 who take seals either along the coast or as engaged liunters in tho schooners. On the 
 islands there is far less capital employed, and the nuniher of natives earning a livelihood 
 is relatively small. 
 
 ^'imimiry. 
 
 figures 
 
 parts ol" 
 
 peliigic 
 
 part in 
 
 point of 
 
 Unnhiaii 
 
 iu'side-i 
 
 t of the 
 lie dear, 
 he coast 
 
 nn 
 
 (B.) — Principles in col red. 
 
 115. Passing from the interests to a more special consideration of the principles 
 ... lolved in the ^ roteetion of the fur-seal, it is in the fist place clear, in view of the ha!)its 
 and range of migration of this animal, that unlimited killing, whether practised on shore or 
 at sea, must ultimately result in destroying the prosperity of the sealing industry as a 
 wlude, and, therefore, tliat any measure of protection, to he ellective, must include l)oth 
 areas. 
 
 110. It is, moreover, c([ualiy clear, from the known facts, that efficient protection is 
 much more easily aflorded (m liio breeding islands than at sea. The control of the 
 nwnil)er of seals killed on shore might easily bo made absolute, and, as the area of the 
 breeding islands is small, it should not be diflieult to completely safeguard these from 
 raiding by outsiders and fiom other illegal acts. 
 
 1 17. The danger to seal life on the breeding islands is, on the other hand, and for 
 rcnsons of a similar kind, particularly great. It is chieHy by the persistent killing of 
 between certain ages upo;i tlie I'ribyloff Islands that the sealing industry is 
 
 1 mal 
 
 out on shore at tlie breeding season the 
 emispi'.ere is entirely due. and, as we have 
 
 iniivediatcly threatened. To killi!)ii' eavrici 
 
 dej.:etii)n of the t'nr-seals of the ^^otitbern ^ _._ , .. . .. „ „ 
 
 seen, as an efl'eet of sucli i;iliing. loiig before the inception of pelagic sealing, the rookeries 
 of ihe I'ribyloff Islands were nuav than once bronglil !o tlie \\'vi>;e of depletion. 
 
 It i.> certain that by i xces.-ive killing v,n tlie I reeding island-, to whatever class of 
 seals directed, the sealing indn-try as a whole might wiiliout dillicuKv be ruined. 
 
 1 IS. In.-ealingai sea the conditions are categorically dilferent, for it is evident that by 
 rca-on of the very method of Imnting the jnoflts muNt decrease, other things being e(|ua!, 
 in 11 ratio much ,::realer than that of any decrease in the number of seals, anil that there 
 istlierefore inherent an aefomatic principle of regidation suiiicient to ]nevent the p!)ssible 
 destruetion of tlie industry if jnactiscd only at sea, Tiie growth of pelagic sealing proper, 
 even though vo recent in its oiigin. already i)egins to ci)nlribnte experience in support of 
 this view. The seals when at sea. occupy a given area of surlace, and there is thus 
 a natural limit to the nninber of boats or canoes whicli can work that area witliout inter- 
 fering to a certain extent with each other's success. The increasing wariness of the seal 
 has already been alluded to, am! it is also to be borne in mind that sealing at sea can 
 only be carried on in calm weathei-, seals obtaining absolute " rest " while stormy weather 
 prevails. 
 
 lift. It is, therefore, abund.intly I'videiit. if we judge by actual experience, that a 
 control of seal life beginning and ending with protection at sea, either ])artial or 
 absolute, can do no nn)re than palliate, and certainly cannot materially lessen, the danger 
 to seal life as a wiiole. unless such control be devised and adopted in close co-operation 
 with agreed-upon equivalent measures on the breeding islands, 
 
 ^-0. Whetlier from the point of view of expediency or from that of justice, this 
 nnist be the dominant jjrinciple of any regulation, and while it is imi)rohai)le that any 
 scheme of measures would l)e seriously proposed whicli neglects this principle, it cannot 
 be too plainly stated that if the attempt is made to regulate the killing of seals on shore 
 or at sea without the provision of concurrent restrictions upon the other method, the 
 result at best would bo a curtailment of slaughter in one (lireetion, the door b>ing left 
 open to a more than e(|uivalent slaughter in the other, and no security being obtained. 
 It therefore follows that, as one class of restrictions must be applied within jurisdictional 
 linnls, and tiie other ivtpdres regulations applieable to all comers upon the high seas, 
 the subject of measures must he considered as one of conventional agreement, conces- 
 sion, or bargain as between the l'o>vers interested. It will al-o lie rememlieied, that the 
 primary plea lor such an arrangement has been that advanced in their own interest by 
 the possessors of the breediii"; islamls; but it is helievcd, on the other hand, that had no 
 sueii j'lea been made, the interests of tin' pelagic sealers would, in the natural course of 
 events, have led tlieni to press for a better prolectio.i ot the breeding places of the cc's 
 ashore, in iIk interests oi their own branch of tho industry. 
 
 [30Jj D .i 
 
 Pi'otrclioii 
 
 l)i)lli on 
 slioro .•111(1 
 at M'!. 
 
 blasicr on 
 shore-. 
 
 (iiejter 
 il.iiijier of 
 (ii'|.k'tion on 
 siioro. 
 
 Less ilanper 
 
 I'rotcctiim 
 >ra alone 
 (luite in- 
 ai'eqiiato. 
 
 si . 
 
20 
 
 Sllgjrstcil 
 |ii'oliil)ltlon 
 on sliorc. 
 
 Newmsilioil 
 of control 
 iircrssiirv. 
 
 ViltioMS 
 
 rights 
 involved. 
 
 Proliiljiticii 
 on I'rib)'- 
 loffs. 
 
 Ni't'ds no 
 infjr'iitional 
 ■ . lai 01.8. 
 
 Tlie riilinp; 
 principle of 
 prutcclinn. 
 
 Ili(r!ils nt 
 <iea and on 
 breed in;; 
 islands 
 coninarcd. 
 
 121. ft lins 1)0011 poinidil out, niul wc believe it to be probable, that if all killing of 
 seals were prohibited on the brcecP '^ islaiuls, and the.se were strictly ])rotected and safe- 
 guarded against encroachnient of any kind, sealing at sea might be indefinitely eon- 
 tinued without any notable diminution, in conse(;ucnce of the self-regulative tendency of 
 this industry. 
 i i22. The natural development of pelagic niothod.s of sealing has rendered it now no 
 
 longer possible to ])reserve llie seals merely I'.v restricting the catch on the breeding 
 island.s, and the old methods of utilizing the seals on iliose islands, and of allording them 
 a measure of protection there during the season at which they come to land for breeding 
 j)urp()ses, have become in their nature inctlective nnd iniqjpropriate, especially in view of 
 the sea sealing, which, at the time tliesc inethods v.crc adopted, was practically unknown. 
 The added knowledge of the fur-seal now gained reiulors it lurther necessary to recognize 
 it as an essentially pelagic animal, which, at a certain -eason of each year, resorts (o the 
 land. Thus, the older iind cruder methods of regulation have become un.soiu :d aiul in large 
 measure useless, and the new conditions whicth have arisen re(iuire to be faced, if it is 
 desired to obviate all danger of commercial extermination. 
 
 I2'3. Besides the general right of all to hunt and take the fur-seal on the high sea.s, 
 there are, however, some special interests in such hunting, of a i)reseriptivc kind, arising 
 from use and immemorial custom, such as thvsc of the " natives " of the PribylofF Islands, 
 and of the inhabitants of the Aleutian Islands, of South-eastern Alaska, of the coast 
 of British Columbia, and of the State of Washington. There are also rights dcpemlent 
 on local position, such as those of the Governments possessing the breeding islands 
 and those controlling the territorial waters in or adjacent to which the seals spend the 
 winter half of the year. Such rights do not, however, depend on position only, but also 
 on the fact that the seals necessarily derive their sustenance from the fish which frequent 
 these waters, which, if not ihiis consumed by the seals, would be available for capture by 
 the people of the adjacent coasts. 'I'he rights of this kind which flow from the 
 possession of the breeding islands are well known and generally acknowledged, but those 
 of a similar nature resulting from the siluati.)n of the winter home of the seal along V c 
 coa.st of British Columbia iune not till lately been fully appreciated. 
 
 121. Beterring more jiartiiidni ly to the Bi ibylotf Island.s, it must perhaps be assumed 
 that no arrangement wouhl he entertained which would throw the cost of the setting 
 apart of these islands as breeding grounds on the United States' flovernment, together 
 ^^ith that of the support of some ^00 natives. 
 
 It may be noted, however, that some such arrangement would offer perhaps the best 
 and simplest solution of the present conflict of interests, lor the citizens of the United 
 States would .still possess equal rights with all others to take seals at sen, and in 
 consequence of the proximity of their teriilory to the sealing grounds, tliey would 
 probably become the principal henefi'"''aries. 
 
 125. Any such disinterested protection of breeding islands either by Russia or the 
 United States would possess the extreme simplicity of being entirely under the control of 
 a single Government, whereas in every other project it becomes necessary to face the far 
 more difficult pi oblem of international agreement to some code of regulations involving an 
 accompanying curtailment of rights. In other words, any such arrangement must he 
 viewed either as a concession of certain rights on the high seas, or a concession of peculiar 
 rights devolving from territorial possession of the breeding islands of the seal, made in 
 each case for the purpose of inducing ecjuivalent concessions on the other .side in the 
 common interest. 
 
 126. For practical imrposes, the main consideration is that any scheme of measurea 
 of protection shall absolutely control, so far as may be necessary, any and every method 
 of taking seals; and from industrial considerations, and in ordei' properly to determine on 
 reciprocal concession.s, it is necessary to assume some ruling principle in avcordance with 
 which tlie.se shall be governed, and such may be found, in a rough \vay, in postulating a 
 parity of interests as between pelagic sealing and sealing on the breeding islands. This 
 would involve the idea that any regulation of the fishery, as a whole, should be so framed 
 as to afford as nearly as possible an equal share in benefit or proceeds to these two 
 interests. 
 
 127. Inasmuch as the United States and Russia, with in a minor degree Japan, 
 alone have direct interests in the breeding islands, while all other nations share with 
 them the undoubted right of sealing on the high seas, it may at first sight appear 
 inequitable that any basis of airangenjent giving so large a share to the possessors of 
 the breeding islands and involving so general a curtailment of conunon rights should 
 be contemplated. 
 
 128. The exceptionally favourable position which the United States and Russia would 
 
21 
 
 hold imtlir such a basis of arrangement is, however, to some extent justified hy the fact, 
 tliat upon these Governments would devolve the expense and responsihility of elliciently 
 eontrolling and guardin;^' (iie hit'ediny' islands of the seals It niiiy he noted thut tiic 
 jiresent time is one sjieeially fivourahle to some siien arrangement, heeause Great Britain 
 and the United St"tes alone possess considi'rable scaling- fleets, and it is probaide that 
 any regul,.ui>iis agreed up(n> by these t.vo Governments (especially if also approved by 
 Kiissia) would meet with tlie ready coiicnrrenee of other I'owi rs at present but slightly 
 interested, or with merely a potential eoneern in the matter. 
 
 12!). in dealing «itli spceilie n.easiires of preservation, it may be well to bear in 
 mind that more or less edi.'etivo steps have already been taken for this purpose in other 
 parts of the world besides the Pribylotf and Commander Islands. It is wholly in 
 aceordanoe with long experience in game ])roteetion in the Dinted Kingdom that the 
 tendency has arisen in viirioiis parts of the Ibitish Empire to protect the fur-seal. In 
 Australasia, in South Africa, and in the Falkland Islands, regulations have l)een adopted 
 from time to lime «itli lliis object. Further precedents of a specially appropriate 
 ch:iracler arc found in the regulations of the Newfoundland Government for the control 
 of the great iiair-seal (isiicry, and in the dan-Mayen International Agreement, whereby a 
 certain area of the North Atlantic, defined by linos of latitude and longitude, has been 
 sul jocted to specific rubs as to sealing since 1S75, these rules afiecting the control of 
 ves > Is, their captains, and crews. 
 
 \oO. The princii)al modes of ])rolection of a practical character which have been 
 suggested for the North I'aci'ic by various authorities may be classed under the 
 fi owing heads : — 
 
 («.) Time. Limit in period of sealing. 
 [b ) Number, himit in number of seals taken. 
 (c.) Area. Lindt in regions over which scaling may be carried on. 
 {(}.) Methods. Improvement in methods of conducting sealing. 
 131. Limitations of time have been pineed most prominently in the list of remedies ; 
 and, indeeii, " close seasons " have been popularly regarded as the main if not the only 
 remedy of a general kin.l. It is dear, however, in the light of facts, that, for the 
 purpose ot Hunting the total mnniiers takt n, a time limit is specially applicable only to the 
 pelagic indii.slry, in which the iiniiil)er of stals taken bears a ilirccl ratio, other tliing-i 
 being ecjual. In the length of the season of luuiting, and wiiere the only way in which a 
 rethiced catch would not result from a shor'cned season would be by an increased nundjer 
 of vessels employed. ^^ liich would soon reach unremunerative limits. On the breeding 
 islands, on the contrary, limiting the time of killing does not necessarily limit the 
 numbers taken, ami tlir only elVeetive limit is one of nuuiber. This has been fully 
 aelNnowledged in the measures ado;)ted throughout with regard to the regulation ot 
 the Caleb on both itie i'ribyloir luid (."oinmander Klands, where it is obvious that if but 
 one or two summer months in all were allov.ed for killing and no other restrictions were 
 applied, the number of seals killed woidd beeonie merely a (luestiiu of the namber of men 
 employed, ami need only be limited by the exhaustion of aninnils to kill. 
 
 i-VJ. With fuither reference to the elVeet ol i)roposed time limits or close seasons on 
 the shore- and ^ea-sealing respeclively. and in order '.o prove' ihat snedi an apparently 
 simple method of regulation is not e([ually apjilieable to l)oth industries, it may be 
 shoun that generally this effect would be not only inequitable, but often diametrically 
 oplio>ite in tlie two cases. 
 
 In pelagic sealing, the weather is usually such as to induce a few vessels to go out 
 in danuary, but the catches made in this month are as a rule snnill. In February, 
 .N'arch, and April the conditions aie usually belter, and larger catches are nnide. In 
 May ami .lune the seals are found furl her to the north, and these ar-' good sealing 
 months; while in July, .\ugu>t, and part of hfeptember sealing is conducled in Hehring 
 Sea, and good catches are often made till such time as the weather becomes so uncertain 
 and rough as to practically close the season. 
 
 13-3. Upon tlie IVihyloli' Islands, though it has been the custom to kill a certain 
 number of seals for food at all times during the period of five or live and a-lndf months 
 in wh.icli any se'als are found on shore, the young males or •' bachelors" (which, 
 together with virgin females, are practically the oidy class which cm be taken ashore in 
 large numbers without actually breaking ui) and destroying the breeding rookeries) do 
 not arrive in notable proportions till .lune. and, in coinim)n with ether seals upon the 
 ishinds, become "stagey," and ineapalde of yielding good skins about tlie middle of 
 August. The proiitalde killing on lli ■ I'ribylolf Islands is thus naturally limited, as a 
 maximum, to a period of about two months, and as a rule and under normal circum- 
 stances, the annual (juota has been completed within thirty to tifly working day.s, during 
 
 Moasiiics 
 
 adoptei) 
 
 eist'wlure. 
 
 IVincipal 
 nidcips of 
 protection 
 suggested. 
 
 Timo liiiiits : 
 Close 
 
 7( USOIIS. 
 
 I'^il'icta (tiller 
 fit SI n :i:i I oa 
 >hoie. 
 
 Oil llip 
 
 r.-;iui(>!r 
 
 I'^laiiij'. 
 
 • ■ 
 
 • : 
 1 ■■ 
 
»^ ) 
 
 Close 
 
 tliiiti nut 
 
 C(|iiiilly 
 
 m>piit'3i)ic. 
 
 Otner 
 
 lllC.iilS l)f 
 
 tiV'i'itioii. 
 
 Coiiiliini'il 
 llniitution of 
 liiiio and 
 ntiiiibri'. 
 
 Time liiiiiis 
 
 l/iniits ot 
 
 .•iic.i 
 
 on i'liuie. 
 
 I'xiu iipc of 
 
 <llllll'ol ilt 
 
 wliicli (lie slnunlilcM- is cnniocl on at a iiiinuM-iciil ratio iiiiuiy liuK-.s gi cater than that 
 i'.ttiiinable diirini;' any prriod of llio ])c'lnnic icillini;-. 
 
 l:^t. Willi si'iils killed at sen, (lie skins are never I'ountl to he in a "stiii;e_)' " eunditiDn. 
 as hiis heen ascerlaineil liy iniitiirie; speeiilly iiiiide on this piiint, and t'lere is, tliero- 
 1'or.', no naturally delinile elosc to the lime of protitahio kiiliii!;'. s-neli as oeoms on the 
 islands. The markedly "stan;(\v" eliaraetcr of the skins at a paitieulur svason nppears to 
 he confined to tiiose seals which have remained for a coiisiderahle lime on the land. 
 
 135. AVithout, tiierefore, enterin;;- at length into a comparison of the respective 
 oU'ects of close seasons at sea or on shore, it may he stated that, with the exception of 
 the months of July and .Aujjfust, any ch>se time whatever would have practically no elFect 
 on the kiliinu; on the islands, while several i>f the months which mi<Tlit he chosen would 
 seriously alTect sealiiii;' at sea. If, ayain, June or July siioid;! lie chosen as a close 
 month, it would shorten the time of killini;' up >n the ishrids, hut uitlionl necessarily 
 vcducin.i;- the nu:nhcr killed; while an endeiivour to insert such a innudi of inaction, in 
 the middle of the season of peliii;ic sealing, would not only he very diliicult in proper 
 enforcement, hut, if enforced, would practically hreak up the sealing' voyages, as the 
 vessels engaged are then far from their home ports, 
 
 1 •'?(). Limitations of unmher of other kinds have, however, In'en jiroposi'd as 
 api)licahle (o the regulation of pelagic sealing. Thns, it has heen suggested that the 
 nnmher of seals to he taken hy each vessel should he limited ac»'ordii)g 1.) tonnage; (hat 
 the whole nnmher of vessels employed should he limited; tliut those engaged in sealing 
 he refjuired to ohtain a licence; and that a limited nnmher of personal licences should 
 he su])plied to iudiviilual hunters. 
 
 Some such provisions might he found to jjossess a partial applicahility, but while 
 tliey might he useful jiorticms of a greater whole, they couM not hy themselves hecome 
 el'icient systems of eontrol. 
 
 l-"i7. An eipiitahle l)asis of protection is therefore not to he found in the adoption of 
 any simj)le and corresponding clo,se season, including a part of each year applicahle 
 to holh shore and sea alike ; hut as pelagic sealing might easily l)e regulated l)y the 
 ado|)t!on of a close sea.son, while shore sealing might uitli ecaial faeilily l)e governed hy 
 a limit of nuintier, it seems prohahle that some comiiiom'se of interest may he arrived 
 at hy a comhinntion of these nselhods. 
 
 l^iS Ff certain moiilhs should he discussed as a close time for sealing al sea. it 
 hccomes important (.> ii',(|uir>' which \Y.\yt of the season is most injurious to seal lif(! in 
 proportion to the nundter of sk'sis secured, and to this incjuiry there can he hut the 
 (me reply, that the most destructive part of (he pelagic catch is that of the spring, 
 during which time it includes a considerahle proportion of gravid females, tlien coin- 
 niencing to travel on their way north to hring forth their young. It is on similar 
 grounds and at c irresponding scasiUis that protection is usually accorded to animals of 
 any kind, and, apart from the fact (hat these seals are killed upou the high seas, the .same 
 arguments apply to this as to other cases. 
 
 l:'.Il. This portion of the pehigic se iling is wludiy carrietl on in that ])art of the North 
 Pacilic which lies to the south of the Aleutian Islands, and iicre also,as lias already heen 
 pointed out, a certain nnmher of seals are l<illed at the same season hy the iiide];eiident 
 realing of natives resident along tiie coast of IJritish (,'olunihia and South-eastern 
 Alaska. Tiie aggregate miniher of seals killed in this particular way is, howevei', 
 relatively so small liint it may he practically ignored in uuy general proposals looking 
 to protection, it is .'scarcely possihle, under present circunistances, to interfere with the 
 independent native sealing, even if it should he considered just to attempt to do so. 
 This species of hunting is decrea-dng ratiser than increasing in amount as oilier industries 
 grow up, and it may he further indirectly discouramd without great ditlicidty. 
 
 110. It may he remcndiered that, to a great degree, anyjrestrictic.ns^^of time applied 
 to sealing at sea are also restrictions of area, f'lr at diii'erent seasons (he scalin<'' is 
 necessarily carried on in dillerent parts of the ocean. 
 
 Ml. ivespeeting prolection hy means of limiting the area of >-eiiling opiiations, 
 it may he pointed out that the circunistances are such as to enahle this to he ("one upon 
 the hrceding i.slands witliont dithculty, for, holh in the case of ;he I'nited States and 
 Eussia, two separate islands are resorted to hy the fur-seals, and one or other of these 
 islands in each case might 1 e strictly set apart and maintaineil as n reserve of seal life. 
 Or, again, certain portions of the several islands might without diiliculty he permanently 
 exempted from driving or disturhance hy the sealers. 
 
 112. Limitations airccting sealing operations on the high seas, hy international 
 assent, might eiiually he established and maintained with the aid of a suflicient patrol of 
 cruizers, tliough such police regulations woukl he attended with considerable expense. 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 ■I 
 
 1% 
 
 
 ■:| 
 
Tv face' pauf ZX . 
 
 I' 
 
 h'lutfir Siuilint/. 
 
 liUlimj on PtibulolT his. 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
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 Simio oxpondituro i-;, liowovor, invoUod ntulor nny systoin of control of sonlinj? nt son, 
 wIit'tluT ik'liiu'd Ii}" Mioft or I)y (iim- limits. 
 
 1 4:^. ill any cnsc. gront fjood writild lie done hy cxtondinc; around the hrcodinj^ islands, 
 (d 11 distance to lie auroed tijion in conloiniHy with tiio circ'iiii'stant'os, a zone of protocled 
 wiitois, Sncli an area of iiroteetioii, if only of nioderati; «idlli, would not alone iiiwent 
 the dihturhanee or slauu;liter of pnelically all seals at the time actually resorting' to the 
 l)rcedinn- rookeries, hnt wotdd possess tlie great additional advantafje of rendefin<j 
 it possible to put down the very destiuctive raids n})on the rookeries, which have, utmost 
 from the time of the Alaska purclu'sc, been practised with comparative impunity by 
 certain nnscrnpMlous scalers (§ 727 rt neq.). It has always been easy, under cover of 
 darkness or foj>', to slip in under the land across an imaginary line drawn at only 
 three miles from the shore ; but by extending such a limit to ten or twenty miles, it can 
 be made an effective safeguard, so long as any cruizer is retained about the islands on 
 ]io]ice duty, 'i'hc advantages of such a widened zone of protection will be quite 
 obvious to any sailor, and its practical etfect would be to keep the scalers, from ordinary 
 jiiudential motives, very far from the shores of the breeding islands. A GO-mile zone 
 was rc])ortod by Mr. HIaine (in l)ecend)cr 1890) to be, in the opinion of the President, 
 an '-etlective mode of preserving the seal fisheries for the use of the civilized world." 
 
 I'H. To render .such reseivcd area an etlicient protection, however, it would be 
 necessary to provide that between certain dates no vessels, whether under pretext of 
 w hilling or fishing of any kind, slKUild enter tiie protected area except in niakin<>' a jiassage, 
 and that any vessel lowering boats, or hoveriiig within this area, would be subject to 
 penalties. It is already known that vessels ostensibly engaged in whaling and other 
 pursuits in Hehring Sea, have really occupied themselves or aided in sealing or raiding, 
 and any less strict measures vi' preservation could only result in increasing this evil. 
 
 Pinlrcti (1 
 Z('i!<H roiniit 
 
 s( ,'il i>lai:iii. 
 
 (C.) — Siimmdiy of General CondUions bearing upon Regulation. 
 
 145. From the foregoing review of the various facts and circumstances of seal life 
 in tlie North Pacific, the following may be stated to be the governing conditions of 
 projier protection and preservation : — 
 
 {a.) Tlie facts show that s(nne such iirotection is eminently desirable, especially i;'. 
 view of fiirlhor expansions of the sealing imliistry. 
 
 (Ii.) 'I'lie domestic jirolection heretofore given to the fur-senl on the breeding 
 islands has at no time been \\liolly satisfactory, either in conception or in execution, and 
 many of its methods have now become obsolete. 
 
 (c.) .Measures of protection to ho eifective must include both the summer and winter 
 homes, a:id the whole migration-ranges of the fur-seal, and control every place and all 
 iiK'thods where or by wliicli seals aie taken or destroyed. 
 
 {(I.) Although iiriniarily devised for the protection and perpetuation of tl;e fur-seal 
 itself and of the scaling industry as a whole, any measures must be such as to interfere 
 as little as possible with established industries, and such as can be instituted umler 
 existing cir:!umstanccs. 
 
 (p.) iujuitabic eoiisidcralion must therefore lie given to the several industries 
 imsed upon the taking of seals, and especially to the number o!' persons dependent on 
 hcse for a livelihood and to the ainourt of cajiital invested, so that the mea-urcs adopted 
 nay be sucli as to recommend themselves on the ground of common interest. 
 
 (/.) The controlling Regulations should be so fiained as to admit of varying degrees 
 o:' stringency in accordance with the changing exigencies of the ease. 
 
 III. — jN[EASl'Ut;S F Ml Tin: rilOTi;ciTO\ AND I'lnCSKiiVATION Ot' rillO FUK-SKAL OF 
 
 TIUO NOUTII rAC'lFJO. 
 
 (A.)— General Nature of Measures rcijuired. 
 
 14G. The actual measures necessary for the proper protection and proservaticn of 
 ilie fur-seal fall under two heads, namely : — 
 
 (i.) Improvements in the methods of taking seals ; 
 (ii.) Restriction in the number of seals taken. 
 
 ( 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 ^ n 
 
24 
 
 Those of the lattor cliitH nre tho moro important, but an the " improvcmo lU in 
 methods " arc more oftwily tloalt witli, and arc scrticely opon to quesiion, those nviy lio 
 first outlined. 
 
 
 (\.)- Tii'proft'iiD'nls ill thr ^fl^lllods of liildny Srals. 
 
 147. On the lirpeilirn/ iilaiKls.—'lho "drives" Hlioidd l)o uuido ha sliort as possildo, 
 «ay, not to exceed iialf-ii-nule as a maxinnim. Tlicy siioidd ho carried out witli duo 
 deliberation, avoiding c.NCossivc liurry, and under the i)ors()iuil supervisitm of a rospou- 
 nihle oHiecr, and all seals not intended to be killed should, as far as possible, bo " cut 
 out " at an early stage in each " drive." 
 
 The actual clubbing of the seals shoidd be ijcrfornied with greater care, avoiding 
 injury or death to seals not intended to i)e talan. 
 
 148. Care should be exercised to avoid disturbing the actual breeding rookeries in 
 any May, and no seals not capable of yielding niorchantable skins should ever be killed. 
 
 The breeding islands slionld he fully secured against " raids," a competent guard, 
 with aulhority to repel any attempts at lumling, being provided; wliile some armed 
 vessel should remain about the islands during the whole of each sealing season, say, from 
 the 1st June to .'K)th Novemlter. 
 
 141'. At Sen, Here most i.f the improve iients in methods which may be suggested, 
 necessarily partake of the characler of vestriciions which may tend directly to roduce 
 the nmnl)er of seals taken. Such improve.nents therefore require to be considered 
 in their connection with the general regulations proposed for the restriction in number 
 of seals killed. 
 
 l.'iO. The most important improvements or restrictions which may be treated from 
 the side of " methods " !ue as follows : — 
 
 I'rohibition of the use of rides in shooting seals at sea, and of the employment of 
 nets as a means of ea])ture. 
 
 The adoption of a system of personal licences for White hunters, such licences to 
 be renewable aiuinally, and revokahle for proved breach of any of the regulations 
 provided. 
 
 Vessels propelle?'. by machinery to pay an increased licence fee, or to he wholly 
 excluded from scaling. 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 (ii.) — Restriction in the Number of Seals taken. 
 
 151 . We are of opinion that to be efFective and suited to the existing conditions and 
 to the interests at present involved, any system of measures for regulating the number 
 and kind oj' seals taken should include provisions of the following kinds : — 
 
 («.) Tho strict limitation of the num!)er of seals killed on the breeding islands 
 to a safe maxinum, the number and kind of seals to be adjusted within I he limit of this 
 maximum, fro; i year to year if found necessary, in accordance with the actually observed 
 state of the b, ceding rookeries in each year. 
 
 (h.) The institution of a zone of protected waters surrounding the breeding islands. 
 
 (c.) The establishment of a close time, such as to limit the period of hunting at sea, 
 and so devised as in particular to safeguard the seals during that porticm of the spring 
 (covering the earlier part of the sealing voyages as now made) in which a certain 
 proportion of gravid females is taketi. 
 
 152. One or other of these provisions for the limitation of sea sealing should he 
 subject to modification in area or time respectively, in such manner as to check any 
 tendency to excessive killing at sea, to allow for exceptionally unfavourable breeding 
 seasons, and, in general, to correspond with any marked increase or ilecrease found to 
 occur in the number of seals. 
 
 USti. It is suggested that such compensatory changes in the degree of stringency of 
 regulative measures shall be made to depend upon the number fixed for killing on the 
 breeding islands in each year, so that if it be found necessary or advisable to change 
 this ruling number at any time, llie degree of stringency of the regulations appli«;(l at 
 sea may be proportionately increased or diminished. 
 
 154. A compensatory princi[)le of this kind should absolutely remedy (if not in each 
 individual year, at least in the average of years) any possible want of efficiency in 
 tlie general scheme of measures, removing any doubt which may be supposed to attach 
 to the proper c(mtrol of sealing at sea, which it is not possible to regulate on an exact 
 numerical basis. 
 
 I 
 
25 
 
 (B.) — !<pr<-ific Sriieme of Reijulul'wns recommended. 
 
 156. Ill view <)f tlic nctiml eonciition of seal life as it prescnls ityelf to m at the 
 present time, we believe that the rtouisite (lt'j,'rcc of protection would be nftorded by the 
 application of the following Kpeoific liniitationH at Hiiore and at Hea : — 
 
 («.) Tlie niasimum number of seals to be taken on tbu I'ribylolf Islands to be fixed 
 at 50,000, 
 
 (/».) A zone of protected waters to be establislied, e.'.tuulin;;' to a dlKtaneo ol 20 
 nautical miles from tbo islands. 
 
 (f.) A close season to be ])rovided, extcndinj;' from Ibc ITitli Septemlier to tbe 
 Ist May in eacli year, during which all killing of stals shall be prohibited, with tiu 
 additional provision that no sealing-vessel shall enter Behring Sea before the Ist July 
 in each year. 
 
 IfiO. Respecting tbe compensatory feature of such specific regulations, it is believed 
 that a just scale of equivalency as between shore and sea sealing would be found, and a 
 complete check established itgainst any undue diminution of seals, by adopting the 
 following as a unit of compensatory regulati«)n : 
 
 For each decrease of 10,000 in tbo number fixed for killing on tlie i>ilands, au 
 increase of 10 nautical oiilos (o be given to tbe width of protected waters about the 
 islands. The minimum number to be fixid for killing on the islands to be 10,000, 
 corresponding to a maximum width of protected waters of 00 nautical miles. 
 
 157. The above regidations represent nieasures at sea and ashore sutlicicntly 
 equivalent for all practical purposes, and probably embody or provide for regulations aa 
 applied to sealing on the high seas ns stringent as would be admitted by any Maritime 
 Power, whether directly or only potentially interested. 
 
 158. As an alternative nutbod of effecting a compensatory udjuslment of the 
 stringency of measures of i)iotection, it is possible tliat some advantages might be found 
 in the adoption of a sliding scale of length for the season of scaling at sea, with u fixed 
 width of zone of protection about the islands. 
 
 In this case it is believed that, in correspondence with a decrease of 10,000 seals 
 killed upon the breeding islands, the kngth of the sealing season at sea might be 
 curtailed by seven days, such curtailment to be applied either to the opening or c'osing 
 time of the .sealing season. 
 
 159. It may be objected to the principle involved in any correlative legulation of 
 shore and sea sealint;, that it would be impossible in any parlicular year to make known 
 the number fixed for killing on the islands in time to secure a corresponding regulation 
 of pelagic sealing. As a matter of fact, however, if the condition of the breeding 
 rookeries called for any diange, it should be jjossible to fix this number with sufficient 
 precision a year in advance ; while, on the other hand, the general effect would be almost 
 equally advantageous if tbe number killed on the islands in any one year were employed 
 as the factor of regulation for pelagic sealing in the following year. 
 
 K 0, While a zone of protection has been spoken of as the best method of .safe- 
 guarding the vicinity of the breeding islands, it is to be borne in mind that such an area 
 might be defined for practical i)urposes as u rectangular area bounded by certain lines of 
 latitude and longituvle. I^Iven in tiense fog, and, therefore, comparatively calm weather, 
 an arrested vessel could be anchored with a kedge and warp until the weather cleared, 
 according to frequent custom. The special advantages of a concentric zone appear to be 
 that it is more directly in conformity with the object in view, and that in fine weather the 
 visibility or otherwise of the islands themselves might serve as a rough guide to sealers. 
 
 161. The restriction ot the number of seals killed on the breeding islands, appro- 
 priate safeguards being provided, admits of very coi.^iderable precision, and requires no 
 special explanation. That the restriction of the number taken at sea may be accom- 
 plished practically and with all necessary certainty, and that the means of control 
 available in the case of this bianeh of the sealing industry are sufficient, is clearly shown 
 by the successful application of measures such as these here proposed, to the Jan-Mayeu 
 and Newfoundland hair-seal fisheries, as well as of those based on like principles which 
 are generally employed in protecting fish and game. 
 
 'i. ■ 
 
 [30yJ 
 
 K 
 
26 
 
 (C.) — Methods of giving effect to Retjulations. 
 
 1G2. The means suited to secure the practical efficiency of rcijnlations at sea arc 
 jpfcnorally indicated by those adopted in tiie instances just cited. It is unnecessary to 
 formulate these here in full detail, but the following suggestions are oftored as pointing 
 out those methods likely to prove most useful in tlic particular case under con- 
 sideration : — 
 
 (i.) Statutory provisions should b^ made, declaring it unlawful to hunt or take fur- 
 seal (luring the close season by subjects or vessels of the respective Powers. 
 
 (ii.) The time of commencement of the sealing season should he further regulated 
 by the dale of issuan«'e of special Customs clearances and of licMU'cs for sealing, and 
 ])referably by the issuance of such clearances or licences from cctain specified ports 
 only. 
 
 (iii.) As elsewiiere explained, the regulation of the time of opening of the sealing 
 season is the most important, and tlic closing of the season is practically brought about 
 by the onset of rough weatlicr in the early autumn. If, liowever, it be considered 
 desirable to fix a precise date for the close of sea-sealing in each year, this can be done, 
 as in the case of tlie dale of sealing under the Jan-Mayen Convenlion. 
 
 (iv.) The liability for breacli of Ihe regulations, of whatever kind, should be made 
 to apply to the owner, to the master or person in charge of any vessel, and to the hunters 
 engaged on the vessel. 
 
 (v.) The penalty imposed should be a tine (of wiiich one-lialf siiould go to the 
 informant), with possibly, in aggravated cases or second offences, the forfeiture of the 
 catch and of Ihe vessel itself. 
 
 (vi.) To facilitate the supervisuin of tiio seal fishery and tlie execution of the 
 regulati<ms, all sealers might, in addition, l)e rocjuircd to lly a distinctive flag, which might 
 well be identical with, or some colour moditication cf, Ihat already adopted for the same 
 purpose by the Japanese Government. 
 
 (D.) — Alternutiir Methods of Rcifuliition. 
 
 1G3. Although the general scheme of nieasines above described appears to us, all 
 things considered, to be the most appropriate to tiie actual circumstances, measures of 
 other kinds liave suggested themselves. Some of tiiese, though perhaps less perfectly 
 adapted to secure the fullest advantages, recommend tiiemselves from tlieir very simplicity 
 
 " oi!. Of such alternative methods of 
 
 and the case with which they might De appi 
 regulation, three may be specially refeired to : - 
 
 (/'.) — Entire Prohibition of Killiiuj on one of the Breoding Islandx, with suilablc Concurrent 
 
 RegulolJons at Sea. 
 
 1G4. The entire rescvation and protection of one of the two larger inlands of the 
 Pribyloff group, either St. Paul or St. George Island, might he assured ; such island to be 
 maintained as an undisturbed breeding piact.', upon which no ^eals sliall be killed for any 
 purpose. On the remaining island, the nunil)er of seals killed for commercial purposes 
 wouhl remain wholly under the control of the (Jovernment of the United States. 
 
 In consideration of the guaranteed ])res(rvatioii of a hneding island with the purpose 
 of insuring the continuance of the seal stock in the common interest, a zone of protected 
 waters might he established about the Piihyloll" Islands, and pelagic sealing might 
 be fuither controlled and restricted by means of a cIdsl' season, including the early spring 
 months, or by a proteclcil area lo tlie south of the Aleutian Islands, dellned by parallels 
 of latitude. Such provisions at sea to have, as far as possil)h',(|iiantivalent relation to those 
 established on the breeding islands. 
 
 {ii.) — Recurrent Periods of Rest. 
 
 lOo. This im|dies (he provision of a period of res', or exemption id' all seals from 
 killing, both at sea and on shore, to extend over a complete year, at such recurrent 
 intervals as may be deemed necessary. 
 
27 
 
 Such a period of rest niiglit be fixed in advance for every fiftli, or possibly as oflon 
 as every fourth, year, and be made to form apart of a fjcneral sclieme imposing? limitalioii 
 of number of seals killed on the islands in intervening years, together with restriction by 
 time or by area of pelagic sealing. 
 
 While proximately equal in effect on both shore and sea killing, a period of rest of this 
 kind would, in other respects, cause some inconvenience by its interruption of the several 
 industries, and this, though minimized by the fact that the date of occurrence of tlio 
 year of rest would be known in advance, would not be wholly obviated by tliis 
 circumstance. 
 
 (Hi.) — Totiil Prohlhilinn of KHUntj on the BreediiKj Islands, with Concurrent strict 
 
 liff/ulation of Peliiijic SealiiKj. 
 
 IGG. While the circumstance I hat long usage mav in a measure be considered as 
 justifying the custom of killing iur-scals on the breeding islands, many facts now known 
 respecting the life history of the animal itself, with valid inferences drawn from the 
 results of the disturbance of other animals upon tlieir breeding places, as well as those 
 made obvious by the new conditions which have arisen in consequence of the develop- 
 ment of pelagic sealing, point to the conclusion that the breeding islands should, if 
 possible, remain undisturbed and inviolate. 
 
 107. If this view sh.uld be admitted, and particularly if the United States and 
 Kussiii, as the owners of the principal breeding islands of the North. Pacific, sliould agree 
 to co-operate in entirely prohii)iling all killing of seuls on these islands, and in guarding 
 and protecting the breeding ])laces upon tlicni, it should be possil>le to obtain, in con- 
 sideration of such care exercised in the common interest, an international assent to 
 measures regulating sea sealing, of any required degree of stringency, including certain 
 special rights of suiiervision by the Powers mentioned. 
 
 JOB. It might, for example, under such ciicumstances, be provided — 
 
 (1.) That ail sealing-vesscis should be registered, and should take out s-peeial 
 licences at one or oiher of certain specified port-', as, for instance, Victoria, Port 
 Townsend, Honolulu, Hakodate, .ind Vladivostock. 
 
 (2.) That sucii annual cleariiuces or licences be not issued before a given date, say, 
 1st May, and that certain licence fees be exacted. Such licence fees to be collected by 
 the Custcms authorities of the licensing (Jovernmcnt, and to be eventually transferred, in 
 whole or in part, proportionately, to the Governments protecting the breeding islands, 
 to go toward meeting the cost of this protection. 
 
 (:i.) That no vessel should seal in Hehring Sea before some fixed date (say, 1st 
 July) in each year, and that vessels intending to seal in JJebring Sea sbnuld report 
 either to the United States or to the llus>ian authorities on or after that date at named 
 ports, such as Unalaska or I'etropanlouski. 
 
 (4.) That all duly licensed sealing-vesscis should be re(iuired to tiy a distinctive 
 flag, and that any unlicensed vessel found engaged in sealing should be subject to 
 certain penalties. 
 
 (5.) That a zone of protected waters should be established about the breeding 
 islands, within which no sealing should under any circumstances be permitted. 
 
 ■: i 
 
 " i 
 
 yK.) — International Act- n. 
 
 109. In llio foregoing remarks on the measures available for the prolection and 
 preservation of the fur-seal of the Nortli i'acilic, reference is made throughout especially 
 to the eastern part of that ocean, including more particularly the area comprised in the 
 range of tllo^o fur-seals of which the summer haunts and breeding jdaces are about or 
 on the Pribyloff Islands, and of which the winter luune is found especially olf the coa«it of 
 Ihitisb Columbia, it is evident, however, that the same remark.-, and recommendations 
 apply e(|ually to those fur-seals which in summer centre about the Commander Ishmds, 
 and in winter lre(iuent the seas olf the coast of .lapan. 
 
 170. It nujy be staled, further, that lu) system of control can be considered as 
 
 absolutely complete and effective which docs not include under common regulations all 
 
 parts of the North I'acitic. and that the facility of execution of measures and their 
 
 clliciency would, under anv system of regulations, be much increased by the concmreni 
 
 [305j * !•: 2 
 
 i. ! 
 t 
 
 i • 
 
 I* 
 
:\-i 
 
 28 
 
 action of CJrcat Britain, (he Ciiitcd States, Russia, and Japan, as indicated in the 
 Mossanfc of the President of the United States in 1889. Apart from the fact that 
 vessels i)rcvented from sealing at given dates in certain areas might at tliesc times 
 frequent other waters in increased numbers, tiie circumstance tliat tliere is a certain, 
 though not full^' luiown, interrelation and interchange of seals between the eastern and 
 western breeding islands of Bchring Sea, points very clearly to the advisability of such 
 co-operation in protection. 
 
 1 i 
 
20 
 
 Pai:i 11. 
 
 DETAILED OUSEllVATFONS OX THE EACrS AND CONDITIONS OF 
 
 SEAL LIFE. 
 
 I. — Natural IlrsToiir and Envikoxment of rnn Fur-seal of the North 
 
 Pacific. 
 
 (A.) — Miiirntinns and Rnnrfp nf the Fur-seal nf the North Pacific. 
 
 
 ('\.y-Kaslrrn Si'lr of t lie \nrtli I'urijir. 
 
 171. KosiKH'tinii: till' luiiirations and raii!;v oftlu' fiii-soal in tlio North I'ai-itic, wliile 
 niunorous scattorod lotV-iviiccs aiv to l)o found, tlii'sc arc for the most ])art tVagmontarv 
 and vagiu', and no oonni-cled account of tlic nii<>rations or ndji'ration routes, based upon 
 facts, lu've lioretofoio Iiccn iiivcn. The additional iufoimalion jiaiueil in tiie course of 
 f-pecial in(|uirics on tliis sulijcct now, however, not oidy cnaliles tlie migrations of the 
 fur-seal to be clearly followed, ijut appears delinitively to .sel at rest the ([uestion which 
 lias been consistently asked by .sealers from the earliest times of the l{u>sian occupation 
 as to the winter habitat of the fur-seal, 
 
 172. AVritten intjuiries oii this and other points were addressed to the district 
 Indian agents along- the coa^t of British Columbia, and the traders, Aleuts, Indians, and 
 others interested or engaged in seal-hunting, or resident on the West Coast, have been 
 conversed with and (juestioned. (See Appendix C.) 
 
 17;?. The notes thus obtained are summarized below, and it may be stated that, 
 with few and nnimportant exceptions, such as may l)e explained by variations from year 
 to year in time and direction of migration, these arc concordant anil homogeneous in 
 their meaning. 
 
 174. Those who have been upon the Pribyloif iMlaiuls in the autumn and winter 
 state that the seals leave these islands and their vicinity for the south chietly between 
 the middle of October and the eail\ i)art ol' December, though a few nniy depart before 
 the first date, while in exceptionally mild seasons stragglers liave been known to remain 
 after the latter month. The niatmc scuIn, especially the leniales, are the lirst to leave, 
 the pups (now on account of their change of coat iiidiing as "grey imps"') going later, 
 and almost all about the middle of Novemltcr, win they are driven oif by the weather. 
 The "holluscliickie ■' (half-grown males or " iiachcior^' ) and a few old bulls are the last 
 to leave. 
 
 175. b'rom October to December, but chielly in .Novemlur, the seals are seen in 
 varying abundance by the Aleuts of tiie eastern i*art of the Alentian hlaiuN and are 
 himteii by these people. 
 
 The openings in the Aleutian chain, through which most of the seals go soutiiward, 
 are those known as the t'nalga, Akntan, l^nimak, and Issanakh Passes. Tlie s^ als 
 killed here are chielly grey pups, which, particularly wlien the wind blows sirongly from 
 northerly directions, seem to miss the actual passes, and to become emba\ od for a time 
 in the harbours ami inlets on the northern side of the islands. 
 
 When stronii' easterly winds prevail at this season, grey pups, which have evidently 
 made their departure from the PribyloH' Islands, are occasionally and in small nmnbers 
 drifted as far to the westward as Atka Island, longitude 172 we>t, but nnnr ue ever 
 seen at Attn Island. 
 
 17'J. < 'n getting clear of the Aleutian Islands, the seaK continue their migration in 
 a southerly or south-easterly direction, ami do not follow the coast in its north-easterly 
 sweep, round the bonier of that part of the ocean which is sometimes called the (Julf of 
 .Alaska. They are not seen about Kadiak at this .season, and only rarely in the autumn 
 and winter oil' Sitka. Nearly two degrees of latitude south of Sitka, however, the 
 Indians of Klawak, in the Jlucarelli (Julf, take a number of seals every winter, 
 generally about Christmas, most of these being grey pu|)s or yearlings. 
 
 177. About the northern part of tlic (iuecn Charlotte islands, some young seals are 
 seen every winter toward the end of January and in February. These are chieHy grey 
 pups or yearlings, though a few full-grown males and seals of other ages are seen a^ 
 well. Hunting is not carried on at this season, but considerable numbers of such seals 
 
 ■ I 
 
 I 
 
 
30 
 
 have Homctimes been taken dose to the shore, lietwcen the latter part of February 
 ami the third week in April, it is stated that no seals are seen here. 
 
 Abreast of, (.r t-oniewliat i'urthor north than, the Queen Ciiarlotte Islands, a con- 
 siderable body of seals is often met witli at sea by the pelagic sealers in May or June. 
 These seals sire then niovin<y nortiiward. 
 
 In the iiortliern part of Ilccate Strait and its adjacent waters a few grey pups are 
 said to be often found in Noveniljer and December, but persons giving information on 
 this point mention the end of December as the time of arrival. Seals are more 
 plentiful in January, February, and March, but particularly in February. The entrance 
 to Wark Inlet is specially noted as a locality at which grey pups arc often obtained at 
 this season. A few adult seals are soniefimes taken in winter off Banks Island, but no 
 regular huntii\!r is attempted there before the 1st March, when Bonilla Island is occupied 
 for this purpose by Ivit-kathi Indians, and the 1st April, at which time Tshimsians resort 
 to Zayas Island tor the same purpose. Tlic hunting, as at present practised, extends 
 over Ajjril and the greater ])art of May ; off lionilla Island it is continued through the 
 greater part of .Tune, but this difference is due rather to the option of the Indians than 
 to any diversity in dates in the arrival and departure of tlie seals in the two places. 
 
 Seals of both sexes and all ages are killed during the hunting season, and a few 
 full-grown bulls are seen, but are siddom taken. Tiiere is, in this region, no interval 
 between the arrival of seals from the north in the early winter and their departure 
 for the north, which occurs in the main about the end of May. 
 
 Mr. R. (Junningham slates, that about twenty-three years ago, lie was personally 
 cognizant of the fact that for several successive years a snnUl colony of adult eeals 
 stayed all the winter about .Somervilie Island, in the entrance of Observatory Inlet. 
 These seals apjjcarcd to he IVdlowing and feeding upon the ulachan or candle-fish. 
 
 ITS. On that part of the coast ai)oui. Milbank and I'itzhugh Sounds, still further 
 south, but uidike the last rc^itm in beiiig fully open to the Pacilic, a few seals arc seen 
 about Christmas, or not long thereafter. They are generally first observed outside Cape 
 Calvert. Seals are most alumdant in Marcii, but a few remain till the laltc: part of 
 June. The seals cominL; first are chieily females, hut after about the 1st June they are 
 nearly all young males. Fully matured large males are found in small numbers; grey 
 pups or yea; lings venture further into the inner channels, and come nearer to the 
 shores. 
 
 179. About the north end of Vancouver's -Island and the entrance to Queen 
 Charlotte Sound the seals are iirst seen early in December, but not in any abundance 
 until about Christmas, from which time, for a month or six weeks, they are very numeroiLs 
 in all this vicinity; though the stormy character of the weather prevents the Indian 
 hunters from going far to sea in pursuit of them. They are stated to disappear about 
 April. Tiie females are the first to arrive in the winter, but are followed by the grey 
 pups or yearlings a little later, and in most of the time during which the seals remain, 
 both sexes and all ages are represented, tlu.ugh the grey pups come nearest to the 
 shore, particularly when (he weather is roiigli. In the winter of IHOO-Oj, a number of 
 seals were killed by tlie Indians as far in as the entrance of Knight's Inlet, and on one 
 occasion (according to Mr. Ilu.son, about 1870, in March) a groat number of grey pups 
 ascended Knight's and Kingcombe Inlets to their heads, following the ulachan, which 
 seek these places to spawn at this season. 
 
 ISO. At Nootka, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, it is stated that no seals 
 are seen before Christmas, but in the fust or second week after that date, according to 
 the weather, hunting begins, and is continued for three months. Occasional large old 
 bidls are also rarelv seen here. 
 
 I SI. At Clayocjuot Sound, the seals arrive {vhout Christmas, or between that time 
 and the end of December, and hunting begins early in January. The Indians report 
 that some schooners hunt oil' that coast for about a month from this date before going 
 north. Seals of both sexes appear here and remain together, but no large bulls iiave 
 ever been seen. 
 
 In 1SS5 seals were unusually ahimdant off Clayoquot as early as the 10th or 15th 
 December, l)nt were niostjy grey j)nps '• smalls," or 2 ajul 3 year-olds. 
 
 ISii. .About r.arclay Sound the seals arc first reported in Decemhor, and arc often 
 very abundant during .lainutry and February. The greater number leave before (he 
 cml of April, when they begin to travel north, but n few arc killed, lurlher out at sea, 
 Bometimes as la(e as (he lotli June. 
 
 Most of the skins hrought in by Indians are grey pups or "sn>alls," hut in 1891 
 there was an unusual number of adult skins. 
 
 ISy. With I'urtlier reference to the occurrence of fur-seals on tlie coast of liritish 
 
30 a 
 
 Columbia generally, the following note by Mr. J. W. Mackay, who has for many years 
 been conversant with this coast, may be quoted. In reply to inquiries made, he writes : 
 " These animals were driven to the ocean from the narrow waters by the use of fire-arms 
 in hunting. During the spring, numbers of the young animals fisii in tlie broken waters 
 inside the half-tide rocks and roofs which fringe the western shores of Vancouver Island 
 and of the other ij^lands which lie west of the mainland fiom Queen Charlotte Sound to 
 Dixon Entrance. The older animals remain fuithor at sea, but numl)ors of them take 
 refuge in the larger sounds during stormy weather; I have seen them olf Metla-katla in 
 the month of January." 
 
 184. Captain ,)ohn Devereuv, who has been for twenty-seven years on the coast of 
 British Columbia, and has had excellent opportunities for ol)scrvation, in command 
 of the Canadian (jovcrnment steamer "Douglas," informs us, in reply to questions 
 addressed to him, that from the latter part of Xovcmbcr, or early in December, to the 
 beginning 'jf June, the fur-seal is found off the coast of the entire length of Vancouver 
 Island, but that in the early winter the weather is altogotlier too rough for hunting. He 
 adds, " When they are found along the bank on the west coast of Vancouver Island they 
 are feeding on their natural foediug-gronnds." He further Mlat"-; thitt, though often 
 far off the land, he hns frecjuently found them inshore, and even eigiitoen miles up 
 Barclay Sound ; as well as in the Strait of Kuca, and, on rare occasions, in the Gulf of 
 Georgia. 
 
 18o. Near Cape Flattery and about the entrance of the Straits of Tuca, it is 
 roi>ortcd tliat the Indians have on exceptional occasions seen seals as early as December, 
 and schooners have been known to take seals in tiiat month oif the Cape ; but the seals 
 usually arrive about the 1st January, when hunting begins. (Jrey pups are the first to 
 appear, but in February all sorts of seals are found, except mature males. Xo full- 
 grown bulls have ever been seen in tl»is vicinity, No females with pup are found after 
 tlie oth or (Uh July, and it is probable that only a few stragglers of any kind remain, 
 though, according to .Juilge Swan, occasional seals are to be found here at all seasons. 
 'I'he last seals seen in summer are as a rule males or b:irron females. In exceptional 
 instances a few seals, probably grey pups or yearlings, have been noted in recent years 
 as far up the Straits of Fuca as Victoria and Port Toynsond. Mr. .1. \V. Mackay, 
 already quoted, states that the <dder hunters of the Songis, Sooke, and Tlalum tribes, 
 living on or near the southern end of Vancouver Island, told him that in former years 
 fur-seals were in the habit of landing in large numbers at Race Rorks, within 1 1 miles of 
 Victoria. Fur-neals also many years ago frequentoil the (Julf of Georgia, and 
 Mr. Mackay has himself bought skins from the Soshal Indians, of .larvis Inlet, which 
 they had taken at Sangster Islanil, near Toxada Island. 
 
 180. From the foregoing notes, embodying the result ot careful inipiiries personally 
 made at the localities referred to along a stretch of 2,00ij miles of the west coast 
 of the Continent, it is evident that in that i)art of the ocean adjacent to the entire 
 length of the co.ast of British Columbia, as well as within the main openings and inlets of 
 that coast, the fur-seal is a permanent winter resident, arriving soon after it is known to 
 have passed southward through tiie Aleutian chain, and rcnaining till a general movement 
 to the north begins in the early spring, and, though the movement last referred toaccpiires 
 greater force and regularity towards its close, no time occurs between the arrival of the 
 soals from the north and tiie return migration, at which they are not found oif this 
 coast. 
 
 187. To the north of the Queen Charlotte Islands, howevei', the case is diirerent, for 
 here, as already stated, the seals do not follow the coast in the autumn migration, 
 whereas they move in rather close parallelism or contiguity to it \\\wn on their way 
 north in the spring and early summer. Thus, in the vicinity of Sitka some seals appear 
 near the coast as early as the middle of April, but they Ijecome abundant during May, 
 and some are still seen in the early part of .lune. 
 
 On tlu' Fairweathcr ground, in the (Julf of Alaska, seals are most numerous from 
 the 1st to the loth June. AI)out the i?."»tli June, in IS'Jl, they were found in abundance 
 by the sealing-schooners on the Portlock banks, to the east of Kailiak Island. 
 
 About Kadiak they are generally found from the •2oi\\ .May to the end ol June, 
 being most abundant in the average of years about the lUlh June. They are seldom 
 seen in July, and very rarely even stragglers are noticed after the middle of that month. 
 
 In the latter part of June, or about the 1st July, the female seals in pup, which 
 hive entereil Behriug Sea, are found only making their way rapidly and directly to the 
 bret'dini; i>lanils, while ihe i;re,il IiimIv of non-breeding seals either tiascl in a more 
 leisurely way and uilli frequent intervals (»f rest, in the same direction, or disperse them- 
 selves in search of food over various parts of the sea. 
 
 ■ 
 
 I 
 
 ■. 
 
 » ■■ 
 I 
 
 K 
 
 i 4 
 
 I: 
 
 
30 b 
 
 188. According to Elliott, Bryant, and Maynard, tho ftreater number of the adult 
 breeding males (known as " beachmasters " or " seaealchie ") arrive at the Pribyloff 
 Islands and (al<c up positions there, from the 1st to about the middle of June. The 
 females aI)out to uive birth to their i)ups follow, at first in small and then in large 
 numbers, tlieir time of arrival ending about the lOlh to 25th July. Yearlings (the grey 
 pups of tho ])revious season) come to the islands in groat numbers in the latter part of 
 July, 
 
 180. (-'(miparatively little aUenlion lias boon given to the nioveniintis of tlie full-grown 
 males by the pelagic sealers, because of tho small value of their skins, but it has been 
 noticed tliat even as early as IMay the fenuiles at sea are travelling more jjcrsistently 
 than the other seals to tho north, while after the Ist June tliey are said to '• bunch up" 
 and to travel so fast towards the passes in the Aleutian Islands, that it i^ impossible to 
 kill many of them. 
 
 I'JO. Kospccting the extreme southern limit of the ningc of tlie fur-seal of tlio 
 North Pacific on the American coast, little can be added to what has already been 
 published. The earliest departures of vessels for pelagic sealing from Victoria usually 
 occur not long after the 1st January; these vessels then generally cr'iize southwards, 
 sometimes nearly to the latitude of San Francisco, in pursuit of seals; but it would appear 
 that no large "catches" have been recorded to the south of the C(dumbia Hiver, and 
 frequently much of what has been classed in the Returns as •• south-coast catch " has 
 been obtained off the entrance of the Strait of Fuca. It seems certain that in recent 
 years, at least, no considerable number of seals is found further south than about 
 40° north latitude, though stragglers nuvy lind their way much further south. 
 
 Captain f^cammon, in his work on marine mamnuilia, states that lur-scals were 
 formerly abundant on the Californian coast. They have been noted, in small numbers, 
 as lately as 1878 on the coast of Southern California,* while Professor .Fordan informs 
 us that they were still taken in considerable numbers on the Guadaloupe Islands there in 
 187'J.t We have also been informed by an experienced sealer that in former years, he 
 had seen fur-seals as far south as the (iulf of Tehuantapec. 
 
 191. On this sidtject Professor Allen writes : '"Tbe fur-seal is well known to have 
 been formerly abuiulant on the western coast of iS'orth America, as far south as 
 California, but the exact southern limit of this range I have i)eeu unable to determine." 
 He then quotes Scammon as to the occurrence of these animals on the San Penito 
 Islands, the coast of liower California, Guadaloupe Island, and Cedros Island, in 
 latitude 28^. He adds, writing in ISiSO: "Although at one time abundant on the 
 California coast, they are by no means numerous there now, having been nearly 
 exterminated by unrestricted slaughter by the sealers.''^ This local deidetion of seals 
 may incidentally be taken as a furtber evidence of the- local character of the seal herds 
 above referred to, a point of some importance, which is subsequently discussed. If 
 included in tiie annual migration-cycle of the Pribyloll' Island seals, the Californian 
 coast should not at this d'lto have shown any notable si^n of (liuiiiuilion in numbor of 
 seals. 
 
 It is, iiowever. extremely improbable tiiat these seals were conLerned in the annual 
 migration to Behring Sea. ami doidilful whether they were regularly migratory at all 
 in the i)ropcr mmiso of the term. Like nu)st of the fur-seals of the southern hemisphere, 
 they may merely have resorted to the neighl)0uriiig land at tlie breeding season. 
 
 Scammon states that the I'ur-seals i'oinierly bred along the Calirornian coast. The 
 Farallone Inlands, oil' that const, are known to have been the resort of a considerable 
 body of seals, which nay be assumed to have been of the same species with those of 
 the North I'acitic, and doubtless occupieil these islaiuls as breeding places. The 
 Pnssians establislied a stntioi>. there, and. -from 181-' to 1S|S, about S,-t()0 iur-seal 
 hkins were obtained there, and it is staled that before their occupation by the Russians 
 as many as 1(»,U0(» wore taken on these islands in a sinjile autumn. "§ 'I'he season at 
 which this killing ti^ok place, if correctly given, is alone sudleient to show that the 
 seals found here were not ndgrants from the far north. 
 
 1!»2. Disregarding e.xceptiiuud cases of snuill importance, with the occurronce of 
 fitragglers preceding or lagging behind the nuiin body of seals, and incbuHng both sexes 
 and all ages oi sral without relerenee to (he diilerent dates at wliich these are known to 
 reach various points, it would thus appear liiat tlie se;,N which resort to the eastern part 
 of Behring Sea, with the Pribvlolf Islands as a ceiidc, in (lie main frequent that sea 
 
 • liliiijll, ('iiiMi« l!i j.oil, |. r.G. 
 
 f " I'ifelnry liiiliiBUii'rt cjfiln' I'ljiu'il Slale-'," vol. ii, |i :)'j',i. 
 
 I " .Moiio|rru|)li of Niirlli Aiiiprirnii riniiipt'il?," p. 3'"_'. 
 
 § nancroft's Worki", vol. .\xiiiii,ji. 487. 
 
31 
 
 iini the early pnit of June till about tlio niiddle ot Xovcmbor, .a'pciiol of about five 
 iiioiiflis iind n-lialf. l?eliring Sea nin_v, in fact, I)l' named tlieii' siiininrr luihilnt. 
 
 Diuiiin- a porioil of four and a-half or five months, extt'ndin^ in the main fio'ii about 
 tlio 1st .laiiiiary to tlic middle or end of ^Fay, tliey frequent tlu' sea lyinii; off tliat part of 
 the West ("oast included I)(t\veen tlie ofJth and 4(5lii panllels of n rth lalitiule. — tiieso 
 limits incliidiiiLi: tiio «hole Icniitli of t!ie IJritish Columbian coast, and cxtendin,!;- hL'yond 
 it sli<j,]itly at both extreme^. This is the irintrr hnhitttt of the fur-seal of ♦he eastern side 
 i)\ the Ninth Tacilic. 
 
 During' a ,c;reat part of the time, in whicli the seals arc olF this ooa^t, tlic 
 weather is so tempestuous as to jjrevent successt'iil pela^'lc huiitini>-, wlieilier from 
 f-chooners, or directly l)y canoes using- tlie shore as a l)ase of operation-;. 'Ihe actual 
 numbers of seals seen close in shore depend largely upon the weather in each locality, 
 ami varies much from uar to year; and witii a ])revalenco of strong westerly winds, the 
 grey pnjis or yearlings arc driven into the immcdiat-.' vicinity of tlie coast and into its 
 hays and channels, lir-^t and in the largest numbers. 'I'lie neiglibouriiood of l)i.\ou 
 Kntranei", the mirtliorn I'ud nf Yaneoiiver Island, the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound, 
 av.il the entrance to the Straits of Fuca, are localities specially notable fi-r tlie abundance 
 of -cals (luring the winter and spring. 
 
 'I'lie actual resorts of tlie seals are not alone iiiHucr.ced by the weather, b.it al.so 
 greatly by tlic supply of suitable food, as more fully explained elsewhere ; and it is 
 |ii(>liably in great mcas-.tre because of the abundance ol' food fishes near the larger 
 op'iiings in the land above mentioned, that these places are special resorts. 
 
 1.1.3. It is a noteworthy and interesting" fact, ascertained in the course of the present 
 iiiiiuiry, that the full-gn.wn males, known as " licachmasters " or " seacatchie," have 
 "•clilom or never been reported to the south of the ;50th parallel, while ail other classes 
 nf seals are found in considerable numbers much further south. This statement, of 
 t'liirse. applies to tli(> seals fre(|nenting as their winter habitat thai part of the ocean 
 l\iiig oil the coasts of Uritish Columbia and the State of Washington. 
 
 ini. Touching the distance to which the seals extend off the co.ist during the 
 "ii.ter months, the generally stormy weather at this s.>ason, witii the dependent absence 
 (if pelagic sealers, have iirevenled accurate inftn'mation from being obtained. Captain 
 Divereux, already cited, has, however, possessed special opportunities for obtaining 
 information on this subject He writes: "The distance from the shore where they 
 (fur-seals) are to be found most jdentiful, say, olf Cape Beale (where the bank extends 
 furthest from the land), is from f^O to 150 miles; but these figures must not be taken 
 by any means as a fixed limit." .Judge Swan has recorded the fact that, in 1880, large 
 iniinbers of fur-seals were seen at ficnn TOO to WO miles off shore by ve.ssjis bound into 
 til ' Straits of Fuca from China and the Sandwich Islands, but the exact time of year is 
 not given.* While the seals are mo\ing northward in the spring, it can only be stated 
 t!:at, when ll!" weather becomes such as to enable pelagic hunting to be carried on, the 
 i: aiii boily of seal-; is found to extend for a width of oO or OU miles olf the coast of 
 \'anci!".v<'r Island, nnd for a'lout SO miles otl' the (^ueen Charlotte Islamis. 
 
 lii'i. I'.etuern (he winter and sumnier resorts of the fur-seals lies a minimum 
 (I'-taiice of about 1,'JOO miles, a 'ro-s which they j ass only during their migration. As 
 ■'ilr.-ady stated, in llicir spring migration they appear to follow parallel to the general 
 lre;i'l of the coa-t ini tli ir way noillr'.ard an I we-t'\anl. keeping in touch witii the sliore, 
 ■ r at lea-t v>itli th" soundings or stiltniavine t'dge ol I lie C'lntinenlal plateau. 
 
 l!)fi. In theii' soiithein or soi'.tn-e.istern migration the seals do not follow the 
 I'.'i'.sf, bnt alti'r jiassing (lirough the Aleutian islands, it is ))ossible that they may at 
 lir.st scatter rather widely and at random over th' ocean, it !< certain, at least, that 
 tiny do not ]iur.--ne a direct course to the nortl>er?i ]io:tion of tludr "inter liabitat, and 
 thence travel regularly southward along the c >ast. 'I'iie comparatively small ditleiences 
 and occasional irregularities in their dates of arrival in the dill'erent parts of their winter 
 resorfs, w ^tli other circumstances, .si'em lo indicate tiial thi-y come in-shore fro!u the 
 we>t'.ard with an extended front. This, it would ap|iear, re-uits naturally from the set ot 
 ill' currents in tliis part ot' the ocean from west to ea.st and directly toward the e.iast, 
 t 'g ther with tlu prevalent westerly winds of November. December, and January. The 
 latter are well shown in detail on Maps L'T, 17, and 4!) in the " ('liallcnger " IJeport.s, 
 I'hysicfi and Cliemistry, vol. ii. (For citrrents and directions of drift in the Facilic 
 <>C(an, sei' esjjccially l'etermann"s ••Mitteilniigen."' .'W5 Uand, 18!)0.) 
 
 While, therelore, the course and manner of lhi.s southern and eastern migration 
 (end.iracing scarcely two monlh.s of the entire year) must at present remain to so.m; 
 
 ' 
 
 t 
 
 '3or.] 
 
 Fislu rv Ii!ili,>ir.i's of llii' Unlliil .>iatov," vol. ii, p. o'i. 
 
 V 
 
32 
 
 extent liypotliotical, the whylc remaining migrutory route of tlic fur-seal is now 
 accurately known, anil the clrcumstaneos are such as to leave little doubt that tins part 
 is correctly explained as above. It may be supposed, that to the winds and currents 
 chiefly is attributable the concentration ot the fur-seals in the vicinity of the coast 
 preparatory to the inception of the spontaneous nortlnvard movement early in tho 
 spring. 
 
 (ii )— Western Side of the North Pacific. 
 
 15)7. Hespcctinjr the migration-range of tho fur-seals which resort to tho Com- 
 mander Islni\ds, to Robbon Island, and in smaller nujnbers to several places in the 
 Kuiilo IshuuN, lis more fully noted in subsequent pages, comparatively little has been 
 recouled ; but the result of inquiries made in various directions, when brought together, 
 .nre suUic'-ent to enable its general character and the area which it covers to be outlined. 
 The doliciency in iiiformation for the Asiatic coast depends on the fact that pelagic 
 sealing, as understood on the eoa^-t of America, is Ibero practically unknown, while tlic 
 peojdo inhabiting the coast and its adjacent islands do not, like the Indians and Aleuts 
 of ilie opposite side ol" the \orth Pacilic, naturally venture far to sea for hunting 
 purposes. 
 
 lOS. Tho facts already cited in connection with the migration of the seals on the 
 east side of tlie Pacilic, show that these animals enter and leave Ikdiring Sea almost 
 entirely by the eastern jmssi-s tiiroiigh the Aleutian chain, and thai only under excep- 
 tional circuinstanci.s, and under stre^is of weatr.er, are some yuung seal', while on their 
 way s'luth, driven as far to the west as Atka Islam!. Xo large bodie.; of migrating .seals 
 are known to pa.>s near Attn lsli;tid, th.o westernmost of the Aleutians, and no young seals 
 have ever within memory been seen there. Thesis circumstances, with others which it is 
 not necessary to djtail he;e, are sudicient to demonstrate that the main niigration-roules of 
 the seals fre(iueniing the Commander Islands do not touch the Aleutiai\ cliain, and there 
 is every reason to believe thiit although the seals jiccome more or less commingled 
 in Beliring Sen during the summer, the migratio;:-routes of the two sides of the North 
 Pacific are essentially distinct. 
 
 I'JO. ])mii;g the late autumn, the winter, and in early .-i)rlng, tl.e fm"-seals of the 
 wc.>te;n siJe of the North Pacilic are in fact known to fro(juent ;hat pint of the ocean 
 to the eastward of the Island of Vezo, the northernmost of tlij Japanese grimp, and 
 are .seen alxiiit tl-.at coast cliietly between Inobasaki and the east part of Yezo. As 
 the prevailing winds are at these seasons od'-shore, and as neither tlie-e nor any oceanic 
 current tend to estalilisli a drift toward the l;iml, the fur seals are probaldy much more 
 wiilely scatter' d in proportion to their number.-, and are spread out to a greater distance 
 ironi t!.e land hero, than those of the otiier side of the ocean are found to be during the 
 corrcspomling period of slay in their winter habitat, 'fhis belief corresponds with such 
 iniermiition as ue h.ive been al)le to obtain on the subject, and probably in part at least 
 explains ll;o fact that it has not yet been fouiul to bo a proiilable eiiterjirisc to engage 
 in i)oh\;.;ic sealing in this portion of the Pacilie. It must furtlier, however, bo mentioned 
 hero, that no deliniio information has been obtained as to the iu)i tlurn limit of tiie tract 
 whic!i may lie doseriiKvl as the winter iiabitat of the l'ui-.>eal on ihe v.este:i> side of the 
 North Vaei-.e. It ni.iy t'lereforo possibly include some poiliou of th.' waters adjaconf to 
 the Kurilj Islands. 
 
 ■J(iO. Aceoriling to information contained in a .Mem^i.aniaim supidied by you 
 Majesty's Minister at Tukio (Apiiendix J$), the seals are first seen oil the coast of Yezo 
 early in November, while from other s )urees it has been a^eeMained, that in former 
 ycius, w'.un the Alaska Commercial Company",-, ve.ssel folluwod the southern route iu 
 her spriiii;- voyage from San Fraiu'i.sco to IVtrojiaiilou-ki, i'ur-se;,N wei..' often seen at sta 
 in tlio niont'i of M:iy in about tho same latitude. 
 
 Jo|, Wl.en tlio seals fir.-t come sout'i in the autumn, tiie gr^'v pups are often 
 almU'laiit. nt^i far iVom tho shores o!' Ye/o and ahi.ut Nan.Im." and iiom •J.noii to .".,000 
 are annua'.'y taken there by the inhabitant-, in heats. In the Memorandum just 
 referr^-d to, it i- stated thai, '•I.ar:;e numbers of s.nils IVom the l{ussi;\n rookeries arc 
 seatttreil e\ery winter ovir tho oct'an lying oil' liio east coast of Ja[)an, but fbey aio 
 unmolested by foreign or ;iati\t- seaiing-vos el-, and only tlio fringe ol them is louehed 
 by liative fi-l:ermon in tle.ii- open boats along the Nandtu and Vezo coast." 
 
 L'lii'. When these seals nio\f' to the r.orthward, in the ^prin^- ( r early ;unin.er, they 
 doubtle-s follow a route piirailel to the lino of tho Knrilo Islands, though there ii 
 
 A m;i: (irt on l!ii' c.s! co:-st of N 
 
 i|cn, iic."i 
 
 latiluJ'j -to . 
 
33 
 
 As 
 
 .'auic 
 more 
 Liincc 
 
 UlU 
 SUC'll 
 
 oast 
 
 ;age 
 
 incd 
 
 tract 
 
 the 
 
 .Mil to 
 V(»U 
 
 iniu'i 
 • ill 
 
 ot'leii 
 :',,00O 
 just 
 ■s arc 
 'v ai\- 
 
 lU'lu'll 
 
 tliry 
 .•I'o is 
 
 nolliing known to s}io-.v uhcthor tlioy pass ncnr to these inl hkIs, or nt sonic consiilcrablo 
 ilislnnco to the eastward of them. Accordini? to Mr. Grcl)i -ky, Superintondont of the 
 Commander Islands, tlic seals travel with the northward lii.ineh of the .Fapin cnrrent, 
 and are tirst seen on the sonth-wc^torn shore of Copper Island, where some of thcni 
 land, while others continue their journey to the north-westward, between Copper ami 
 Hehring Islands ; and those which land on the northern rookery of Rehrin;? Island 
 come to it eventually tVoii a north-eastern direction. The same gentleman further 
 states, as the re>ult of his oliservations, that these naturally pelagic animals land thus 
 on the Commander Islands only heciu-e it is necessary for the females to do so in order 
 to give l)irth to their young; while he bi-lieves the main reason of the landing, at later 
 dates, of the seals not actually engaged in breeding, is that during tl;e "shedding" or 
 *' stagey " season, thiir pelage becomes loo thin to afford a suitalde protection fronj the 
 water. The date of arrival of the seals on the Commander Islands is somewhat later 
 than on the I'libyhitf Islands, and the dates of leaving appear trt be also later and 
 rather more irregular in correspondence with the longer summer season and less precisely 
 marked beginning of cfdd weather. I:i fact, in unusually mihl years, a few fur-seals 
 may generally be found about the Commander Islar.ds all tlie winter. 
 
 20!?. According to Captain Brandt, of the Russian <;un-l)oat " Aleut." who has had 
 long experience of these water--, the fur-seals freciucnting IJobben Island, on the 
 oast coast of Saghalien in Okotsk Sea, pass through the Knrile Archip' iago into 
 the Pacific in autumn and do not go directly south into tiie dapan Si'ji ; tliougli he has 
 seen a few fur-seals at sea not far to the north of Vladivostok. 
 
 204. It will be observed that tlie migration-range of the fur-seals frrqtienting tiie 
 Commander Islands is somewhat less extended tlian that of tho^c resorting to the 
 PribvlofT Islands, its cnliro length being little morn than l.OQO miles. 
 
 20.">. It is of interest here to refer to the account of the migrations of the fur-seal 
 m- " sea-cat," drawn up by the IJussi.in Krasclieiiimikotf, which is siipposeil to be based 
 partly on his own observatii.ns and largely on tho^^e of his fellow-traveller Steller, both 
 members of Hehring Kxpeditimi.* He writes; "The sea cats ar • caught in the 
 spring and in the month of September, about the IJiver She'j])an()va ; at «bi.di time 
 they go from the Kurilskoy (Kurile) Islands to the Amerie.m cia^t (iimiI Commander 
 Islands); but the most are catchod about the Cap.' of Krunitzkoy, as between this and 
 the Cape Shupin-ki>y (both on the east coast <.f Kaniisehatka) ; the sia i- generady 
 calm, and affords them proper places to retire to. Almost all the feirals that aie caught 
 in the spring are [tregnant ; and such as are near their time of brinu;ing f.irlhtheir young 
 are immediately opened, and the young taken out and skinned. None ef then arc to be 
 seen from the beginning of dune to tiie end of August, when they return !rom the south 
 (sir, read east) with their young." 
 
 200. The remarks on the same subject made by Fleurici; in ^larchand's voyage are 
 probably in the main also based on these of Steller. He writes, ret rring to the 
 last decade of the eighteenth century : — ■ 
 
 "Ces animanx cpiittent an mois de Juin les cotes de la presqu'ile do Kamtschatka, 
 et y reviennent, eomme il a etc dit, a la fin d'.Xeut ou an commet:cemeiit do Septembre, 
 pour y passer rantomno et I'hiver. Dans le temps du depart, bs f,-nie!les sont jjretes .'i 
 mettre has, et il paroit que I'ohjet dii voyage de ces ampliibies e'. do s'eloigner le plus 
 <pi'ils pcuvcnt de toutc terre bahitee, pour faire tranquilleinent lour pet its sur des bonis 
 solitaires, et s'y livrer ensnile sans trouble anx plaisirs de 1 amour ; c.ir c'est un niois 
 apr^s qu'elles ont mis has fjuc les femelles entrent en chaleur. Tons reviennent fort, 
 maigres li la fin d'Aout ; et il est i» prcsnmcr que, pendant lour absence, i!> no mangent q'l.' 
 pou on point du toiit."t 
 
 207. The p.irticiilar interest attaching to these quotations is, that they appear to show 
 that at the early dates to which they refer, the fur-seal was much better ki own and more 
 often seen by the natives of the coast of Kamtschatka tiian it is at the present da}-, from 
 which it is reasonable to conclude that or the Asiatic coast as well as on that of North 
 America the fur-seal has considerably changod ita habits, as the result of persistent 
 hunting, and has become more pelagic than it originally was. 
 
 Particulars of the same kind referring to the North American coast are elsewhere 
 referred to in detail (§ aOO el spq.). 
 
 208. The mode of origination of the regular migratory habit, wlreb bns bcfomo 
 hereditary and instioetivi in the case at least of by far the largest number of the 
 fur-seals of the North Pacific, is an interesting (pieslion of a genoraJ kind. It is evident 
 
 1^ 
 
 * Quol.d liy .1. \. . 
 tr .ii!i aiion, 1 7(J i . 
 
 t '• V'i>v I'ji' a;t air I'li 
 
 \t^^)o I 
 
 fViliii ill •• Mi)n()(7i'.i|'ii (if .N'orili Ann liiMii 
 M,);.l,v rOO-'i.'' : ii;r v. •, (;->. 
 
 :MI : 1, 
 
 (;. 
 
 Ivinl 
 
 I' 2 
 
 h- 
 
 1 31 
 
 S 1 
 
 V 
 
 ir 
 
mn' 
 
 H 
 
 tliftl tlie lial)il lias nro»n up nn a necessary result of resorlinjj to far luirllieru Iiree'lin,:; 
 grounds, Mliile at llio same time it is not essentiaih" a jiart of llic lil'o liislory of llu' 
 nninicJ, as llie hreediii;; stations formerly occiiiiicil on tin- t'alifornian enast show. Jt is 
 further in^lriietive to mention, llial as (he result of iiujiiiries made on lliis iioint from tlius.' 
 most familiar willi tiie snhjeet in New Zialand, ilie I'aliiland hiamls. and C'ajie Colony, it 
 is found tliat the (•lo>ely related fur-seal of t'le Snutliein ir<.inis[)liere does not rei;ularly 
 mi^jratc over gnat (raels ol tlu' oecan, hut, \v!;en oecupnng stations ulieie the con- 
 ditions are favouralile lor i!s cxisleuee tl rouiiiiont the year, it merely aj)|iroaehes (he 
 shores and lands u|i(m them at the hri'eding senson. 'i'he Ktntinned presence of fur seals 
 about the Commander Islands in nnhl winters, liliewisi.- sliius (hat even in (lie ease ot ilie 
 fur-seal of (he N'ortli I'aciru'. it re(|nire^ (he promnliiig aiiorded hy defideil changes in 
 the seasons to kci'p up the regularity of its mii^ratury liahits. It has indeed hi en suggested, 
 anil with .some pndjability, (li-it the seasonal clianges in ;he ten)pera(nre of (he sea itself 
 may have nineh to do with impressing regularity im (he annual movement of miuration, or, 
 in other words, that when this temperature falls helow or rises al)ove eertiiin limits, (lie 
 seals begin (o move southward or northward in search of less frigid or less liea(eil waters. 
 Ti»e data at hand are, however, iiisudicient for a iletaile.1 stniiy of (his point. 
 
 (iu.)--Di.'<triliiitl()n (il !<r(i. 
 
 200. The distribution and mode of occurrence of (ho fm-seals at sea when con- 
 grogated in (heir winter habitats on the (wo sides of the North I'acitic, and v\hi!e 
 migrating, Inive already been noticed. While (ho inforimition on these points is not a> 
 complete as could he wished, it is snlliclent to show in a general way how (ho lur-seal i-» 
 ntfeeted in its movements by currents, drift, and winds. In speaking of its food and 
 feeding habits on a i-ubse(pient page, it fmther becomes a))parent in what nniuner 
 the seals congregate and travel in following certain food lislies. ft appears to be 
 rather in consccpience of such circumstances, operating conjointly upon these jielagic 
 animals, tiinn to any ruling gregarious tendencies while at sia that they become collected 
 into "scho(ds" or groups of greater or less dimensions. I'hij at least is the result ot 
 the examinations nnulo during the summer of 1S91 in Behring Sea, where, though twt) 
 or tlir^e seals were often seen actually in company, and occasionally as many as six or 
 eight, tiie general rule seemed to be that each seal was pursuing its own course, travelling, 
 sleeping, feeding, or sporting in the water, without referepce to others in the vicinity. 
 This is clearly shown by the observaticm that even wlien passing through an area at sea 
 in which the seals would be noted as abumlant, they are as a nuitter of fact usually 
 se]'arated liy distances much too great to enable any single animal, or any group (»f two 
 or three indiviiluals, to be in any way cognizant of the presence of the next adjacent 
 individual or similar group. Apart from seals met wi(h near the shores of the breeding 
 islands, the densest '• scheol " found by us was on one occasion about live miles to 
 (he westward of the land of St. I'aul Island, where about forty seals were counted in a 
 distance run of two miles. In all other cases, it was exceptional to meet with seals to the 
 number of four to a mile nm, while two to a mile run was much above the average even 
 when passing through areas of abundance. It is thus evident (hat the seals had been 
 brought logetlii r in such areas of abundance by reason of common conditions rather than 
 by their own volition. 
 
 210. In order to arrive at as complete a knowledge as possible of the actual 
 distribution of the fur seal in Behring Sea, a circular was prepared, in which it was 
 requested that regular seal logs should be kept on (he Pritish crnizers, and, (hrougii 
 the kindness of (he Commander-in-chief on the I'acific Station, communicated (o their 
 Comniai.ders. The work was taken up with enthusiasm by the various (dficers, and 
 maintained throughout (he season. Careful observadons of (be s-ame kind were also 
 made on our owns(eamer, the " Danube," and subsequently, through (he conr(esy of tin- 
 L'nitcd States' Commissioners, copies of the track-charts, and observations made of 
 icals by the various United States' cruizers, were supplied. Information on the san:e 
 Hulijeit was also sought in various other wa\s, such as by inipiiry from the captains and 
 hands of scaling-vessels n-.et in Victoiia and A'ancouver, and from the inhabitants of 
 various iilaces (ouched at (during tlie summer. 
 
 2il. Little or i.olbing has previously been put on record witli regard to the distri- 
 bution of the fur-seal in Iichring Sea during the months of their stay there, for 
 though li e pelage sealers Inid formed their own opinion as to the best regions for 
 (arr3i''g on (heir avocation, .hey naturally did not make these public, and it is believed 
 thai, in son e lases at least, they were rather inclined to keep such knowledge as they 
 
3S 
 
 Imd jjniiicMl li.y cxpciiiiire oiillrolv piivato. What has hoon ncdially piihlislii'd on (liis 
 MihJL'i't tlopemls iiiiiicipally up ni moii;;ii« ohsLTvations or ill-foiiiulcd coiijocdiros siu'!> as 
 the nsidoiit iigi'iils on tlio hiccdini; islands have been obli! to nniko «ilh tlicir limited 
 oppdrtuiiitiis. Tlie riiTiini>l.\nc'i's in 'S)l wiio, liowever, o.\co|)(i(inally lUvonrablo tor 
 ae(iuirin<{ inloniiiition ol' a (.-onipaialilo kind on the (inostion of di.sti'il)titi<)n. 
 
 'Jl-. The oifseivalio'.is at ion, maud lor IS'.d pnieti<"ally cover pretty ihoron^hly the 
 period of ahont t»\o m-ntlis durin;4' wli'eli seals are ordinarily taken hy pela;;ie linntir^ in 
 I'cininj;' Sea, extending- finiii il.o iiiiiMIe of July to tiie middle of September, and tluy 
 are niiieli more coiiiidete lor the eastern ilian for the western part of tlie Helirinjf Sea. 
 
 21.'^. On eonsidi'ratimi of tin- ninliriii! to he dealt witli, it «as deeitled lliat it nii^lit 
 be nio.it advanla;;e(tu-!y diviiliil intotuo periods of ai)out a nn.nth each, lhelir.it inehulinx' 
 all dales from the l.")lh .Iidy to llie l.'dh .\iii;nst, ami the .second t!io>e between the l.'th 
 i\ii;iust and the l.'ilh HrplenilnT. .\ll tlu' lii.es cruized over in the tirst of these periods 
 were pli>tted on one ^et of m.i|is, an. I tiiose in tiie second period on another. The jiarti 
 of thc-e liacks run iver duriiiu' llic n';;Iil. and in winch seals therefore con!d not well he 
 (djserviil, "ire iiidiiateil on the m.ips ii a I'ill'erent, maimer from tlio day tracks, as 
 far as p(is.sii)lc; and nitli the as.sislaiice of the loj^s, the numbers of seals seen in certain 
 intervals were then entered ahnii' the various routes in a {•raphie manner. The placis 
 in whicii pelagic .sealers had reimrted seals to be abundant or otherwise, as well as those 
 in whiih sealina;- vessels were found at work by the cruizers, and other facts obtained 
 from various S'iurce.<, were also indicated on the ma[)H. 
 
 2)}. Without altemptiii;; to entir into further details hero as to the methods 
 employed, the general lesults ai rived at may now be brielly described: — 
 
 It is evident, in the first place, that tlie seals are mo>t abundant in the water in the 
 immediate vicinity of the snores of the breeding i.slands, this abundance of seals extending; 
 often not more than half-a-mile from the fronts of the brcedinj»; jjrounds, and seldom 
 for 3 or 4 miles in such a way as to be at all notable. In the case of the Pribylotf 
 Islands, it is also observed that seals were numerous in both the inontidy periods in the 
 tract included in a {General «ay between St. I'aul and St. George Lslands, though they 
 differed much in this respect even at nearly appro.xiniatc dates. It is further clearly 
 shown that the I'ribylolf and Co.iimai:der groups form the main centres of abundance of 
 seals in IJebring Sea during the summer ; but that while this is undoubtedly the case, 
 the seals are not found to decrease in numbers with any approximation to regularity in 
 zones concentric with the islands, — always excluding the seals in the immediate 
 neighbourhood of the shores. 
 
 :]15. U is therefore not possible to outline a series of zones in which the number of 
 seals present «ill bear an inverse ratio to the distance from the islands. It i.s, however, 
 po.ssible to draw an approximate limit for a region about the Pribylotf group, which will 
 roughly deHiie the area of abundant seals at sea during each of the two monthly periods 
 ciioseii. In the case of the ngic i about the Commander Islands, data, though almost 
 wanting for the first monthly periitd, and but scanty for the second, are sutlicient to 
 indicate a general mode of distribution similar to that dennmstrable in the firtt case. 
 Within the areas of abundant seals, these animals are, however, by no means regularly 
 di.itribu'.ed, even at any particular (ixed date, but are .scattered in irregular patches in 
 the dilluse character already described, and are very often thickest locally towards the 
 outer liniits of the area. 
 
 21(>. lievoiid these areas, seals are foimd more or less sparsely scattered over a 
 great jjart of Ikdning Sea, which in the lirst period extemls, in the longitude of the 
 I'ribylofl' Islands, from the Aleutian chain northward to about the oihh degree of 
 latitude, includes the whole vicinity of the western Aleutian Islands, and spreads again 
 to a greater «iilth with the Commander Islands as a centre. 
 
 21". In l'?91 the area of abundant seals about the Pribylotf Islands appeared to be 
 not only changeil in form, but considerably reduced in size in the second monthly period ; 
 while that of scattered seals was not only changed in form, but much enlarged in area. 
 It ai)pear8, that in most years, in the later summer this area of scattered seals extends 
 to the north-east of the Commander Islands, quite to, or even beyond, the 00th parallel 
 of noith latitude. This particular extension is probably to be explained by the drift of 
 that branch of the Japan current which flows through the western part of Hehring Sea, 
 assisted by the prevailing southerly winds in the same part of the sea in June ami 
 July;* \\Iiile the eoni|)aiatively restricted spread in a northward direction in the eastern 
 pari of tiie >ea may bo similarly eoniucted with the general movement of the water from 
 north to south in that region. 
 
 t 
 
 I 
 
 I' 
 
 Sir y\:i'>!i .'i.' uiul .'/.), ■• Cln'iliiiyi I- rxpi'dition l)f|iort," i'liysics and Clieniistry, vol. ii. 
 
¥ 
 
 36 
 
 218. The iiorllicni outline of tliis wiilcr region of scntlpri'tl souls in llic second 
 monthly period, may ho imieticallynHsumpd as thnt of the norniiil nxiiije of tlio fiir-senl to 
 tlie north, nnd is adopted os such on one of tlie ai'companyinn; maps. On other mnp» 
 tlio outlines of the areas of ahtmdant and scattered seals in each monthly period aro 
 fthonn. The extreme northern rnngc of the fur-seal, however, extends far beyond tho 
 line Just referred to, for Captain Henley and Lieutenant Jiirvis, of the United States' 
 T'evenue C'rui/.cr " Ik'ar," state that fur-seals are occasionally seen hy whalers ns far an 
 St. Lawrence Island, and even on the northern shores of that island. They also fonnd in 
 1.<0I, nt ( npe Tchaplin or Indinn Point on the Siherian const, the natives in |i(iss(>ssion 
 of a tew skins of old hull seals, which they staled had been taken near St. Lawrence 
 bland. Our own intjuiries on tliat island and at Plover Hay on tlie Siherian coast were 
 juirely negative as regards fur-seals, though hair seals, including the rare handed or rihhun 
 >oa\ {fllnliloplincit fasciatii), were being taken by the Tuskis in nets. It «as, however, 
 further ascertained that one or two instances hail occurred of oM male seals being taken 
 iicar St. Michael, not far from the Yidion mouth, ami it is therefore proliable tliat a line 
 drawn from Cape Tchnplin to this plnce may I.e considered ns defining the extreme 
 maximnni northern range of the fur-seal of the Xorth Fncific. This limit, hnwever, 
 apjienis to be but rarely attained, and then only hy mature nnd old nniles, which have 
 probably become useless on the breeding rnokerie.«, otui have been driven or have 
 wandered away alone far from their kind. 
 
 '2\\>. With the idea thnt the general distribution of the fur-scnls in llehring Sea, 
 frrin the breeding islands as centres, might show some direct relation to the prevailing 
 winds, meteorological ohservntions made during the summer hy ourselves and on several 
 of the cruizers were sent to the Meteorological Department of Canada, and were there, 
 under the direction of Mr. Carpmael, analyzed by Mr. Stupait, who prepared wind-roses 
 for each of the monthly periods for the vicinity of the Prihyloff Isinnds. The observa- 
 tions taken near the Commander Islands were, however, insutlicient tor such treatment. 
 The wind-roses thus obtained tor the vicinity of the Prihyloff I.' lands were then com- 
 pared, both in a direct nnd in an inverse sense, with the outlines of the area of abundant 
 seals, hut without bringing to light any manifest connection of the kind conjectured, 
 though there appeared to ho a slight hrdancc of evidence in favour of the belief that the 
 seals tended rather to travel against the wind than with it. So far, therefore, as thi.s 
 evidence goes, it seems to show that the seals found at sea, even in the regions in which 
 they arc not very far from the breeding islands, arc not animals which have only 
 tentporarily left the islands, for in this case their movements would almost certainly show- 
 some obvious relation to the prevailing wind and weatiier. The fact tliat they do not do 
 so, in itself suggests that the seals met with at sea really form practically independent 
 pelagic schiiols of a diti'use kind. 
 
 220. An examination of the aiea surrounding the Pribylofl" Fshuuls in which seals 
 were abundant in 1891, together with sn;'!i other tacls bearing on former years as could 
 he obtained from pelagic .«ealer.s, indicates that the maximum limit to which this area 
 may reach from the islands in the summer months in any direction is not more than 
 about ISO miles, and it is probable tliat similar conditions obtain with regard to the 
 Commander Islands. 
 
 221. Respecting the number of fur-seals to lie found at sea within the areas of 
 abundance above referred to, and exclusive of those freijucnting the islands and their 
 immediate shores, it is difficult to attain to anything like certain resulls. The endeavour 
 has been made, however, in a tentative way to reach some roughly approximate 
 istimates, by li'.id-ng the number of seal-* actually seen in measured lengths of runs in or 
 ncroi-ssuch areas, cliosen as typical, and tiiade at ditierent times in both monthly periods. 
 The results obtained varied somewhat widely, as might be expected, not alone in consc- 
 tjuence of the actual dillercnce in density of the seals, hut also from circumstances 
 connected with the weather and the state of liie sea suif.ice. The observations made 
 were, however, combined in a general average, which, when thus treated, showed about 
 one seal noted to each mile run. On the assumption (which cannot be very far from the 
 fact) that on the average a width of hall'-a-mlle was efliciently scanned from the deck, this 
 would give a mean numiier of two fur-seals to each s(piare mile of sea sin face within the 
 area referred to. 
 
 2:'2. As to the much larger area of scattered seals, it is still mure dili'cnlt in this 
 ca>e to arrive at any even ai)|)roximatcIy accurate results, for though long rnns were often 
 made without meeting any seals, limited patclies of relatively abundant seals were some- 
 times met with, and the-e seemed to be quite irregularly distri!)Uted. It appears 
 probable, liowever, that the density of seals within these areas dors not exceed, but 
 may reach, about one to five square miles. 
 
37 
 
 this 
 iften 
 )nic- 
 oars 
 
 l)iit 
 
 C2-'3. No connected bod^' of obHorvntionM is in exititenee an to tlic ncttial ultundancc 
 of hluIu nt hen and tlicir distribution in various parts of their range in different 
 years, but inoie attention bas naturall,v becti paid to tluu since tbe development of |>cln<;ie 
 Healin;;. The ftdlowin^ references on tbis sul)jeet bave been found in docntncnls already 
 publislied, or obtained in evidence. Tliey are to^^etber sufficient at least to show that 
 ibc distril)Ution ot tbe seals at sea, particularly as between different parts of their winter 
 habitat, is subject to considerable variation. 
 
 18(5(1. .Iiiiijie J. (i. Swan says, that between ]857 and 18(Ji^ fur-scals were very 
 searct! about Capo Flattery, and that it is oidy since the last-mcntionod year that tbcy 
 have be;;;un to resort to tbe vicinity of Fuca Strait in sucb ;rreat nunjbcrs.* 
 
 [Tliis statement is probaldy Itased on the number <tf skins actually taken by tbe 
 Indians, and may in part, at least, bo o.\plainoil by the fact tbat for a lu.Mibor of years 
 
 tbe Indian^ scarcely bunted the fur-sct.l 
 
 ;(ii').]_ 
 
 1HG8. i?,(JO() fiu--scals are said to have been killed about tbe Strait of Fucii in this 
 year.f 
 
 18(V.). Uruiiit speaks of Ibc abundance of fur-seals off tbe coasts of Oreguii, 
 AVasliii(j;ton, and Jiiilisli Cdlinnbia in this as compared with former yiarsj 
 
 1872. C^'iiptaiu Jiowis, ilim connected with tlie Hudson's Hay Company, stated that 
 in 18"-* " imnansc lunnbcrs (d'fur-sial pups and yearlings'' were observed in the ocean 
 oil' Vancouver Island and the entrance to Fuca Straits. That he ha^l never diirin:; 
 thirty jeais of prc\ious service on the north-west coar%t seen or board of sucli an 
 abundance of fur-seals, lie lli-ugbt that " S,0(J() or 0,000 skins, chiefly jaips and 
 yearlings," were taken. § 
 
 187->. Captain lewis, prcvi )udy cited, stited that in ibis jear ven few fur-seals 
 were seen off' the IMlish Columbian C(«ast. His figures bbowed only '• 'KM) or "iO) skiii> ; 
 these were all (dder ones."]' 
 
 lyGO to 18;si). Writing in I88(), Judge .1. (J. S\\aii >ay.-, : "This nnpivcedented 
 number of seals which nnule their appearance, a nimjb'jr which seents to have increased 
 every season hince 1^(30, will give employment to a 1 irgcr (!eet of vessels another 
 
 year 
 
 ■••r 
 
 ISsO. Fur-sials were reported in great abundance l(i(,' to ;)()() miles off'-sboie, by 
 vessels making for (he Stia't af Kuea. 
 
 .\ccoiding to .hidge .1. (J. Swan,*'- the canoe calcli of Xeah Day (Makab) Indians in 
 this year was l,"j.")S. 
 
 l.'^81. ,Mr. Marsiiliot, m'coikI engineered" United States' Kevenuo Cutter " Wolcolt," 
 .'(■.les that in t'.iis year fur-seals were very abuudant in Paget Sound, and were taken as 
 far in as Hoods Canal. ft 
 
 K*^S'^. .ludge .1. (I. Swan, in a letter to SeiuUor Dolpli, says: "'Seals are 
 ripiirtL-;! as being unusually niiniemus tbis season, and arc in myriads, California 
 steamers repurt mnning Ihroiigh one heril which extended 100 miles, and the seals 
 a))peared to lie as thiek as they coidd swini." + J 
 
 ISSi). ("aptain .1. I). U'arren, who has been actively eiigaged in scaling for 
 twenty years, stalo tlial during that time he has noticed in) dinuniition in (he number 
 of seals at sea, hut, ii'any eiiange at all, an increase, js^ 
 
 1881). Captain V\ . O'Leary, uil'i four year-.' exjierienee, says: '■ 
 
 tlur 
 
 e IS anv 
 
 dcciease in the miniljer oi .-^eals eiilerin;i I'e 
 
 inni 
 
 See. 
 
 do not think 
 I never saw- 
 
 so nianv seals aionii' (he coast as (here were (1 is ve.ir, and in IJelirini;' Sea il.ev were 
 more nnmeroiis than I oversaw l)elore."i; |1 
 
 l.si)). .Mr, .\, i;. Milne. Collector of Customs at \'ietoria, summaii/ing tlic in- 
 (ormation obtained by him IVoni sealers respecting that season, says: '• I can now safely 
 repeat wlial I lia\e already said and written, that owners and masters di not entertain 
 the slightest idea that the seals are at all scarcer." He adds, that statements made to 
 a contrary eilect in the jiress are believed to bave been inspired by interested motives.*^* 
 
 l.'s'Jo anil ISitj. Mr. I{. II. I'idcock, Indian, rei)orts that the Indians of northern 
 port of Vancouver Island .-ay the far-seals have been less plentiful than before during 
 these two years. 
 
 ^Mi'. Harry (Juillod, Indian .\gent for the west coast of Vancouver I-land^ .siys that. 
 
 * ■' I'i^li' rv Iiiili.^!lic.-i of llic I'liilcii 8l:ai'.«." vol. ii, p. '.j'.IA. 
 
 t t),ill. '■ .\l;i>^ka au.l its Itrsouic. ■., ' \k iOli. 
 
 * ■■ Moii:iL>ia|ili ol Noitli .American I'i jiiipid*," p, 332. 
 
 ^ QiiuLii liv IlUii 0, I'liiuil t^tati.-' CuiMK Inport, p. U',6. U I'niloil i;iau>' Crii-n-, K p ri, p. JC'C. 
 
 «■ •' I i>lirr_v I;iilii«liiis of ll.t' l.'iiitiil .Sl.-acK," mjI. ii, p. i'.'J/. *•' J;. ill., |>. ; yi. 
 
 tl (JiiDlril li\ .Ii:(lj:f ,1. Ii. Swan in l!all. " Uriteil SlaUs' fisiu'ty Couiinia.sii.n," vol. iii, p. '206, 
 
 i\ I'ailiann'iilarv I'apiT [<". Cl;31 I p. 19.». ' S;ij Ibiil., p. ooU. 
 
 lill Jbi.l.. p. yj7. ' %% i'arli.,mi'iaar\ I'.npir [C. (j-Jj3], p. 7S. 
 
 iU 
 
 Ii 
 
8h 
 
 tl.c Itnliaiis roporL an unti.sual i\');m 'nn 'o of scnls in these two }cnrs, w'uilc they were 
 scart'e for tliiOL' jcais pr.'vionsly 
 
 ISDI. Mr. C'. Toil I, IiKiiini n^rciit at Motla-Kall.). on tlic noitlicrn jmrt df tlio coast 
 of I)iiti-li ('olunil)ia. stales tlir.t (lie Indi.ms believe tl.e nuniljer of fur-seals to have been 
 about the sji^iie for (he jasl t>vfiit,v vears. 
 
 ResiHH'lin^ the nmnb.'r of seals met with at soa in this year, the following statements 
 occur in the sworn cvitlenee of sialers : — 
 
 0. J. Kelly: Seals arc as plentiful this year from the coast (of British Columbia) to 
 the Shnma^in Islan Is as la-t year. 
 
 C'ai)tain W. I'etit : Troni C'aj)e Flattery north, seal; were more plentiful than any 
 year since l.'^S;;; in I5eliri»»j;' Si-a, as pl.ntifiil as in fnrmer years. 
 
 Cajjtain W. K. ]?aker: .Alonjr the coast to the Shumasin Islands seals were as 
 ]ilontiful in some jilaces as tlie year before; in others, more plentiful. No material 
 (liiference in my average catch for last four years. No decrease in number of .seals in 
 lato yeais. 
 
 Captain A. liissct : Seals were as plentiful bust year as in previous years along the 
 coast. 
 
 Captain T. M. Maunesen : Seals were more plentiful lust year than I had ever seen 
 tliem, biilh in Hehring Sea and along the coast. 
 
 Kichard 'riiompson : Seals were as plentiful last year as the year before. 
 
 j\nilreu- Laing: \o decrease in seals last year. 
 
 Captain W. Cox : Seals were ns plentiful last year as ever before. 
 
 Captain C. Hackett : Found the seals as plentiful on the coast, last year as in 
 former years. Seals were nunc numerous in IJehring Sea than 1 ever saw them before. 
 
 Captain C. iMcDougal: l\)und the seals thicker in Hehring Sea than ever before. 
 
 A. Douglas: Had sealed seven years. Noticed no decrease in number of seals 
 last year. 'J'hought thoy appeared a little shyer. Saw more seals and larger bodies of 
 seals in Ucliring Sea than ever bef re. 
 
 L. L. McLean : Seals were more plentiful last year. Never .saw seals so plentiful 
 in Behring Sea before (in seven years' experience). 
 
 1892 (January). .Fui)<re .1. CJ. Swan, in a letter, stales that Indians report seals 
 unusually abundant off Ca[>e Flattery and about IJarclay Sound. 
 
 (B.) — Food of the Fui-seal. 
 
 224. The bioad and general facts of the annual migration habits of the fur-sral 
 do not appear to depend primarily upon the pursuit of food, but rather seem to be 
 troverned by the instinctive resort to the breeding islands in the spring, followed by 
 the ccjually instinctive departure for more scmtliern latitudes on the approach of the 
 cold and snows of winter. The distribution anJ migrations of the animals upon which 
 the seals depend for food doubtless have, however, u considerable influence on the 
 movements of the seal in a subordinate de:;ree, and particularly njion its abundance 
 or otherwise at various times in ditl'erent parts of its summer and winter lial»itat-i. 
 S )me of the last (djservations (pioted have a direct bearing on this j)oint. 
 
 225. Mo>t of the information gained on this s-ubject is the result of special iii(|iiiriea 
 made among the native hunters of different parts of (be coast, and of (inestiuns addie-sed 
 to llie j)i lagic seaiiMs. The knowledge procured by these jii'ople is obtained in \ari()us 
 Mays. Seals are often seen at sea actually piirsning (ish of dillerent kinds. ( r cumiiig to 
 the surl":iCL' witii a fish held i'i tlie jaws. The stomachs of seals killi'd at sea are 
 frecpiently well tilled with I'sh, and are. from motives of curiosity, sometime; examined. 
 Il is alsD often noticed tlinl a >ea!. when taken into a canoe, vomits the entire contents 
 of the stitmaeli. Another, and, thongli less direct, scarcely less triisiwortliy source of 
 information, is the locally-oli>ei veil coincidence in abundance of seals >vitli tliat of certain 
 kinds of fish. 
 
 22(1. Witiiout quoting at length the ninncrous statements obtained on this point, it 
 may ho said (hat the jicneral tenour of flic evidence shows, that while the fur-seal has 
 been known to eat aliiuot all kiiuls of tisb, including cod nnti even halibut, its favourite 
 diet consists of small (i>li. of which the herring, probably from its size and from it*; 
 gregarious habit, is altogether the most important. The ajipearance of seals toward 
 sjiring in tlie inner waters along the coast of British Columbia, and the nuinlicrs seen 
 tliere at any particular place or time, bear a very close relation to (he occurrence of 
 shoals of herring, while some of (he most notable eases of the penetration of seals into 
 the narrow channels about the estuary of the Nass, ■ keen'ij and Knight's Inlet have been 
 
;j9 
 
 directly traccil to llicir pnr-uit of the ulaclian, or candle-fisli, then resorting to these 
 phiccs to spawn. 
 
 2-7- Anotlior nniiiial, wliidi may lie classed as a special food of the fur-seal, is the 
 scjuid or cuttle-tifsli. Evidence of this has been ohtaincJ at various points alonj? the 
 Jiiitish Coliimbiiin coast and in the Commander Islands, and of the seal st(nTiachs opened 
 hy us on the I'rihyloff Islands, besides a very f jw fisli-boiu-s the beaks cf in\\\u\ were about 
 tlie oidy traces of food fouml. It is perhaps further worth noting in this connection, that 
 Captain Mori ell many ycais ago stated, with special reference to the fur-seal of the 
 Falkland Islamls, that they are siiid to live on the squid.* 
 
 •JJ8. it is particularly along tlie British Columbian coast, within the winter habitat of 
 the fur-seal, that the connection of its movements wit); those of the herring has been 
 traced. Unfortuni\tely, little is accurately known about the migratory habits of the 
 herring in any part of the world, and the information respecting the migrations of this 
 fish on the West Coast is exceedingly imjierfect. It is jirobablo that here, as elsewhere, 
 the mi::ralions of tl;e herring are somewhat capricinus, antl that this fish regularly 
 approaches the shores !n large schools only about the spawning season, while its move- 
 ments at other times are largely governed by the relative abundance on different parts of 
 tliC surface of the ocean of the minute crustaceans and other pelagic organisms upon 
 which it lives. This, again, de])eiids on the winds and lurrents and temperature, and 
 to the interaction of tliese several factors, the sudden appearance or disappearance of 
 bodies of fur-seals, in various parts of their winter habitat particularly, may tlonbtless be 
 traced. 
 
 2:29. In the summer habitat within Behring Sea, it has been noted by some of the 
 more intelligent pelagic sealers that lur-seals arc found to ho numerous where " whale- 
 food " abounds. The " wliale-fo'.d " met \\\[]\ in these seas consists of similar minute 
 organisms (o thoso ('dmixisin^ '• herring-food," and the seals are dimbtless in search of 
 the smaller lishes which ni;iy be living upon this food. A further circumstance having 
 the same general li^'arii g ii the fiecpiently-ohservcd association of seals at soa, 
 particularly in Jkduing V>v», with abundance of single fronds or tangled nnisses of drift 
 kelp. This no doubt depends partly on the fact that the kelp affords shelter and a 
 measure of i)rotection not only to the minute pelagic organisms, hut also to the various 
 small fishes which prey upon these. It is, however, to bo explained for the most part hy 
 the circumstance, that the drift kelp accunudates in areas of eddy or slack-water 
 between the various marine currents, into which these minute organisn.s with surface- 
 fishes and the fur-swils themselves naturally drift. 
 
 230. 'J'he most iniportant point to be gathered from these ob.servations is, that the 
 fur-seal is not usually a bottom feeder, and that it is not necessary that its fishing- 
 grounds should be found upon submarine hanks situated at such moderate dejjths as 
 those to wliich the seal may attain by diving or "sounding," a hypothesis often advanced 
 by theorists, but which finds little basis in the known facts. 
 
 231. That the fur-seal is (ssoutially a pelagic surface feeder, is further shown hy the 
 fact that it ii not known to resort habitually to the best fishing banks in Uehring Sea, 
 such, for instance, as the liaird bunk, and that fisii, such as the cod and halil)ut, 
 inhabiting water of some depth anil feeiling along the bottom, are often found in 
 considerable numbers, not only near t!ie breeding islands of the seal, but even in the 
 immediate vicinity of the breeding rookeries of these islands. Such fish are actually 
 caught at various seasons by the natives of the i'ribylofi Islands within I or 2 miles of 
 some of the laijiest ro<ikerits on the south side of St. i^iul Island, and not more than 
 2.\ or .'{ miles off tl.e rookeries on the north shore of St. (Jeorge Island. On »>ne 
 occasion, while :it anchor for a short lime within less than half-a-mile from the largest 
 rookery on Hehving Island, at Cape Yushin, over twenty cod, with some other fishes, 
 werecnu^iht fronr our steamer with t.vo or three hand lines, in water not more than (J 
 or 7 fathoms in depth. 
 
 2;'i2. Some particulars are given on a later ]'age respecting the abstention from food 
 of (he fur-seals while remaining upon or about the breeding islands. It a|)])ears to lie 
 certain that the mature male-; doing duty on tiie breeding rookeries do not feed at all 
 during the breeiling season, an>l that for simie time, at kast several week-^. alter landing, 
 the breeding females do not leave the rookery groimds in search of food. There is 
 no apparent reason why the " bolluschickie," or young males, should not go to sea 
 in (|uest of fish. Singularly enongli, hov.cver, though animals ol this class have been 
 killed by hundreds of thousands upon the breeding islands under all eonceivaldo 
 conditions of weather, and often within less than nn hour of their dcportntitm from their 
 
 (• 
 
 Lao5j 
 
 • Dall, " AlosJui and ito Keiourcet," p. 493, 
 
w 
 
 40 
 
 hauHnff-groiinds, the almost universal testimony is to the effect that their stomachs 
 are invariably found to he free from fnoil. 
 
 233. Witii a view to ohtiiiii such direct information on this subject as mi<?ht be 
 passihh^, the slomaclis of se ils killed in our piose'ice were examined ; and though the 
 results of these examinations, note. I hdow, di) rot entirely confirm the statement just 
 referred to, they show a rcmarknide nhsencc of fiKxl. 'i'hc iiuml)er of seals which it was 
 tiius po^sihlc ti) examiiii' was of courso small. 
 
 On St. G('or<>e Islund, twenty seals wore killed on the 1st .Vu^just in our presence. 
 These were selected from a drive nnide from the nearest part of the Great Northern 
 Rookery, to the killini;; tyroniul ah lut liall-a-mile distant, and had been about three hours 
 otf the rookery before they were killed. Of these twenty younc: niule-i, the stomachs 
 gave the followinif results : - - 
 
 Seventeen: no f lod whatever, in m(ist a little slimy matter, froth or bile, and often 
 a few lively worms. 
 
 One: n hainlful of small pebbles. 
 
 One : a clot of brownish blood. 
 
 One : an isojiod cnistacciin, alxtiil an inch in length, and a few frasments of 
 fish hones. 
 
 2'!4. On St. Paul F'^Iand, the ;M-d .\iiuiist, tiic stomaclis of ninety-eight young males 
 were examined. Tliese were selected from a drive made from Zolloi sands to the killing 
 ground, a ilislanc" of ah tnt 'J.UQO feel, from which th 'y lind been driven Ciirly in tlie 
 siune moiiiinu', possihly {wo or tio'ce lioms lu'fore being killed. The contents of thi'se 
 stoniiiehs, in addition to a few worms present in many cases, were as foll()v\s: — 
 
 Sixty-five, contained nothing, or, in some cases, a pinch of sind, or a small (juantiiy 
 of slim}' or frothy matter. 
 
 Seventeen, contained pelddes, sometimes several, in other cases but u single peblde. 
 
 Six, slmwcd a rather notahh- quantity of bright yellow bile. 
 
 Four, contained some blood, gi'nerally somewhat changed in colour by the action ol' 
 the gastric juices, and in one or two ca*-es clotted. 
 
 'I'liree, contained the horny armatnres or beaks of squids only; one of these u single 
 beak, another two beaks, and the third three beaks 
 
 One, held some pebltlcs, tjio ear-hone of a fish (cod?), and a few jtieces of broken 
 dead shell. 
 
 One, held some pebbles and broken i)ieces of dead shell, with a single beak of 
 s(|uid. 
 
 One, showed a very small piece of kelp only. 
 
 23o. From the large Ncrih Kookery on Behring Island, 5th September, an adalt 
 njale or " seacatch," two females, and an unweaned pup, were driven directly from 
 the rookery ground, about 2oO yards' distant, and killed, by permission of the authorities, 
 for presentation by us as >pecimens to the Hritish Museum. The stomachs of all four 
 were completely empty, with the exception of a few worms in tliose of the three 
 adults. Sdt only tin; pup, but the females, and even the old nnile, were fat and in good 
 condition. 
 
 2-M). l{es])ecting the iiehhlcs i'requently found in the stonnichs of the fur-seal, it has 
 been suggested by .\lr. KUiolt (hat these may he swallowed for the purpose of destroying 
 the worms often oh-^ervcd. it has lurther been snugested that such sltmes have 
 incidentally found their way i ilo the seals' stomachs attached to sea-weeds, or zoophytes 
 oaten by the seals ; hut little can hi' said in favour (>f this theory. 'i"he habit is one, 
 however, not peculiar to the fur-seal, hnt common to most pinnipctls.* The largest of 
 tlntsc jjehhles actually collected from the stcnnachs of the seals aliovc noted as iiaving 
 been killed on St. Paul on tl:i' -hd .August, is a flat stone, Ij inch in length and 1 inch 
 in breadth, hut much larg.'r ones have often been found. It is probable tiuit individual 
 stones do not as a rule remain vi ry long in the stonuuh ; for al)out one-half of those 
 collected on this oecasi.in were rough scornicenus fragments, showing little or no sign of 
 attri'ion. The other mo'ety was more or h'-s jjcrfectly rounded, and a certain nu!nl)er 
 showed a peculiar line polish, prohaldy to he uttrihiited to wear in the slonnich of the 
 uniinal. About (me-scventh of tlie eiitiri' ninnoer represi iil rocks not found on the 
 Prihylolf Islands, or, il oiviuring at all, only very exceptionally as err.U'cs carried there 
 attached to the roots of dritt trees or kelp, or brought upon lloating ice. These have, 
 in all probability, been liorne by thi' seals themselvt's from some distant localities. The 
 renntining ami much the larger part of the etdlection consists of ordinary volcanic 
 pebbles, such as might be picked up anywhere on the beaches ot the Pribylofl' or the 
 Aleutian Islands. 
 
 * " Monograph of Nurti. Amcrictu I'innipeds," p. 334* 
 
 5 
 
41 
 
 liavo, 
 Tlie 
 
 2;i7. The Aleut foreman in chnrge of tlie VDokcries on Relirinn; Island stated that 
 the voiiiin; seals bof^an to swallow pebbles when about four moiiths old, after wliich they 
 become thin. If correct, tliis slahniont would ajjpciir to inciiii (hut i( is about tin; time 
 at which the jouna; are weaned tlnit this habil is (irsi develi-ped. He also said that, 
 when seals »)f nuilure age were observi-d to swallow stones they wt-rc (or becanic) thin, 
 and tills may possibly be rej^arded rather as tlie etfecf of ilie j^astric worms thun of the 
 pebbles. The same man added, and entirely as an idea ori;;inal with himself, that 
 when the seals first arrived at the Ciunmaader fslaiuls each year, I hey contained stones 
 unlike those to be found upon the islands, and winch he con.jecitured had been picked 
 up upon the Kamtschatka coast. In the stonuich of tin,' seal pup cxfimined lor us by 
 I)r. Giinther at the lirilish Museum, it will bo noted tli ;t a stone was louiui, although 
 the pup was supposed to be about seventeen days old only. (Appendix D.) 
 
 23R. On several of the rookery- and haulinii-^rounds of I he I'ribyloir Islands there is 
 to be seen a notable abiiudunce of small rounded pelibles. just such as those found in the 
 stomachs of the seals. .As these lie upon the surface, often far above any po.ssible 
 action of the sea, aiul as there is no evidence of beaches of such rolled stones due to 
 former periods of uie'ilcr submergence upon the PribylolV islands, the conjecture appears 
 to be legitimate that these have, in the course of years, been brought iiiid accumulated 
 hv the seals themselves. Whether voided or disgorged iVom time to time upun the 
 ii,...;cry gvomids, or whether accumulated by a slower process consc(|uent on the 
 occasional death of ^eal- uim.m il;ese grounds, cnniiot be decided. The suggestion here 
 made, it shouM be staled, is due to .Mr. .). Staidey-lirown. 
 
 ii3l). The blood no'.iceil in some of the stomachs may probably be attributed to the 
 laceration of the (ongue by th.e teeth, or to congestion and extravasation of the nasal 
 menibranes brought about by the severe ordeal of drivini;-. Its presence in (he alimentary 
 tract is at least scarcely explicalde as the result of internal lesiidis. 
 
 2 to. In the middle of September, when paying a last visit to the I'ribylolf Isl inds, 
 several of the young .seals of the same year, then well grown, were observed upon water- 
 washed rocks, eitlier playing «ith or eating fronils of kelp. Mr. .1. V. Kedpath stated 
 that he believed the seals actually ate the kelp as a part of tlnir food, but from personal 
 observation no statement could be nui.'.e to this effect, and it is considered very doubtful. 
 
 241. Colonel J. Murray informed us that, in 1S!4(>, the young seals or pu[»s killed as 
 food for natives on the I'ribyloff Islands about the tlh and Stli Xovember, had not even 
 at th;it date been weaned, but were found 'nil of milli. Me further stated, tbat such pups 
 had been driven in the very early morning lo the killing grounils, and sDUielimes iv)t 
 killed till late in the evening-, thus insuring a piiiod ul' at least fifteen hours from the 
 time ut which tliey had had any possible connection with their niuthers. Otln v>, again, 
 had not been killed till the ftdlowing morning, enlar::ing tlie necessary time of abstinence 
 from suckling to twenty-four horns from tin- time ot lat sucKiini;'. Tlicse observations 
 appear to show that the younn' seals are capable of layin:i' in a very coMsiiK ralilo reserve 
 in the way of mothers milk, and have important bearings du the general ([uestion of the 
 time during «hich the mothers may absent themselves Iidiu (he breeiiing rookeries 
 at earlier dates in the histnry of the young. 
 
 24'_'. Perhaps the must notiible featme in regard to this f( od (|iie;.tion, and one 
 directly consequeiU on the prolongeii a'otiiience (d (he seals from lodd while ou 
 and about the islamls, is the entire absence of all excrement on the r^iokeries and 
 hauling grounds. Captain lh\an( appiars, 1. wever, lo be iht.' only antliur who h;is 
 specially mentioned tl.is jiaiticiilar ami s(rikinti' fact, lie writes: — 
 
 " 'i he fact (if their reniaiuing without food seems su condary (o nature, that it 
 seiins to me prt per to state suine of the evidences of it. Having been assured by the 
 natives that such was the fact. 1 deemed it of siiflicieut imixulance to test it by all the 
 means availalde. Aecoruingly, I took spec.al pains to examine daily a laige extent of 
 the rookeiy, ami ii()(e eMivfully (he results of my observations. The rocks on the 
 rookery are worn Mnoodi and washed clean iiy the springtides, and any discharge of 
 excrement could in^t fail to he detected. I found, in a fe.\ instances where newly- 
 arrived seals had niaile a s'uule ilischarge of red-coloured excrement, but nothing was 
 seen afterwards to show -.hat such disehaiges were cnntinnel, or any evideuct' that the 
 animals hati imrtal.eu ef food. 'I'liey m ver left the rocks excejif wlieu compelleil by the 
 heat of (he sun to seek the water to cool themselves. They are then absent Ironi the 
 land for but a short time. I also examineil the .stomachs ot several hundred young ones, 
 killed by the natives for eating, and always without finding any trace of f>.od in them. 
 The sanu' was true of the few nur.sing fenniles killed for disseclitm. On their arrival in 
 (he spring they are very tat and unwieldy, hut when thoy leave, after their four months' 
 faat, they are very thin, being reduced to one-half their former weight." 
 
 [305] (! 2 
 
 i 
 
 ! •: 
 
 ; ! 
 
 ; 
 
 ! M 
 
'm 
 
 42 
 
 In a note appended to tlie above l)y Professor Allen, that f;entlomaii writes : " Steller 
 states tliat in tlic numerous specimens lie dissected he alwavs t'ojind t'le stoiMaclis empty, 
 and remarks that they taiie no food diirinir the several weeks tliey remain on 1 iml ; Mr. J)all 
 confirms ihe same statement in respect to the present species, and Captains Cook, Weddel, 
 and others, who have had <)])portunities of ohservin^' ihe diHerent southern species, atfirm 
 the same fact in respect to the latter. Lord Sliuldham lonj^ since stated that the walrus 
 had the same habit, though its actual fast seems somewhat shorter than tiiose of the 
 
 eared seals Tliis singular phenomenon of a protracted annual fast during the 
 
 period of parturition and the nursing of the young — the season wlien most mammals 
 require the most ample sustenance — seems not wholly confined to the walruses and eared 
 seals. So far as known, however, it is limited to the pinnipedes; and, excepting in the 
 case of a single member, the sea-elephant, to the two above-named families. By some 
 of the old writers the sea-elephant was said to feed sparingly, at this time, on tlie grasses 
 and sea-weeds that grow in the vicinity of its breeding places, but the weight of the 
 evidence in respect to this point seems to indicate that this species fasts sinnlarly to the 
 eared seals and walru.ses during the period it resorts to the land to bring forth its 
 young."* 
 
 243. The fur-seals on Juan Fernandez are likewise reported, and without ([uali- 
 fication as to sex, to abstain from nourishment during the breeding season : " 'i'oward 
 the end of the month of June tlie-^e animals come on shore to bring forth their young, and 
 remain to the end of September witiiout stirring from the spot, and without taking any 
 kind of nourishment."t 
 
 Though not at the time aware of Bryant's statement, above (pioted, the absence of cx- 
 crementitious matter was one of the first points noted and remarked on by ns after landing 
 upon the Pribylotf rookeries, and it is to the absence of such matter alone that the con- 
 tinuous herding together on one spot lor several months of so many thousand animals is 
 on sanitary groiintis rendered jmssible. ft became obvious that so soon as the seals 
 commence again to feed, it must be absolutely necessary for them to abandon their 
 crowded (juarters (ni sliore. The evidence thus att'orded, that tl e females do not ['rvd to 
 any notable extent until the young are practically vveaned,or, at ail events, until very late 
 in the suckling season, is perhaps more definite tlian that given in any other way. 
 
 (0.) — I'hysiial Character istic.1 of the Ptlhylnfi' and Cominandcr Islands, and Xnttirc of Ilia 
 
 Brcedinij (Ironnds. 
 
 244. The jirincipal breeding places of the fur-seal ol the North Pacific at the present 
 time, are the I'ribyloll'and Commander Islands, and. omitting certiiin exceptional i)eriods 
 dependent chiefly on the inferruption of natural conditions hrouglit alxnit by the slaughter 
 of seals, it appears that the I'ribyloff IsliMuls have, witiiin Idstoric times, Iteen fie(|uented 
 by larger nuin'jers ol seals than the Com luinder Islands. Uecent changes, depending 
 chiefly on the circumstances which have o('CMrro<l in the lirst-iiamed islands, have, how- 
 ever, at the present time, produced a near r approach to i'i|n!'.lity in numbers as between 
 the two groups (d' islands than has been iioinial. Of other breeding placijs in tiie N(utli 
 Pacific still known to be lre(iuented by smaller numbers of seals, Itobbi'ii Island is the 
 most important, but of tiiese some notes are given later. 
 
 2!.'i. While it has not been disprovil that the fur-seal may bring forth its young 
 U])on detached floating masses of the great kelp of the Pacific, particularly in cases 
 mIkmc the gravid fenuile haii been prevented from reaching the breeding places on shore 
 in due time, such instances, if ibey occur, must be quite cxeeptmnal. As to the alleged 
 birth of \ouug at sea, the result of careful inquiries ol' Viirions kinds shows that if this 
 should occur without the presence of any resting place, liie young prol)ably perish, for, 
 thougli undoubtedly cajjable at birth, and »nen if cut from tiie uiother before birth, of 
 swimming for a shorter or longer finx', the young is not suited at once for a [lelagic 
 existence, and authentic instances in wiiich temaies with recent ly-i)oin young have been 
 seen a* sea are very rare. It may be mentioned here, howiver, that some of the Indians 
 ol the northern part ol the coast of Pritish Columbia aver that they have seen the female 
 fur-seal swimming witli its young on it> back in the nninner said to be practised by the 
 sea-otter, and actually observed in tlu; cise of the hair->eal, Init liiis statement has not 
 been fully authenticated. 
 
 24(j. The nornuil habits of the fur-seal arc such as to require a safe terrestrial 
 
 * On the Kai'txl Seals, " Dull. Mns. Coitip Zool,," vol li, No. t, |>|i. 101, lUJ, ijtu alio SviiUe, Kt, ])ac. 
 Na. S'i, 4I«t Coiigreiis, 2i)il Scuiun, p. 5. 
 
 \ Quoted in Unitad States' Ceasui Ueport, p. Hi. 
 
43 
 
 liow- 
 
 Ul'L'll 
 
 Norlh 
 is tlie 
 
 (tun;:; 
 cases 
 slmre 
 c^etl 
 this 
 . for, 
 li, of 
 lagic 
 I)ccn 
 ulians 
 eiiuilu 
 >y the 
 IS not 
 
 rotront at tlic scftson durincf wliicli the young- is born, whore the yonn<? may remain nn- 
 (listniht'd for a period of three or possibly four ironths, or till siicli time ms they may lie 
 able to assume the pelagic habits of the adiUt. It i8 therefore iirimarily fur the purpose 
 of ,icivin;>' birtli to their yoijng and sueklinjr them that the female fur seals seek tiie 
 breeding- islands. At other sensniis they do not require to land ai.y^here, and, as a 
 matter of fact, they very ^el.lom do so. It has frequently been stated that (he matinjjjof 
 the male and feniide must be aoeomplished on shore, but there is ample proof that this is 
 not true, and that the male and female come toujether with equal facility in the water. 
 It is tluis evident that the ruling- motive for the landing and sojourn ashore of the 
 seals, is the birth of the young, and that the habit of the males in fretpienting the 
 breeiling rookeries and seeking the females tlieie after the young have been born has 
 grown u]) from tlii« or in connection with it. Witiimany animals the male hasafuncticm 
 to fnllil on the breeding places in jnoteeMiig ilie yoiin;;, but in this instance the nviles are 
 neither called nixm, nor do they sliow any natural liisposition, to exert themselves in this 
 particular direetiim. 
 
 247. The C<miman(ler and Pribyloff Islands, \\hen originally discovered in 1741 and 
 17SG respectively, were entirely uninhabited by man; nor has any evidence been found 
 since on either group to show that man bad ever previou.sly visited them. With the 
 exception of St. ^Matthew Island, which, by reason of the late date to which the ice often 
 lingers about its .shores, is not suited to become a habitual breeding report of the fur-seal, 
 these (wo groups of islands are thr- only ones in I>ehring Sea, or, for that matter, in the 
 whole northern part of the North I'luific, wl.icb were not either pe >pled by n.itives or 
 regularly visited by them on their hunting and tisldng ex|)editions. 'J'o this cause rather 
 than (o any other is (o be attributed the fact that these islands becauje the ))erinauent 
 breeding resorts of the fur-.seal. The cool and humid summer climate ma} doulaless in 
 itself have been congenial to the seal, but in this respect, and also in the temperature of 
 the sea surrounding them, well-ma'-keddifferenees occur as between the two group.s, while 
 jibno.st any of the very numerous islands of tlie Aleutian chain afford surroundinus s«) 
 similar in the matter of climate that they would undoubtedly have afforded suitable 
 breeding places if .similarly uninhabited. The islands of this chain were, however, then 
 thickly inhabited by the Aleuts, and as the fur-seal, when resorting to and remaining 
 upon the shores during the breeding season, is practically defenceless ami incapable alike 
 of resistance or effective flight, while its flesh and fat are highly prized by all native 
 tril)es as food, it is probable that no breeding stations could long be maintained there 
 or on any other lanus similarly peojded. Captain Scammcm nevertheless .states that 
 fur-seals fornieily occupied, in addition to the I'ribylotf and Commander Islands, 
 "several of the more is(»lated jmints in the Aleutian chain.''* lie does not, however, 
 jtarticularize further, or siy «hetln r he speaks from personal observation, or from what 
 source his infornnition was obtained. 
 
 lMS. The fact that fur-seals of the same species I'ornierly had breeding-idaces on 
 such islands as the Karallones of the Californian coast, under climatic conditions perhaps 
 ns difterent as it is easy to imagine, is alone sullicient to show that climate was not 
 the ruling factor in the clioici< of the Pribylolf ami Commander Islands i)y the fur-seals 
 ol the North Pacitic. If fmtiier evidence be required it is furnished by the facts 
 relating to the specie^ of tur-seal inhabiting the southern hemisphere, which, though 
 didering from that of the North I'acitic in structmal points, is so similar in hai)it as to 
 furnish a case in point. Here also il is found that all tlie notable breeding places or 
 rookeries were discovered u|ion insular lunds {u which man had never come, and ou 
 which, during this critical period of the ainiual cycle of its life, the fur-soal was also 
 exempt from the attacks of oilier terrestrial aniiinds to which it would have been an 
 ea»y prey. This being granted, it is, perhaps, a legitinuite subject of .specidation what 
 the conditions in the North Pai-ilic were before the ])resent races peopled its sln)rcs and 
 nearer islands, and m(U"e particularly before the islands of the Aleutian chain were 
 peopled. Dall has shown it to be prob:il)le tint even these islands were iidiabited from 
 a very remote period, that the jtopidation was throughout of an lunuit type, and that 
 the occupation of (he islands i)rocecded frtnn east to west.f It can scarcely be doubted 
 that in still earlier times the fur-seals resorted to many or to all of these ishmds at the 
 breeding season, but that as the islinds became occui>ied successively by the predeces.sors 
 of the modern Aleuts, this animal, from the nature of its habits, was the ('••.st to find thorn 
 no longer safe or congenial. When discovered by the Uus'^ians it was estimated that 
 the population of the chain amounted to ijO,0()i>, ami in this fact alone a sutlicient 
 rcusou for the absence of brcediuj;; rookeries of the fur-seal is found. 
 
 * '■ .Marine Muiii.nalia," p. I55. 
 " Contributiodi to North American Kthnology," vol. i. 
 
44 
 
 
 240. The PribylofF Islands are almost entirolv. and the Commander Islands are 
 rhiolly, ooinimsed of rocks of volcaiiii; ori<j;iii, but i i Iiiis respect thu.v arc hy no means 
 siiiijnlnr, and no phvsiciil characteristics dopemliMit on this circumstanco are riiliiifj ones 
 ill rospoct to tlicir fitness a-> i)reedini!: places. 
 
 L'oO. The l'ril»yh)tl' siroii]) consists of t«ii nitiier hiifje i^hinds, St. Pan) and 
 Ht. Oeorjre, separated l)y a distance of abont ;5S) miles, witii tut> small islets, Walrus 
 Island and Otter Island adjacent to St. PanI Of these, Otter Island is about a mile in 
 leimlh, wliile Walrus l.*laiid is t\ mere flat roeU ahonl a (puirter of a mile in len^tli. 
 Tlie seal rookeries are all situated either on St. I'aul or St (Jeorue, aiul tlio-e on 
 Si. I'jud are considerably the more important. St. i'aul Island i> about l-> milis in 
 lingtb bv (1 ill breadth, wliile Si. lieor^fe Island is about 14 miles in lenj>tli, by '> miles 
 iii <jrea(est breadth, with a somewhat inferior area. 
 
 '_V>I. .\s already stated, both are comi.O'C.l of volrauic rocks, probal)ly referable to 
 till' latest stages of the 'IViliary period, and cunsistini; Inrirely of basalts t»r basalt-l;ke 
 rocks in the form ot nearly horivontal iicds, ofien distinctly columuar where broken otT 
 in clitls. There are, iioweser, certain beds ot scoriaeeous material which are inehuled 
 belc.een those representinji' originally molten niitti r. These island* appear, in fad, to 
 be the result of old submarine volcanic erupli nis. s;iri'adin<»' t'leir materiil in pretty 
 reaidar la\eis on the sea-bed, and eventually risiii!i alMi\e the surface of the shallow 
 (aslcrn ji'atcau of Hchrinu' Sea. either liecanse of the nn re accuniulatinn of material, 
 or perhaps more jirtdiabiy with the aiil (fa heal e'evatiiry movement of somewhat later 
 dale. Since ihe orifjinal time of their aipvurauce alM)ve the sea, their nnui;ins have 
 been worn into sea-clifls, or beaten back to form stretches of sandy beach, by the action 
 of the \ »ves; but in con-etpience of the ab-i-ncc of (dder rocks, most of the nniterial fur 
 these beu hes, as well as that of the sand dunes which characterize parts of the coast 
 (particularly on St. Paul Islan l> is nut siliceous, but is compcsed of the comminuted 
 material of the local volcanic locks. 
 
 'Jii'J. The Kurface of St. Paul may be (lescribed as consistinn of rounded hills, of 
 which the highest altaJrs an elevation cf about (iOO feet, eonneetid by Hat land, much 
 of which is but little elevated libovc tiie sea. Its shores are not often bold thou<^h 
 forminii- elill's of moderatr height in some places, particidarly about its western end. 
 St. lieoriie is, on tlie whole, considerably hi;>lier, and contains very little low or tiat land. 
 Its surface consists of hiils and upland iiMors, and its hi^-hest paits exceed ilOO feet. 
 Tiu' shell's I r St. (icoiyc are yeneiaily sttcp an I bold, and much of its border is formetl 
 by ciitl'> of eonsi' eralile liciylit, wliicli coii-.(il;;tc the brcediim' pl.iccs uf iimmnerable 
 birds. 
 
 'Jn'-^. No tree or shrub oci;uis oit eitln-r i land, ol which the >urface is covered, when 
 not too rocky to support any jii-owlli. v\ith :^ia» and herbaceous ve;j;etatio'i, min^'Ied with 
 moss and lichen on the hiiilier parts. Neither island alfords any hariiour, and it is 
 tiecessary to anchor uinler a ueather slioie ami to ellVet a laudiuj;' either with an 
 ott-siiore wind or in ealni weather. The situation id the villaj^e on St. Paul is, however, 
 such that a landiiif; can jtenerally be dfected there either on one side or other of the 
 Uniir south-we><teriy-e.\ieiriin'i- peninsula terminatin;;- in Keef Point. 
 
 :.'o4. The breedinn' rookeiies ami hauliiiii-jir. iiiids tor tiacl> .vliicli tlie hachelors and 
 other seals not acluall , eii;;aj;ed in breediny Iri ijuent i are, ol' coiii.-.e, couiiued to the 
 innneiliate vicinity (»f lae coast-line on both i-lainls. The seals scltlom land and never 
 remain on Walrus Islan I, and thoti^ii in forisicr years many are said to have hauled out 
 on Oitir Island, and som> still do '^o. tliis is not kiioun to have been occupied as a breedinj!: 
 station. 
 
 :,'io. -Ml the existin ; breedinjjf rooker'e- on St. Pair and .*^t. (tcoi-j^e Islamls were 
 vi.sitcd and esamineii by is during' our first visit to the islands: ai^out the end of .luly, ami 
 somo ot them were sub^eijueiitly re-c.xamiiied ow our second and lliird visits in the 
 months of .\uj;iisl and September n-spiMiively. foi the luiriiose of notiiiy- the cliaiii>es in 
 the (listrihntioii and habits of tin- seal.-^ at various seasons. So much has, however, 
 already been rtiittin in i!e.-. ription of the topoijinphy of the various lookeiy ;;n)UiuU, 
 particidarly hy .Mr. li. W . Mllioit. iliat it is not here necessary to enter into any minute 
 (le cription il tli 'in It will >L'rve ail practical purposes and will tend to leave tiie maiu 
 <liiestion involvi d miobscined. if llu^ several rookeries are merely characterized in a 
 very nencral way, and if their dilferetiees and common character^ are subseijueiitly 
 trcateil ot toj^ether. 
 
 ■JM. Tiicie are on St. Paul Island nt the present time seven recogni/ed breeding 
 rookeries, of which the names and neneral characters are as follows: — 
 
 (i.) ZuiiiKliiic linolsvnj. — This consists of two parts, whicii may he called West and 
 Eabt Zajiadnie respectively, separated by a small bay vitli sandy beach, upon which the 
 
4-5 
 
 Is wore 
 ly, and 
 ill thu 
 ii«Ls ill 
 >w»(ver, 
 omul', 
 iiiimilu 
 main 
 ill a 
 [uenll.y 
 
 |ccdiiig 
 
 rsl and 
 ^h thu 
 
 seals do not remain. The rookery fjround of liotli pnrls faoos to tlio south-east, and 
 consists of rather regular slopes risinur 'Vom tlic c'd.'ro of the sea, an! more or Ic^s thickly 
 strewn with angiilnr or suh-anyular hasallic hliicks 
 
 (W.) Tolstoi Uookfr;/. — This rookery ficc-; to (lie norlh-wcsr. on tlio other side of 
 English Hay. The prouiid oc(U|)io(l hy tlio hiiMling srals is, fur tlie most jrirt. a sti-e;) 
 and nigged slope, strewn «itli angiil.nr hli'cks, and hrokr-n hy jutting masse-i of s) id rock. 
 At its north-enst end llic slopes hecmne iiglilcr. and it 'i tincs inio lli(> open and smooth 
 slopes of Middle Hill, wiiich constitute an imjiortaiit liaiiiin;;-ground fre((uentod hy 
 baclieloi' seals or holinschickie. 
 
 (iii.) I.tigoon lioukenj. — Facing to the south-wosf. and open to the fid! sweep of tin' 
 sea only in hearings I)L't"eeii south-west and west. In consi'(|uence of the protection 
 afforded hy the long Reef Point, this rookery ground is the most sheltered of any on 
 either of the islands. The ground actually uccuitied hy the hivetling seals is a narrow 
 and low reef ot well rounded houlders, which s(')t;iiates the sea from a shallow lagoon. 
 
 (iv.) Ih-pf Ihinhvrics. -Occujiying hoth sides ot the outer pnrt of the long pro- 
 montory Known as Reel' Point, and facing to the north west and south-east. The liortli- 
 westcrn slope, often called CJarholeh. is rather steep, and a part of the rookery-groiind 
 occui)ied on this side consists of a narrow fiinge of rocky shore overlooked hy low 
 I i.-allie cliffs. A narrow ridge, which is wcjrn haie and occupied ns a hauling ground hy 
 h(illuschiel<ie in the early jKirt of the sea-on. ;ind is frcrpiented hy all classes of seals at 
 a later period, separates the nnthwc stern iimn the south-eastern siije of Reef Point. 
 On the south-c.'ist side there is a uide imriier of l!at land hut little elevated iihove the 
 fii'e, upi II whi<d\ tlie v''';'ler pari of the seals o)" the reef rookeries is found. Almost 
 the whole of the rookery ground of the reef is pi; ntifully strewn with angular masses of 
 rock, though occasional smooth spaces al-o ociir. The higher jiarts (f the IJeef Point 
 consist very largely of a hod of volcai icr scoria-, iying compact and much in its original 
 i.fale, and forn-ing a fine hard surfaee con.-iderahly different from that found on most of 
 the rookeries. 
 
 (v.) Liilnniiion and Ki'tavir lindkirUs form practically one rookery; they slope 
 generally eastward, and in parts are much hroken hy tlie irregular jutting out ot the 
 solid rock and the many angular masses wiiich have detached themselves from it. 
 
 (vi.) Pdlaviuii R'.dknij - This faces to the soutli-castwaid and stretch' s irregularly 
 along the shore for nearly 1 }, miles. The roeky shore is here hounded on the landward 
 side hy a range of low irregular clill's, perhaps averaging 40 feet in height, and the 
 breeding seals for llie most part occupy the upper part of the heaeh along the hase of 
 the elift's, together with such breaks and hollows as e.\ist in the dill's and a wide rocky 
 reef near the sea level at the southern end of the rookery ground. A certain 
 proportion «d" the breeding seals, however, take up stations upon the upper edge of the 
 clills, and later in the season they move irregularly back upon tiic low jdatenu composed 
 of bare v(dcai;ic tufa which rises verv irraduallv toward the flistant hase of Polavina 
 Hill. 
 
 (vii.) yuilh'Eiisf Pii'uit linnkcrii. — This is the most importaut hrcediuL' idace upon 
 either of the islands, and might perhaps he more corrt-etly desciihed as a series of 
 rookeries than as a single one. N'orth-h'ast Point is ;i low peninsula ot' cpiadrangular 
 form, connected at one of its aisles by a narrow neeK. >'ousisting of suidy Hats and 
 high dunes, «itli the main island, ilntelnusou Mill, prohahly about l"''t i'eef in height 
 and near the northern side of peninsula, is its higiiesi point. The rookery grounil runs 
 along the eastern, northern, iind north-wistern sImmc-' almost continuously, tlioui;h in sour- 
 places— and particularly in the immediate \ieinity ot liutciiiuson Hill -it is mui-li wider 
 than in others. Nearly all this length of shore is strewn thickly with rocky fragments, 
 which as far as the highe>t tides reach are usually well roun led, but farther back are 
 still angular or suh-angnlar, Helween Huteliinson Hill and the sea, there is a con- 
 siderable width of rock strewn llat land resembling that ol the south-east side of Heef 
 Point, and coineidi g with the most important portion of tlie rookery. 
 
 'J"»7. On St.deorge's Island there are now live Teeognized rookery grounds, four 
 on the northern eoasi and one in /ipadnio May on the .■•ouihern cast : — 
 
 (i.) ZiijiiKhiir liookriji. -'\'lus hreeiMng iirmind is more or less perfectly divided 
 into two parts, tuie lot of seal- (H'cn|(ving a iou',',h Itnuldei llat iiinnediately back ni' tin' 
 beach, anotlier the slojie of a hill a little furiher lo llie sonili. 
 
 (ii.) ,^liii I ;! .lil'-i'l liook'i I!. The ground here o,'eupied hy the hreeding seals is a 
 particularly steep slope, which laces to the eastvanl and is broken olf at one side, to the 
 north, by the shore clitf, which prevents the seals when they lanti from reaching the 
 breetling j;rounds directly. 
 
 (iii.) North Rookeri/. — This is the most important breeding ground on St. George 
 
 'i 
 
 p f 
 
w 
 
 i-. •' 
 
 4^ 
 
 Tslund, and iircgularh occupies nearly a mile of tlic shore. It is supposed to contain 
 about half the entire numl)er nf seals resorting to this island. The shore is here 
 characterized by low irregular olirt's, with ooonsional breaks which afford nccess to the 
 low plateau above. Most of the breeding seals are, h»>\Ncver, strung along not far from 
 the sea, and gather into larger groups wlicrever the width of the lower rocliy shore is 
 greatest. 
 
 (iv.) Little Eastern Ranker]! is comparatively small, and occupies a piece of .shore 
 not unlike that of many parts of North llookery. 
 
 (v.) Grent F4(ist<'r» Rookrrii. — This rookery sj)roads at its western end part-way up 
 the slopes of a steep and somewhat rocky hill, while its eastern end runs along the base 
 of the rather high cliff's, on a very rough and rocky beach forming tliere a narrow 
 strip just above tlie wash of the sea. 
 
 258. An examination of the various rookeries on the I'ribylod' Islands alone, is 
 sufficient to show that tiie seals are by no means exacting in regard to the jjreciso 
 character of the ground occupied. They do not require a southern or a northern aspect, 
 and the statement that tliey land naturally upon the first part of the coast reached on 
 their course from south to north is contradicted by the position of most of the rookeries 
 of St. George Island. Nor do they appear (o seek specially either sheltered or exposed 
 situations, though most of the rookery sites are of the latter character. Their breeding 
 ground may be nearly Hat, or very steeply inclined, and on it they may bo exposeil to the 
 driving spray from the waves or removed to some distance irom the sea and at some 
 height above it. The feature most peculiar to the rookery grounds, and common to 
 most of them, is the profusion of detached anijular masses of rock, which depe»uls upon 
 the case with which the basaltic rocks of the I'ribyloU" Islands break up into such blocks 
 under the local climatic influences. But this cannot be assumed to be an essential 
 requirement of the seals, for Ihey arc found to be e(iually at home on beds of well wnter- 
 woin boulders and on flats and slojjes locally free from stones or rocky jjrojections. 
 
 i?;V.). Most of the rookeries on the I'ribylotf Islands are characterized by extensive 
 ol'i-lyiug beds of kelp, which indicates a gradually hlielving rocky bottom, and implies 
 that any very heavy sea will be broken and reduced in force before it actually falls upon 
 tlic land. This may be a desideratum, but is not a necessity, as some examples show, 
 and tlie kelp-beds are by no means confined to those parts of the shores adjacent to the 
 rookeries. 
 
 L'GO. It appears possible to mention only two conditions which have been avoided 
 by the seals in the choice of their rookery grounds : these are mud and loose sand. On 
 muddy ground the fur is doubtless apt to become uncomfortably clotted, and the sand 
 if driven by the wind or splashed aliout by rain is probably also irritating to them. 
 Shirting s;indy ground besides renders the always clumsy locomotion of the seal when 
 upcm tiie land additionally difiicidt ; but it may be noted that sandy beaches appear to 
 be well liktd by the seals when the^ iiaul out temporarily, and are not actually estaldishcd 
 for bicedii g purposes. On most of the rookeiy grounds, away froui the actual beach, 
 the character of the soil is such that it becomes l)caten down between the projecting 
 rocks into a bard and nearly smooth floor, a circumstance which depends in i)art on the 
 incorporation with it from year to year of the felted hair hIucIi is shed by the seals 
 themselves during the stagey season. 
 
 2(51. IJehring and Copper Islands, forming the Commander group, iliffer very 
 considerably in pliysical aspect from the Pribyloff Islands, though like them they arc 
 entirely destitute of either arboreal or shrubby growth, and are largely covered by 
 grasses. These two islands form parallel elevations running in north-west Ity south-east 
 hearings, and separated by a least distance of lMI miles. Copper Island, which is 
 furthest t«) the eastward, is separated by lUO miles of ocean from Attu Island, the 
 westernmost of the Aleutian chain, lieiiring Island is again removed by a distance of 
 9.J miles from the nearest part of Kamtschatka, and though the high volcanic mountains 
 of the peninsula may in clear weather be seen from the island, the latter is probably 
 never under any circumstances visible from the mainland. It is, nevertheless, rather 
 remarkable that the islands of this grouj) had never been inhabited by man until their 
 disc( very and occupation by the liussians in fTll, as tiie distance from the mainland is 
 not so consiileralile as in itsidf to afford a com|ileteIy satislactory explanation. 
 
 2ttL'. liehring Island is about 50 miles in extreme length, with n width of nearly 
 20 miles at its northern and widest end. From this it lapers gnidnally but irregularly to 
 Cape Manili, its south-eastern extremity. The northern half of the island is low, with a 
 rolling or nearly flat surface, much of which is described as consisting of " tundra" land. 
 It includes one large lake, which discharges on the northern shore. Tiie southern half 
 is higher, aud appears, as seen from the sea, to consist of a mass of rounded hills of 
 
47 
 
 !ctin{r 
 
 very 
 icy arc 
 
 •a by 
 
 i-cast 
 )i<;h is 
 
 , the 
 nice of 
 intnins 
 
 bttbly 
 rather 
 1 their 
 and i3 
 
 nearly 
 ally to 
 with a 
 ' land, 
 rn halt' 
 liils of 
 
 heights vnryinpf from several hundred to pcrhapH 1,000 feet. 'I'he uhores of the higher 
 part of the island are very generally hcrdered hy el ill's or strop searped rocks, with 
 narrow V-shaped valleys breaking through thcin to the sea. The greater jwirt of the 
 island is t'omposed, so far as examined, and also on the authority of M. Grebnitsky, of 
 well Btratifled Tertiary rocks, generally shales and sandstones, hut basalts and volcanic 
 hreeciag appear upon sonic iiarts of the coast, and generally from the projecting reefs 
 and rocks. Thcj are no harbours, but a fair anchorage with oll-sliore winds may ho 
 found at Nikolski, the only permanent settlement, situated on the west coast of the 
 island^ aitout 10 miles from its north end. 
 
 209. f'opjicr or Mediii Island is about 30 miles in length, with a greatest width 
 of about Ti miles to the south of tlie middle of the island. It is a partially submerged 
 mountainous ridge, much higher and holder than Behring Island, and apparently almost 
 wholly composed of volcanic rocks, which are not, however, modern, like those of many 
 jiarts of the Aleutian Islands, but probably of Tertiary age. Its surface is exceed, 
 ingly irregular and comprises very little Hat land of any kiiwl, while the shore is often 
 bordered by bold and rugged sea cliffs, particularly along the south-eastern side. The 
 sliore-line of this side is sinuous, but that of the north-east side is broken, and comprises 
 Kcveral considerable bays, but no good harbours for large vessels. Tlu-re are three small 
 settlements on the coast : (Jlinka, Karcbelny, and Preobajenski, the last-named being 
 the most northern, and the only one continuously occupied at other seasons than the time 
 of sealing. The highest parts of Copper Island probably attain an elevation of 
 »,000 feet. 
 
 201. Along the shores of both of these islands there are extensive fields of kelp, 
 hut these are not more notable than those to be found in similar situations in tiio 
 Aleutian, Pribyloiti and other islands of the southern part of Ueliring Sea or along 
 the Alaskan and Ibitish Columbian coasts, — a fact which is perhaps worthy of note in 
 connection with Matements which have been made as to the pcndiar suitability of these 
 islands to the graminivorous and now extinct llhytina, as well as from its possil)K' bearings 
 on the habitats of tiie fiir-scal. 
 
 20O. Upon Ikdiiing Island the fur-seals are killed in the immediate vicinity of 
 the two rookeries, where salt-houses are established. On Copper Island, the rookeries, 
 situated on the south-west coast, are classitied under two groups, from one of which the 
 seals are driven across to Karebelny and from the other to (llinka for slaughter, this 
 being supposed to be necessary owing to the rough character of the coast where they are 
 actually situated. 
 
 20(5. Further evidence of the adai)tability of the seals to circumstances is found in 
 comparing the ])hysical character of the rookeries on the Commander Islands with those 
 of the I'ribyloff Islands. On Beliring Island, the North Rookery, situated at Vusliin 
 Point, towards the western part of (he north coast of the island, is the largest. It 
 occupies a flat stretch of rocky reef, which runs seawanl in a triangular form, with its 
 wide base against the land and a length if ab(mt a quarter of a mile. The surface of the 
 reef is irregular, and mucli of it stands above high-water mark, though in heavy gales 
 few parts of it can escape the more or less direct wash of the surf. To the west of the 
 reef projier, and connected with it, is a wide dry beach or bar of sand, which is also 
 occupied I)y s, als, but chieHy by holluschickie or bachelors. On tli3 landward side, 
 the reef is overlooked by low rocky banks overgrown by rank grasses and weeds, and 
 between these and the reef proper are some small irregular grassy Hats and pools of salt 
 water. Here the seals never go, thotigh there is no apparent reason why this upper 
 l)!ateau might not he used as a iianl.ng-gromid or " jiarade," which would ivseiiiljlo 
 several of those adjacent to rookeries on the Pribyloff Islands. 
 
 267. The South Rookery ou neliriug Island, situated at Pohidenni Point, on the 
 south-west side of the island and about midway in its length, was not visited by us. It 
 is, however, much suuiller than the last, and is described as presenting very similar 
 diaiacters. In both cases there is ample room for expansion of the rookery ground 
 without breaking its continuity. 
 
 208. On Copper Island, the ciicumstances are again quite different. The rookeries 
 and hauling-grounds are here scaitered ahuig abcmt lo miles of the south-east coast, 
 extending from about the middle of the islau.l to its southern end. All the rookeries are 
 small; and though distingui'^hed by various local names they are not well defined, but 
 are connicted by irregular scattereil i^tlonies of breeding seals strung aliuig the narrower 
 and less favourable parts of the shore. The whole shore is bordered by high irregular 
 cliffs, here and there broken by ravines, or by more moderate though always steep and 
 rough rocky and grassy slopes. Plat rocky reef's run out irregularly from the shore 
 below, with abundance of rocks awash and large fields of kelp. Opposite the breaks iu 
 
 ' 
 
 ' 
 
m 
 
 
 ■18 
 
 tlic c'litt's are liouMor^' or ftinvcll}' bays, ami liotli lliosi! mul tliu larp;er arottH of reef arc 
 iireniilnrlv oiriipied l).v iUv hcals. At I'alata Point, near the soiitlieni oxtreiiiity of tlio 
 islaial, tlu' hoals oi'cupy a >tii'|) slope of earthy appciiraiiee, whicli they iiavo compK'tely 
 bari'il of vouelaiion to a tlistanco estimate*! at \M to 200 yards back from the sliore, 
 and a lieiglil of, 8iiy, -00 feit. This rookery in its general charaeter more ehmcly 
 resembles Starry Arlei I than any other of the Pribyloff Islands. It is distinctively ii 
 hroo<ling rookery, as no liolliiseliickie, it is said, ever liaul out near it. 
 
 2U!t. On Copper Island, however, as on |iehrin<>' Island, M. Tillman, the Superin- 
 tendent in ehiir^e for tlie K'nssian CJovernment, utales that even when the seals were 
 nime abundant than in 1H{;1, there has never been am liiek of room for expansion of the 
 rookeries and haulin;^' gronnils, and that there are nniny other localities in all respcets 
 e(pially -.veil suited ftn" ocenpation by the seaU, thou<>'h the-o usually oeenpy the same or 
 nearly the same slutions year alter year. U is tluis evident »m the Commander as on 
 the I'ribylolf Islands, that no very special or peculiar physical features are required to 
 render certain spots suitable as the breedinj;' resorts of tin? fur-seal. It is necessnry to 
 emphasis'e this |)oint, as the (|ueslion has been obscured l)y a tendency to surround it 
 willi a certain mystery, and to afliinj tinit certain spots, and those alone, are available 
 as rookery grounds. 
 
 270. The fact remains to be explained, however, that the breedinf>; seals actually do 
 resort with }i;reat persistency to the varinus recofjnized rookeries, cnngrej^atin;; in these 
 spots and leavinj,' other noi<«libonrinjj; parts of the shores of the biectlin<>- islands un- 
 tenanted. '! lu re is indeed some evidence to show that the s.Mn;- old bulls or " beaeh- 
 niaslers " IVoni year to year occupy the same places, and it is (|inle probable that the 
 instinct which induces many animals to return to the same |)lace in sueceedinj;' seasons, 
 may iiilluence the fur-seal. There is, however, another and very obvious practical cause 
 for the rcoecnpatioii of old r.iokery }>ri.nnds. As a rule, these extend some distance 
 beyond tiie reach of the sea, and are there by the <di!tiiinous presence arid movement of 
 the seals not only bared of vc'^etation, but beaten down into smooth and hard Hats and 
 slopes, and thererore constitute as lonj,' as they are occujjied each year, and from this 
 very cans-e, the places most c(ni;;enial to tlie seals. The fact that the first of the 
 seals to arrive in the sprin<>, coast alon/i' the shores and land lor a time in a timid and 
 tentative way only, shows that they are in search either of their old breediufj stations or 
 of suitable new ones, and there can be; no doubt that they are larf;ely jiuided in their 
 choice by the very manifest traces of former occupation by their species whicli the 
 rookery sites ])rcsenf. 
 
 271. Not tlie least evident of these sijjns is the peculiar and very distinct otiour of 
 the rookviy grounds. It is certain that the sense of smell is nioie trusted in by the 
 fur-seal as an indication of (lan<{er than either that of si^ht or hearinu (the eye and 
 I'.ossibly the ear also beinir iirobably adapted rather to n^e in the water than in the air) and 
 it is muri' than likely employed in reli)catiii<^ the (dd iireediiia- ••roiiiids in each succeedinjif 
 year. This is the opinion of the natives, wlio have liad ll;e Iie>t o|)p()rtunities for 
 observation, and is borne out by many other i'acts, some ot wiiich arc elsewhere alliuled to 
 Ml tliis report. 
 
 27-. The rensunalih; connideiali-n of this subject las been smncwliat (d)>trucled by 
 the assum|itii n of an entirely nnwarianted lisity in the p i^ition and area of the unround 
 occupied taeli year by tl:o Ineedinir and non-breeilin<^ seals of each rookery site. For 
 the very reason, aiii)arently. tiiat such lixity is ml found in n iliue, it appeals to the 
 im.'i<iination ot writers of a certain class. While it may tlicreiore be admitted tiiMt the 
 several rookeries have on the wlnde a n(>tal.!e de;;ree of permanency, this undoubtedly 
 aiises from their cinitiriiied ocenpation each year, rather than from any pecidiar physical 
 conditions in the places chosen ; and while the animals are cKarly aver-e to sudden 
 change, the boundaries oi individual rookeriis wlicii not natnrally limited, evidently from 
 year to year increase in one direction and diminish in anotiier, in conse(inence of 
 eircnmslaiices which may at tirst be accidental; hut which arc ac(|uiesced in Ity the seals 
 and reptlered i( i a tinu; peiiiiairi.l 'i'iii- i> pai licnla.'ly the case with (he hanling- 
 groiiiids or resorts o\' the holliischickie. whicli hani;' jibout the Imrdeis ol' the hreedinj; 
 rookerii-s jiroper. an I thus in the conr.se of years, a ver\ con-iderahle area of ground in 
 any particular lucality may come to I'car tr.-ue^ in j-uhslieii mck surfaces and otherwise, 
 of the presence id" seals, in ciinsL',[neiice of llie natural ox-illations of the whole body ot 
 animals wi.icli have occuireii in ti.e course of many i;eneialions of seal .il'e. 
 
 27?). It is nni'ortunate that no such precise ov consecutive oh.servation8 have been 
 made, with the aid of plans, measurements, and lived marks, as to enable the changes 
 in rookery- and hauling-gromuls to be followed out from year to year, either on the 
 J'ribylotror L'oinnmnder Islands. It will be snilieient, however, to refer to a few knotvi) 
 
fiicts wliich nre in(ici)t>mlvnl of very cIomu ohscrvalion, Uiit buaron thu pnint in diM-iissioii 
 One of (lieHe in the rcuiarkalilc ditiercnccs notcil in varionn years l>et\vcon tin* rclativu 
 proportion of Hcnl»4 visitinu: tiic two iHliinds, St. I'luil unil St. (leorfje. Tlicso iirc ri-'fLTioil 
 to in connc'clirm witit tlio liistorical notes on tiiose iHlands. Ot' the sanu> purpart is the 
 fact tliat two rookeriei) existed within liisloric;il times at a place culled Maroonileli, on 
 the north coast of St. Puul, which even niainttiiiied their position in a reduced form in 
 tiie HCiiHon of preat scarcity of seals in I8;)lj, hut which have since ahsolutely disappeiuvd, 
 thoiin'ii there is no reason to siippo:ie that they w«'ie at any time heavily drawn npon. if 
 at all distuihed by nnm. Klliott status that in IH7J 7-t, when at the promptiii<; of the 
 niitivcs he examined this shore, he wns still ahle lo trace the old limits of these rookv'ries 
 tiderahly well hy the polished edfjes of the roci-;s.'' Another, though never larj^e, rookery, 
 named Nah-speel, situated near the villaj;e on SI, I'aul Island, has ht-eome exlinet more 
 recently; while as a fact, in the opposite dire'lion, the formation of tlie l.n;;oon 
 Hookery within the memory of iiali\es still livinj;' may he eiled.f 
 
 271. St. (Jeoige If^lam' a;>'ain, the natives assert, wiis in early Russian liini;s, 
 entirely peopled '>y sea-liouN. and the fur-seal hef^an to ficcpient it oidy in later years. 
 Thouj;h more douhtful than the other cited instance-, there appears to he some reason 
 to helievc that there is a hasis of fact in this statement i.'so.J 
 
 2 r». An exaii'inalioii of the shores of the Prihylolf I dands, .shows that >latem nts 
 which have oirasitinally been nu»de, to the effect that all jriound available for the 
 purpocs of seal life has been fully occupied within historic 'ini , are incorrect, and that 
 the most extended limits of even temporary occupation indicated by any marks still 
 rcmaininu, do not prove that the area available and suitatde for breodini; rookeries and 
 hauliiij; uronnds has ever been occupied up to its full capacity. From this it follows, 
 tliat even if restricted for breedinn purposes lo these particular inlands, the fur-seal has 
 never rciielied it.s natural liinil in nnnd)ers in consecinetice of a want of space for breedinj; 
 i>romid but only as the result of oilier eauses. 
 
 27''>. As a fnrlher result of the examii.ation of the physical gharacteristics of the 
 rctokery j-iounds. it may lie staleil lliat tlu; necessary conditions, and even the niost 
 favourable condili«)!is, are by no means condneil (o the l*rii)vloli' and Commander 
 Ir-lands, wide rru'ky beaeiies overlooked by sea-elills, and with ail tiie cliaracteristics of 
 those of t'opper Island, aie found on many of the islands of the Aleutian ch;iin. and 
 tiiouijii low plateaux borcleriij"' the shores, or gentle slopes rising fronj the beat-hes are 
 not so common, there are jdenty of them to be found in ditferent parts of this great 
 series of i-lands. somi! of wiiich, as for instance the Semitchi I -lands, almost precisely 
 resemble St. I'aul in physical characters. Again, on St. Matmew and Hall Islands, 
 localities well suited ior breeding places of the fur-seal occur, but as already indicated, 
 the inhabited character of the Aleuiian chain, and the long oiitinuance of ice al)out the 
 St. Matthew Islands probaldy explain the «l)sence of rookeries in these places. 
 
 [D.) - All II mi I l'ro(jiin.s uf Kveiits in Sent Life on the lireedina Isltinfls. 
 
 277. In order to follow oui the various (piestion-s connected with the life history of 
 the fur-seal, it is necessary to bear in mind the main points involved in that important 
 part of eacl» year il tiring which it resorts to the breeding is' puis. A sunuuary of the 
 facts in this connection will be given here. 
 
 So far as regards tli • Pribylolf Islands, the fidlesl ib'lails under this head nniy l)e 
 found in tiie works of several writers, particularly in tho--.' of liryant, lOlliott, antl 
 .Maynard. There is very little room for dillerenoe of opinion as to the main ficts, and 
 most of the points in winch divergence is tound may be explained by the tendency to 
 "ive too rigid dales and too precise an aspect to the various events and changes ; or to 
 the circumstance that with the growing depletion of nuiles upon the islands and its 
 attendaV results, the dates and habits formerly observed i)y the seals have also, to 
 some extent, (changed from year to ^ear. It will be sutfieieiit to give a general and very 
 brief resume of the principal events of the breeding season based chielly on the conii)ined 
 (dihcrvations of the writers above cited, aiid alterwards to refer in Noinewliat greater 
 detail to a few important points connected with these and with the general organization 
 of seal life on the islands. 
 
 278. The first seals to arrive at the islands in spring are the full-grown males or 
 
 ♦ I'liiiod Sl;it' -' Ci'MsiiM Ri'|Mirl, |i|i. 49, .V).' f Iliii , p ,S.>. 
 
 J: Uiiitdl ;-tutrs' ('('II6I1S Iti'jiort. |i. bH. U'la'ii l,.ulku visiteil !iii< iaIaiiiU in 1827, ubiiiit I.OUU itcu-lioiis wure 
 kiiiutt t'iicli year i)ii St. George, and HH) »r 400 uii Si. I'uiii ; iiiil tui-M.il» were uUo aiiiiiKlitot ua biitli. 
 '• Vojayr Auioiii ilu "'loiiJe, ' loiiie i, p. U6.i. 
 
 [}m] H 2 
 
vn 
 
 if''' 
 I . . 
 
 ■" ,1; 
 
 "bulls "of aliout Mix vonrH oI»1 nni\ npwnnlH. A fVw Hlrnp;p;lcrH sometimes reach tlio 
 i>liimlK iiH carl> lis tlic middlu of April, itiid from about tlic iHt May to the 10th or 
 loib .Time they oonliiuie lo arrive, but in much Inr^cr nnmbors townnlH tbo latter part of 
 this period. On arrivnl, these I'nll-prown males, jjoiiernlly Iviiown as " heachmasters," 
 or " heccatohie," talic up stations on the oM rookery jjroimds to awail tlie coming of tlic 
 females. 
 
 With the main body of full-grown bulisi a large proportion of the "bachelors," or 
 younger males, also appear. 
 
 irTIX The time of arrival and landing of th ' giiivid females appears to depend 
 directly on the approaching close of their period of gO'tnfion. A few usually land as 
 early ns the Ist .lune, but it is, under normal ciicuinst;\iices, between the middle of dune 
 and the middle of .July tlat the great body of leiiKiles ('(iim' iisbcire, and at or about the 
 hame lime most of the yearlings of both sexes, or sueh of thcin as it sort to the islamls, 
 also generally arrive, though it appears that in some yea n, al least, the main body of 
 »<eals of this class lands somewhat later. 
 
 On landing, the f"inales, or "cows," are taken possession of by tbo old bulls, and 
 very soon after landing the young are born. Within a few days the females are again 
 in heat and under normal eircnmstanees, with an adequate supply of virile males, the 
 female is at once served. 
 
 The landing of gravid females dues not usually cease till about the tdOth or 
 25tli .July, and in certain years has been continued much later by females which have 
 evidently been served unusually late in the previous season. 
 
 280. All this time the bulls jealously keep the females they have .-.(.cured within the 
 boundaries of their particular liarems, but about the end of July, or early in August, 
 the breeding rookeries begin to lose their compact oharnctcr. The beach-masters, or 
 many of them, return to the sea, or haul out here or there on the beaches, while younger 
 males crowd upon the rookeries, :iii<l tin- IVniales continue going and coming between the 
 sea and their young .on shore. I'et'r.- the middle of August a large proportion of the 
 females arc at all times to bo found swimming and disporting themselves in the water close 
 to the rookery ground, and the young collect in niasse:^ along the edges of the shore and 
 rocks, from which they n)ake sliort (>M'ur»ions into the sea. 
 
 281. About the middle of Augn-(. most of the seals found upon the Pribyloff Islands 
 become what is known as "stagey," in consequence of the shedding of the hair and 
 under-fur. This condition appears to continue, n;oro or less definitely, for about si.\ 
 weeks. The fact, elsewhere mentioned, that practicnlly no "stagey" skins are ever 
 taken at sea, appears not only to show that the change in pelngo is rendered definite and 
 well marked by prolonged resort to the land, but also that diu'ing this period the seals 
 frequenting the islands do not go to any great di>tance from their shores. 
 
 282. In October the seals begin generally to leave the islamls, the cddest and 
 strongest being the first to go. Nearly all tlie bacheli)rs, or holluschickie, have left 
 before the 10th November, and before the end of tliat month all the pups of the year, 
 which have now changed the first black coat for a grey one, also go. A very few seals, 
 however, generally linger on into December, and in excei»lional years have been known 
 to stay on into .lanuaiy and even into February. 
 
 283. The seals resorting to the Commander Islands, which belong, at le.ist in the 
 main, to a different migration-area, and rench the islands from the south-westward, are 
 thought by those acquainted v.itli both tluse and the Pribyloff Islands to be somewhat 
 later in the date of their arrival than those of the latter islnndn. It is stated that here 
 as on the Pribyloff I.«lands the seals have been hvvv than usual in coming in recent 
 years. In 1891, we found the "stagey" season w.is jn^t beginning on the Commander 
 Islands (m the 1st September. The first killing of seals took i)!ace on Copper Island in 
 the same year on the 22nd June. Oenerally speaking, some seals can le found to kill on 
 this island (in which the dates are slightly in advance «>f those in Uel-ring Lsland) as 
 carlv as the 1st June. 
 
 t. 
 I* 
 
 (R.)—/tges (it vhich Males reach Virility, and the Fi'mules /irodticc Youiif/. 
 
 284. The ages at which the male and female seals respectively reach maturity and 
 become able to take part in the procreation of their species, as well as the number of 
 years during which tlie male remains virile and the female fertile, are questions of very 
 practical importance from two points of view. In the first place, they enable us to mice 
 out the effect of the killing of seals of special ages or .se.ves at certain times, and, in the 
 second, to estimate the time necessary for any improvement in numbers to follow from 
 the sparing of the younger seals on the rookeries. 
 
61 
 
 2^ff. Voninminov nrrivod nt tlic eoncliision <liftt tho femnh' gives hirtli lo its first 
 )(iiiii;( ill ilH fii'tli yvar, niid Imses n Honu'wliat intiicntc nnd ingcniniiH sericH of rnlculations 
 I'lirtl^v on tliJH Hii|)|i<iNitini),* luil (iiv)c is iitiw n verv ^•^enornl coiiscnsiiH of o|>iiiioii nmonf; 
 llioM- «lio liiivo ^iiiilic'il lliin (|iU's(ioii on (lie I'lilMfofl' iNlniuU to tLccfloi'ttliat tlie fomnloH 
 nil' c'oviMTil at t)r vliorlly iif'tci tlio expiiy of tlie socomi yeiir from the tiiiie of thoir hirth, 
 and bear >oiin;;; in lli<> third ynxr from lliat lime or early in tlie fourth year of their age. 
 Tho Knme opinion wax found to lie hold upon the Comnmnder Ishinds, nnd there is every 
 rcation to lieliovc tliat it is csMriitially corrrct. 
 
 1.'80. Dotli nuiK H and fi'inalcs have tho iHlaii(l>t nl the close of the season in which 
 (liiy arc lioin us " ^roy pups," tho soxos lieing nndiHtinviiishnhlo to nil outward 
 appiaiaiifo. In tlio follow in<j HOiiMon tlioy aro classed as yoailin;;s, nnd ii is prolmbio 
 that a lar^'o proportion of these cither do not land upon tiie islands nt all or stay only for 
 a shoit tinio on slioro. Snoli of tho yonrlinys as are found upon the islnnds, however, 
 both males and fonialos, consort with the liolhiscliickio or hncholors. 
 
 'JHT. I( appears, fiirlhci-. to lio eoitain that the males arrive at virility in their fourth 
 \oiir, and liotweon this tinio and tl at in vNhieli they attain their full strength nnd sixo 
 and are able to niainlaiii ilioir placos on the breeding rookery, when six or seven years 
 old, they aro i ften spoken of as '■ half-bulls" or " reserves." They nctunlly serve in the 
 latter capacity, nnd cover many of the females whioh escape the attentions of the older 
 miles niion the rookery «jronnds, at'd in such cnscs the act of coition is usually 
 aecomplislu'd at sea. 
 
 :.'8?'. While the ))o;nts just referred to may be supposed to have been nscertnincd 
 with inodeiate certainty, nolbinji is cert.iiiily known ns to the maximum ages attained by 
 seals of tho two sexes respectively, and very little as to the total nundier of young which 
 a female niiiy hour dnrint; the continuance of her fertility, or the number of years during 
 which the male retains his virility. Kd'ott eoiijectuies that the females may live 
 to an ape of 18 or L'O years. Bryniit gives his reasons for supposing that 12 
 years is about the nverajic attained by the males.t Veniaininov thought that tho 
 females in their j.rimo bring forth every year, and ns they grow older, every second year. 
 He states that, uceording to persons faniili.ir with them, each fomale may produce in the 
 couiso of her life ten or lifteeii young or ( ven niore.| lie admits, however, tln.t this is 
 very uncertain, and tho whole sulijoet is, in Itut, bosot with almost insuperable dillioullios. 
 All that is certain is that both males aud tonales continue to perform their functions ns 
 hreetlors lor a '•onsideiabic number of years. 
 
 I'l?'.!. I'Voni "lint Ins boon said as to tho iiunibtr of years recpiircd by the respective 
 sexes to reneb matniily, il follows that any great loss of young in the year of their birth 
 mil oiily heiiin to lu.dvo itself apitaivnt on the rookeries, in the case of females, after the 
 iap-o (if thue years, and in the ease of males after five or six years. Thus in the event 
 of the killing of all or nearly all the ycnng males of a certain age, in any one year or 
 series of years, a void ot smaller or larger dimensions is created in the supply of full- 
 nro»n innlis for the mokery {.rounds, wbieli can only i)e ]iariially bridged by the 
 ennlinuance oi, the rnokcrios of llicoldorand eiifeeldcd males, which have passed thoir 
 lattiral leriii (f retiren out. If sneli killing is mainiained trom year to year, the 
 ditiriiiiali(tn in the supply of \iiilo males for the re(|uiroiiient«i of the females, though 
 slow and spread (-vor sivoial or many years, must bo continnons. Moreover, the loweiing 
 (if (lie staiidard wciglit of skins which has actually occurred in late yoins on the I'ribylolf 
 Islands, because of the scarcity oi' males of !l or 4 years of age and which peiinils 
 the killing to eml»race those of ii years old and !.von yoarlings, "s the most eti'eetual 
 inetliid jatssiiilo cd' cutting oil' the supply ot virile nudes at the founiain head, and 
 of enlarging the void in male seal liic to alarming proportions. 
 
 I'yo. Details id" this kind, with their observed etfects on seal life, are cited in 
 abstract in the historical notes elsewhere given (vj >-10 rt se</.), but it is impos.sible lo 
 a(le(piately represent in Mimmarized form the whole of the facts bearing on this point, 
 (.'aptain lirynnt's observations, as quoted by Allen, should be referred to.§ 
 
 2!)1. The diininiition which has culminated in late years on the I'ribylott Islands 
 recalls tho criticism made by Lutke, when ho visited these islands in 1827. Lutke 
 writes : — 
 
 " La prijcaution de suparer les gros niAles tl'avec ecux qui doivent elre tuc's, est 
 m'ce-saire pour entritonir la multiplication; niais ccttc precaution cst-clle sutlisante 
 pour cela r 8i tons ks jeunes sont exlermines, d'ou sortiront a la tin le.s gros niAles? 
 
 • <iiH)k<i liy Ivliidtl in I'liitid .Si itri' ('cii^iis llf|iort, Ji HI el teg. 
 
 t " .Muiiu^rapli cil Noitli Aiiicriiftii l'iiir.i|iuJ8," |>> Wl. 
 
 X Uiinti'd liy Klilolt ill United Sliito' (.'insus Re|)ort, p. 141. 
 
 I " .Mon(>grupli of Xortli American l'iiini|i«d»," p. <i98 «(««/. 
 
 t 
 
liOs cljasseiirs cxiit'riiiioiitO.s out oIksitvc ([Hu los ours mariiis viveiit «le (|iiinze a viiijul 
 ans ; il on rt'sultc (jii'iivcc cctle uit'tlxxle dtiiis viiigt aiis il m- duii plus rcstcr iin 
 hcul."» 
 
 (F.) — liv)m'h>ilp inoporlions of Hcxi's. 
 
 202. Tliough cacli I'ull-growii male or •' soacatpli " lioldiiifj liis \)\m'o on the 
 rookery j>roun(l endeavours to olitaiu and keep almut him as many females ns possiide, 
 there is a limit to the number whieh may he adviinlayeously iuld l»y a sinulo male, and 
 when adult nudes are found in ahundiinee, it is not easy to pass this normal limit ; hut, 
 on the other haiid, when, in eonsecpienee «if a piaoily of adult males in proportion to 
 I'emnlos, the harems become too lariie, the fi males are irreuularly served, servctl too late 
 in the .season, or, in .some e:i>es. may allo^^ellier escape ellicient sirviee, uilh resulliiiy; 
 irre.'jularities in times of hirth of youn<^ in the next year, or an addition to the iiumher of 
 Imrrcn fenirdes. 
 
 '2U:\. The proper proportion of adidi males (o feninles eannot bj asecrtained by 
 inspection of the Piibylnll' rookeries as t!iiy are at present, i)eeause of the obvious and 
 ;;eneraliy aeknowledj;ed deticieney of virile male-; ; hut in the earlier years of the 
 coiitr<d of these isluids by the Tuited Slates, Uryant estimated the existing: proportion 
 an about one male to fifteen fenis'vs, or, as iiulieated by other stiitemenls by llie same 
 writer, ns one to nine or twelve f IClliott. a few years laler. and sul!se(pient to the 
 date of certain ebanffcs in or;>ani/.ati()n <d' the seals deseribeil by Brya.it, writes: -'• I 
 found it an exccedinj>;ly ditticidt mutter to satisfy myself as to a fair f;ener;d averaj>e 
 number of cows to oaeb bull on tic rookery ; l»ut, after protracted study, I think it 
 will be nearly correct when 1 assign to eaeii male ii j^eneral ratio of from fifteen to 
 twenty feuiides at the stations nearest the water, and I'loni there hack in order from 
 that line to the rear from five to twelve." j M. (Jrebnitsky, Superintendent (d" the 
 Oonnnander Islands, as the result of his |ir(doi;ii;od experience, states that the proportion 
 of one adult male to ten i'eu'.ales should not, as a rule, be overpassed, and that one to 
 twenty may be con->idered as a miximmn linnt Captain lilair, lon^- familiar with the 
 fur-seals <'f the Asiatic coa.>-l. inlor.Med us, in speakinj;' of Ifubb'.'n fslaml, that the 
 nuiid»er of males nmv exi>tini'; there, vi/. , one iuln't nude to twenty-live females, was far 
 too small. liiciitenaut .MaynarJ, ai^ain, sa\s : '•The ledls jui' jiolyi;an,oiis, havim;- from 
 five to twenty cows each ; m) t!:at the nnnd)er of them npo.i (he rookeries is not more 
 than on-'-tenth of that o! the eows.^ 
 
 J!)}, It may thus lie very saiely assumed that the ratio of virile males of full a;;e. 
 cannot be allowed to exceed llic proportion of one to twenty, without serious danyer ot 
 baim to the breediui;' rookeries, and the certainty of j^rave irregularities (Ui liiem; and 
 it is neee.s>ary to hear this fact in mind in endeavouiinn' to api)reciate the meaning' cd' 
 llie present condition of the rookeries of the I'ribylolf Islands, where, as elsewhere 
 pointed out, these conditions have, for a nuudier of years, not been realized. 
 
 {(i.)—Voillo,i. 
 
 20'>. An erroneous statement concern iny,' the manner (d" life (d" the fur-scal, which 
 lis important bearin;;s in v.iri'ais «ays. but winch has naturally arisen and lias been as 
 n,.turally maintained in consiipie.ice of the too exclu-ive atlcniion paid bv nio-l wiilers 
 on this subject to the bivedinj;' islauils, is that the fecundation of the female is. and ca'i 
 only he, accomplislied on shore. Bryant has, however, di-liiictly staleil tli.it e >pul.iliou 
 very often occurs in the uater, and in the d seription of sea! life prepaml by jdin for 
 I'rofessor Allen, he adds: '• Wlu-n there \\,is a full apply of hreedini; nwi'es copidation 
 occurred nniiuly on the breedinj; /irounds, the half-bulls (or reserves) parlicipatin.',' to 
 only a lindted extent, and was raiely ^-een to occur in the water, Since \'*'!i, owin:,^ to 
 the <lecrease in tlie nund)er of breedmi;- mah s. a much haruer |iropor(icin of the f-males 
 receive the males in the water, si Muit «-n any still day alter the I'oth didv, bv takin.: a 
 canoe nml ;;oin'i a little oil shore, consideiahlc nnniber-^ n>ay be seen pairing' a.tl I'adilv 
 approached so near as to be l\\\U ob-erved. In iinotlier p'ace In.' same ^entlennin is 
 
 • I.Miki' " Viiy,i5(> imto'ir ilii MiiipIi'," iiimc i, ji. '.'(il. 
 
 •f " .\li)iic>niM|ili of N-.iili .ViiU'ii 111 l'iiiiii|i(Ml!<." |>j), 'M.'i, ;p!»0, 
 
 * I'liilrcl Jsiiili's' (N'liiim !ti'|iorl. p. .'Mi. 
 
 ^ Miiyiianl's ll('|,cirl, \'.x. Die. No. 1 1, ■tUii ('oiiiir(«M, l>i ^^l'»sil)ll, p, ;i, 'I'lu'' |>ii>«.i,'',i« i« incdrivi'ili ciiiniiii 
 by Llliott ill lii« ^lMlsll^ Iti'ii-jrl, wl.i'ic .NlnMiiirJ is maiti' to >Uili' lliai llio mhU Imvc (Mfli I'imhi IwomIv t> 
 litty ciw^ 
 
 II SpiiiiIc, I'.x. Due. No. a-J, 41(1 Coiigrc!*, 2n.l Session, p. 3, " Monograph o! NiTili Aiiii'rii'an I'iiiiiii.i'd-,' 
 l.p. U8i, 405. 
 
53 
 
 even more picc'i>-o, \Milin;{' : " Owini; (o tlie ])osHi()n of tlic goiiitnl ;»rgnn.s, however, coilinn 
 on Iniul feenii-^iioi to lie tlic nnturnl nu'tlioti, iiiul only rarcl.v — |»crlinp-. in tliree cases out 
 ot ten— is liie a(ti'n>|it to »'()i)ulat(' inidi r sucli tircumstances eUejtuai.*' Mr W. il. Dall, 
 ;ii>j\in, in a nijuiiiscript mitc snpiilicd to Professor Allen, sav ■ : " 'riiey [the t'enialesl 
 ^leij) in tlie \\aler, lyin^' on the i sicks, with the two (iippers [of the npper -iile] ont of 
 the water, and n ceive the niiiie in the same position."* 
 
 :.'1(!. Spteial in(|uiiiis made hy ns on this parlieular snl)ject have fully oonlirn\ed 
 lh\>ant'> erijiiniil statements, the evidence ohtained ineludin;; that of fonr or fiv 
 licnllemeii who have had lonj;' expeiience with the I'riljylotl'nnd Commander Islands, ar.u 
 >e\eial inlelliui : I a'ld ul servant hunters who have heen enft \ged in sealing at sea. 
 
 2!t7. Tlie particidnr importance attnchin<<: to this snltjvct depends on the circum- 
 stance that the possihility of connection heinjj; accomplished at sea, and the greater 
 rie(|tiency of tliis hahit caused hy the dearth of ndjilt males on the rookeries, cnahles ns 
 lo e^pliiia in yivat nu a>ure the irri'<<uliirity, which has in late years much increased, of 
 llic date of hirlh of tl:e y.mn^-. It shows, in I'jict, that the time of impregnation of the 
 tenia le is not necissarily comprised witiiin the period during, which she seeks the shore 
 for tiie purpose of gi\iiig hiilh to the young. 
 
 ii 
 
 (H.) — .ti/r III wlildi llir Yoiinij Sirliii. — Xtimhrr of Young ill a IVnth, 
 
 L'DS. it has aht'ad_\ heen noted, tiiat evideh-' ■ such as to show that the young can 
 s\' ini tor a time at or iinniediiit'ly after hirlh, Jia ; heen ohtained from a nuinher ot 
 souices, thougli it is. at the same lime, imiirohalde that under any circumstances tiie 
 \(iiing is at !ii>l tilted to mainta'n its i-xist' nco for any length of tinu' in the ojien sra. 
 This i», hi'uevtr, not a matter of any gnat iuiportam-e. for it is evidently the normal 
 inctiioii I'M' the young to renuiin for some weeks ashore hefore venturing even to enter 
 tiie sea. 
 
 L'iMl. It, nevertheless, appears to lie quite possihle that, under exceptional cireum- 
 st)in'''s, the female miglit succeed in i earing her young while only occasionally resorting 
 to the land and while moving from jdace to phice. There is no rea.son to helieve that the 
 fin-seal is h ss adaptahle in thi^ respect than the hair seals, and of one of the latter 
 (I'liiiii illiiliiiii) I'rol'e.-sor Allen (|Uotes Mr. .hdin t'ardeauxto the following efleel -. " The 
 liiiiale has one youny; in the year; ami, as these hanks [upon which they hreedj are 
 ctivered at flood, the cult, when horn, must make an early acijuaintance with the water. "f 
 One of the antlnrs of this Ue|t()rt has, nnireover, seen the same species (ITtli.iune, 187S) 
 in ihe stiuti crn part of the (Jueen ( luulotte islands, hreetling upon tidal rocks, from 
 wliich, wlun iihiinutl, the mothers took to the sea, each carrying her young upon her 
 hack, tlie heaiis ot the mother and young seal coining to the surface simidtamoiisly at 
 cai'ii rise. Upon Imliiiu iiiuhority, tiie siune liahil l:as heen. as elsewhere noted, ohserved 
 in the cast' of the fui-eal. 
 
 .•'i()i\ 'Ihe dale at "iiich iIk' young ncn-mally hegin to ^wiin has, liowcver, like many 
 otlieis. heen given an ail"- lliir iindiie fi\ily and precision. Tliiis Mlliott states that hy 
 llie Sth or U>lh AiigU: i ll.e , 'i]i' lioin nearol lo the ualer liist hegin to learn to swim;;' 
 and Ihyant gives tiie J'lHi \ugu>t as ihc date at whicli lliey llist take to tlie water ;>; while 
 
 as (arlv 
 
 as tl 
 
 le :' 
 
 );.;i 
 
 !i duly, in |S*tl. gieal numlur-. of pups were actually ohserved hy us 
 to he swinnning along lie edges of the rnokery giuMnd^ and climhing in and out over the 
 rocks, and tiiis in sjiite of the fact that it is ai'knouleducd that the seaK now anive at liie 
 islands at dates late;' than they did in former years. On the i 1th Septemher two pups 
 were (ven seen swimming and alone at distances ol !0 an*l 70 miles respectively to the 
 we>t\\aril of the I'riliylofl 1-lands. 
 
 .".(II. .\s a rule, hut a single pup is produced al a hirth, and, though this rule is nut 
 without exce|itions, it may he used in any estimates <»f the natural rate of increase of tlit; 
 seals. Maynard aiimils that occasional cases of twins have heen recognized on the 
 i'lihyh'lf IslamU. noiwiihslanding the diflicidly of arriving at certainty as to such a 
 matter under the cireumsijimcs whicli there (dtlain. The llaidis and the T>liiin->iins 
 state tliat tliey have lre(pienlly foiiml tv\o imlxnn pups in a female seal when killed, 
 though a '^ingle pup i< much more common. Chief iCden-aw, many yt-ars ai^o, >aw n 
 leiiialc in the act of giving hirlli on l{ se Spit. (^)iie"n Cliarlolle Ulaiids ; one piip had 
 heen horn, and when In- killed the iiiothei he fotmd another still unhurn. 
 
 ;ni.'. It is perliaps further worth iiotiiiii, in this comieetion, that those most jamiliii 
 
 • '• Kill!. Mil-. ('..iii|. /...(.I , ■ V >l i. I'arl I. p. iOO. 
 
 I ■■ .MiMiduniih (il Vii; ill Aiiiiiuaii l'iiini|ifiU," ii .'i i|. 
 
 J I'lilc! s; ,1, ,' r.ll-iw i;r|>M- , |i,. 10,4.' 
 
 fj ■• .\|i>iiii)>i';i|ili of Noiili Auii'iiiHii l'i.iiii|M'(l«," \'' y87. 
 
 ii 
 
 I 
 
 t 
 
TT- 
 
 64 
 
 with tlio closolv allied fiir-sonl of tho Soutli AtVii'iin Coivsl stutc tlmt, as a v\\U\ (wo pups 
 are protliicetl at a liirlli ; while ou the AiisliivUiin coawl it is said that the female ^I'licp'Iiy 
 briuf^s forth a .siii>;le pup, sometimes two.* 
 
 (I.) — ])i.sttiii€t'f^ fj iiliiv'i .^w/a' (/o 7>om III/' IhcdIiiKj Islidids l,i snnili of I'm d, iiiiil Times 
 
 of Ferdiiiij. 
 
 t^Ot^. The feediiij"- hahit.; of the seals, and (he di^laIl(•l•^ to which s aU ennaued in 
 hreedini;' on t!ie islands may !)e supposed ((» yo for food, as well as lie periml of (he 
 hreedinji' season at whieh excursions in M-acli ot' food hc^in (o lu' u adc, ari' importanl 
 hei-aiisc of (heir direct I'eaiinu' on (lie liinils ..f protcrtioii wlucli niii;- I approprialclv in- 
 accorded aliont the islands al (lie hreedim;' sca^oa 
 
 •"•04. Tlie fidi-nroun liulN. or lH'al•iMna■^(ers. holdini;- si. lions on llic rooKcry- 
 ^•rounds, nndoultlcdly. in llic niajorily ol" c ises if mo| ii larialily remain on duly 
 (hroM^liont the hrccdin^' sc:i-on and lo llie close of ilic r ill'u^' period \\iliioul '-cclvinL;- 
 I'ooil. The ymmn a-ain. Ihuii in any | arli'Mil.ir season, are not \\eancd. or nol I'ullv 
 wi'ani'd. in)r do (hey. under normal circnmslnnce-i. lea\e tie innnediale viciidly of liie 
 slioi'e-^ lilt (lie (ime of their linal deparlnre. 
 
 .'*> .■>. Il is thus only (lie ciiisses of liaclielor and female seals tli.it can. nndei any 
 ciicnm-'t \nces, he found lea\ini; llu' i-lamU in search of food duriiin' the hreediny si'm>oii. 
 Of (he females, (he yearlinus associate "ilii the haclielors Sonw <d" liie tuo-\ear-olds 
 may seek the vicinity of tlu' rookery-grounds for tlie purpose ot' meetinn' (he males, hut 
 jindiahly they do not lonu remain llieie. uhile il is helieved thai mo-1 of ihcm are 
 eo\ered at sea. liarren females, a^ain. whether without ytini; iVmii a;;e. fiom an insuf- 
 iiciem-y of males, or ineliicieiit service, are not in any way pernunu-ndy attached (o the 
 islands at (his tinu-. 
 
 <'<l'>, 'I'lie ri'inainini; — and. .-it the time in (|ne>tioii. idonI im{iortaiil ilass is limt 
 of (he hreedinji' females. Tlie-e. some (ime alter the iiirlh "l' the \nmm- ami the 
 sulise(pienl copidation «ith (he male. Iieiiin to le.ivc the rookery-niomid and -eek (he 
 water. This ilu'y are alile to do hecaiise of the lesseneil inlercst of tlie heaclimaslius 
 in them, iind more parlicul.-irly after many of the heachmasters liiem^ehes lienin lo leave 
 their stands. Thus. Iiy ahoul theniitldle of .Vii^usl. prohidily cidy om-half o' the lemale-. 
 or even less, are (o he seen a( any mie lime on the rookeries. Snt'yilolf. the native 
 fon-mr.:: ii; chaise of (he rookeries on I'.ehrini;- Island, expressed the opinion tluil llie 
 i'emales lir>t leave their youn;;' and lie;;in to fn-i, iieiil the w.iler alMUit a nnmtli aft .r the 
 liirth of (he yoniiii'. Hryan( says ahoul six weeks, |- Ollu-r authotides are le-. ilelinite 
 on (his point, hut, acciudinu (o ol)>ei valioii> made hy oiirxdNes. the nn)lliers ;ind yoiiu',; 
 Were prcM-nl (Ui the l'ril)\ loll' roidxciie-^ in approximately eipial numliei- in (he last iltw-. 
 of .luly. while, on (lie same rookeiie-. in the third week of Auiiiist. the ynunu' lar;;i!y 
 oulnumhercd the inotln-rs pieseiit at any (Uie lime, and, in so far as could he ascertained 
 hy obscrvalion, the female-, were di^porliim lliein-elves in the se.i olf the fronts of |i|e 
 rookiM'ies. 
 
 .'Jfty. it is \ cry lici. Tally a->umed thai the female, on thus heninnin^ to le ive the 
 rookery-fii'ound. al once roumes her liaMl of en;;.iuin^ in the .iciive ipie^t for food, and 
 (hoimh this would appear to Ik- oidy natural, parilciilarly in \\v^\ of t!e extra diMin 
 produced hy the demaiiils of the yomit;. it miisl In' leineialiered lliat. \\illi scarcely an\ 
 e.X'c'plifin. (he s(omacli> of c\eii tin- hachclor seal- killcil upon (he ishmds are found void 
 of food, and thai all .•rn\- rc>ortinn (o (lie i>land> -ccm. in a nieil decree, to sjuiie in a 
 eommon ali^tineiice, Wliiie. tlieret'or«'. it may he cim^idereil certain that al'ier a certain 
 ])erio»l, the l\'inalcs liei;in lo si-ek such food as can he ohlained, the ah-eiice of t'xcrc 
 inenlili(uis mailer on llie rookery uroumU, ( Isewheie rcf r.ed lo, >hows thai (his cannot 
 «»ceur (ill towanls the close of the hreetlinn' season, it may, furl her, he staled, lluil there 
 is a very ^ciu-ral hclief ainonn the natives, lioth on (he I'riliyloll iiiid Commander i^lamU. 
 to (he ellecl (hat the fennilcs do nol have the land to feed while eniiaucd in suckliiii: 
 their yonn<;', and ihal neither of (he two female^ killed in our jire^ence for natural 
 hixlory purposes on He'iriii^ l-land. on the .'•tli Sepli ndier. had any trace of food in the 
 stomach. lhou;:li killed witliin a fe^v \ard> (>\ the lookers from which they had ji^t lii'cn 
 driven. Also liear'n!.!:on the >n\\u point is the sialeinent made in a memcMandum n('ei\cd 
 from llci' Majesl\ s Mini-ler al 'I'nkio. 'lascd on infoni.alion ohlaiurd friun a i;enlli man 
 fully conwrsanl with the liahits .iml haunt- o|' t||.' rur-seal of the wi-stern -ide of th 
 North I'acillc, as follows : "It is 'onntimes slated that the hicediiii; cows ere in the 
 
 • " Proilrulhll* ol ill.' /..»;li>jiv 111 \hI(h;,i ■' l.v Sir !', \|, (',.>. l' It S , I). ui.W. VIII. |i. ;t. 
 t Si imti', l'I«. due. No. ■■J, Itsi Cu.i.;irv«, 'iiiit .^it'tmijii. |i, i. 
 
mmm 
 
 65 
 
 habit of leavinp; tlio rookcM'ioH to fish for tho support of their younp;, but the experienced 
 authority on »hoKc rcnmrks tlicse notes are foun<lcd is not of this opinion, tic hns never 
 found food inside the feJiialo fur-sen) tnkon on tlic breeding grounds." (See further 
 under Food parngruph 224, el seij.) 
 
 308. It Appears to us to be quite probable, bowover, tlmt townrd the close of tho 
 season of suckling, the fenmlc seals may actually begin to spend a considerable portion 
 of their time at sea in search «>f food. It is unlikely that this occurs to any notable 
 extent till after the middle of September, before wliich the season of pelagic sealing in 
 lU'hring Sea jjracticully doses. It is not as if the mere presence of seals in any parti- 
 cular part of IJeiiring Se:i during the period in question could be taken as representing that 
 of females from the breeding rookeries, for, as already stated, other classes of seals 
 remain thus at large during the greater jjart. or even the whole, of the breeding season, 
 and it is generally very ditheult even for the most experienced eye under favourable 
 circumstances to distinguish at sea between such unattached seals ai\d breeding females. 
 Several of the statements as to the feeding resorts of breeding females from tho 
 isiands have undoubtedly been founded <m the mere presence of seals of some kind at 
 •-cii. In f<i«-t, most cf the previoui^ly published statements on this point have been based 
 cither exclusively on information gained on the breeding islanils, and, therefore, not to 
 the point, or (ui such inf( rmation, loosely combined with notes (m the position of seals 
 cnsunily (il>serveil at sea. It is unfortunate that the prohibitiim of pelagic sealing in 
 Heliring Hea in 18l>l rendered it impossible in this particular year to gather much 
 actual experience in this matter, such as might have been obtained by examining tho 
 conditio!- and sex of seals killed at various known distances from the islands. 
 
 The statementscolle«'ted from other sources are often singularly divergent; but, notwith- 
 standing the evident lack of information on this particular point, a remarkable agreement 
 is found among those interestcu in decrying pelagic seali.ig, to tlie effect that the pelagic 
 sealers do, and must, kill a large number of female breeding seals. In order, however, 
 to nIiow the present state of this question, and the actual basis of many and serious 
 complaints against sea si'iiling, a few (|Uotati(nis from various authorities on seal life may 
 first be given, and after tliiit some notes on the further evidence obtained by ourselves. 
 
 .')(M», Hryant, after de>criljing the relaxation in watchfulness of the nude after 
 iiiipregnatiim has been accomplished, says of tiie female: "From tliat time she lies 
 ■.'itiier sleeping near her young, or spends her time either Jloatituj or pluyimj in the 
 irutri near the shore, returning occasionally to suckle her pup."* 
 
 Elliott writes in a similar strain of the same period. The fenuiles, he says, "lie idly 
 oiil ill the rollrrs, ever and anon turning over and over, scratching their backs and sides 
 with their hind flippers."t Elsewhere he states that the mother, lie thinks, nurses her pup 
 every two or three days, but adds, •• In this 1 am very likely mistaken."! Again, 'le 
 spt-aks of a mother coining up from tin- sea, " where she has been to wash aiul perhaps 
 III Ircd tor the last day or two."§ In another reference, he says: " S»)on after the birth 
 ((t tiieir young they leave it on the gnuind ami go to the sea for food, returning perhaps 
 to-morrow, perhaps later, even not lor several days in fact, to again suckle and nourish 
 il, having in the nieuntinie speil far off' io distant feeding banks," &»'.|| 
 
 ,U0. In the lit i)ort on the Fur-si-al Fisheries of Alaska (lHd!)).«l Mr. W. H. Taylor 
 slates that the cows go out every day lor food to a distance of |() or 15 miles, or even 
 tint her. 
 
 Mr. T. K. Myan states that the "main feeding grounds of the seal during the 
 summer str.y n|Miii the island.'^, and to which the cows are continimlly going and coming, 
 are to be found W to 70 miles south of St. George Ishiiui." 
 
 Mr. (I. U. Tingle, in the same Report, says that the seals probably go 'M miles out 
 ill some eases in search of tood. 
 
 311. Such are the more dehnite references of a published kind which we have been 
 able to find on this important point in seal life, and they are sutiicient to show that 
 very little has heretofore been known «m the subject, though much has been taken for 
 granted. 
 
 .'UVf. The following is a summary of the evidence personally obtained in 189! from 
 those supposed to be most capable of giving an opinion on the subject : — 
 
 Mr. li. I{. Tingle slated that he believed seals from St. George went to feed, for the 
 most part, about iU) to 41) miles to the southward or south-eastward of that island. From 
 St. Paul he was not aware that they went in any paiticular direction. 
 
 i V 
 
 -M 
 
 ■ !> 
 
 
 * " MoiioKrn^li of Nurlli Auierictn l'iiiiii|H>(lii," \t. 3S6. 
 t (Jnilvd Stale*' (Vmuik Itriinrt, |i. 30. § Ibiil., |>. 39. 
 
 % lIoiiM' oC ItcprrK'iitBtivei, Ilc|iort No. 3H83, SOtli Congroii, Uml Svniion. 
 immiiiKM are our own. 
 
 f It)l(l., p. 3CI. 
 
 11 lliid.. )>. 3S 
 'I'lio itntici ill tlip al>ovo-cito<l 
 
 I 
 
M 
 
 Mr. .). 0. Roclpath did not know of any spoclal plai'o or places to which th« w»al8 go 
 to food, but hi'liovt'd tliat the fcniaU's jjo from 10 to 15 miles from the islands for that 
 purpose. 
 
 Mr. D. Webster t!iini<s tiiat seals jjo from St. George Island, when feeding in the 
 autumn, about (50 miles southward : lie believes that there \* a favourite feeding ground 
 In this vicinity, because he has seen numerous seiiN there when on his way from the 
 islands to Ounalaska. 
 
 Mr. Fowler statetl that he believed tiiere was a favourite feeding ground of the seals 
 about 30 miles off north-eiist point of St. Paul Island. This was not from personal 
 knowledge, but depended on stiiteuients that seals had been seen in abundance there. 
 
 Natives of St. Paul informed us that the females from the rookeries went only 
 8 or 4 miles to sea to feed, always returning to their young (m shore the same day. 
 When questi<»ned as to the classes of seals seen further out, as, for instance, midway 
 between St. Paul and St. Oeorge Islamls, they stated that all kinds of seals might be 
 found there, but added again that the females usually do not go far from the rookeries. 
 
 Mr. N. Greljnitsky. Superintendent of the C«»mmander Islands, stated, as the result 
 of his own personal obsi'.vation and long experience, that the females went out to sea 
 wl)ile suckling tlie young, hul not furtiier than lialf-a-mile or a mile frimi the shore. 
 Most of the natives, he added, thought that the females did not feed during this period, 
 but In this he believed then» to be mistaken. 
 
 M. Tillman, the Agent of the Russian Qovernment. in charge of Copper Island, 
 where he has been for two _>ears. thinks that the females go an much as 2 to 4 njiles «»tl 
 shore to feed, but return to the rookeries every nigl\t. 
 
 M. Kluge. who has l^een for twenty-one ye,\rs in the service of the Alaska 
 Oommercial Company on several ditferent islands agreed in this point with M. Tillman, 
 and added (!iat he knows from «-lose personal observation, which he was able to make on 
 Kobben Island, that the females return every night, an staled, 
 
 Snegiloif. the native foreman on Hehring Island, thinks, on the ctmtrary, that the 
 females may leave their young ftir several days, and may go I's far as 10 miles from land 
 to feed. 
 
 313. So fiir as the facts actually observed in 18J(1 go. it is ap|)arent that there is 
 always a consider.ible number of seals swiuuning, playing. <ir sleeping at sea opposite 
 each of the rookt-ry grounds, and that these in August consist largely of females, while 
 in Septendier great numbers of pups are to be found in addition. When extensive kelp 
 beds exist off the rookeries, the main body of seals is generally seen inside the kelp, and 
 at a distance of balf-a-mile or so from shore comparatively few .seals are seen ; while at 
 two or three miles seaward from the rookery tliere is no notiible abundance of seals, and if 
 sailing round the breeding Islands in a fog. at a distance <»f four miles fnmi the fihore, it 
 wt)uld be diliicult for the closest observer (apart from oilier indicatitms) to decide when 
 he had passetl abreast of a roo!»>'ry. 
 
 314. It is, however, certain, from statements obtained, that females with milk are 
 occasionally killed at sea by the pelagic sealers, and though it is jxmsible that these are 
 mothers which have deserted (he islands in consequence of having been driven up to the 
 killing grounds with the liodust-bickic. or Itecause of some other cause of disturbanee, 
 Huch as the death of their young, it in liiiibly proimlili- that in the later summer and autumn 
 the tlistancc to wbitli the t'ciiialt's yn fiom thi' breeding places becomes gradually 
 increased. It is, ncveithelcs, Marccly credible that, umler any circumstances, the 
 females engaged in feeding their young cm navigate to great distan<'cs fr<Hn the islands 
 on erratic courses, and subse(nipntly ictiirn punctually ami without f.iil to their rookeries; 
 and any assmnption made on this basis must be regarded as re(|uiring proof of a character 
 very dillerent l<> that i-o far advanced by those holding such a belief. 
 
 3ir>. It may be added here, as the result of personal observatiotci as well as of those 
 already puidisbed. that the seals lend to leave the rookeries and hauling grounds for the 
 sea in large numbers wlien incommoded on shore liy loo gront heat or ity heavy rain, 
 and, further, that after stormy wcathei. cliaracteii/ed by heavy wind uud surf, there is 
 geiH'rally an increased ami marked exodus from the shore. 
 
 3U». Singidaily eiKmj'li. tlic yicatest diversity of o|)inioii was found to prevail, even 
 among those who ought to he best informed on this subject, as to whether the seals leave 
 tlu' land for feeding or other piirpoM-s most connnoidy by day or by night. 'Ibis dilleremeof 
 ojiinioii obtained not o,dy among the Wliitcv, but also among the natives, and it is found 
 both in the Prii>yloll' and ('omniandcr lslaii<ls. Some maintain lluit the t'emale .seal 
 K'turns to sbor<- every night. hIIuts thai most of tbeni leave the shore at this tinu>, and, 
 taking all opinions into roie-ideiation, the oidy conclusion that can In- arrived at is that 
 the seals go and come at all times. (ATtainly, there is no particidar period of rest upon 
 
(he rookeries themselvvs during the breeding Heason, for they are a.s noisy during the 
 night as by day. Judging from obHervr. .).,i8 nuide wliilo at anchor near tlie lookery 
 grounds of 8t. Paul and iSt. (jeorge, it would appear thnt tlie seals are ni«>re abundant in 
 the water during the night, wlien they often surrounded (he vessel in great number.^. On 
 these occasions they seldom seemed t«> i)e travelling in any particular direction, bui played 
 about, coming up first on one side of the vessel ami then on the 4>ther, and appeared to 
 be more wary and easily frightened than during (he day. 
 
 (if.) — Hiihllx when tfucklintj. 
 
 iH 
 
 I 
 
 3 17. When (he female .seals begin (o Hhsen( themselves at frequeii( in(ervals from 
 the rookery grounds and from (heir ycunig, as already tiescrihed. (lie young begin to 
 travel about in all directions from the actual spot of their !)irth. Most of them collect in 
 large groups, or " pod-<." sometimes near the edge of (he »ea and stmiedmes at u distance 
 from it. while soli(ary pup> are u> lie found roving or slet pin;' everywhere I( Ims been 
 s(ate>l, and the sta(emen( has been received \vi(ho;i( question, (hat tbroughou( (he en(ire 
 season, and even under (he circHms(ances above descrilied. the female is invariably al)le to 
 .single out. and will suckle oidy. herown y<»ung. Analogy wi(hmos( other animals appears 
 (o favour this \ie\v. and probably accounts for the fact, (hat it has been accepted without 
 proof, which, indeed, as neitlier the individual mothers jior the individual young can be 
 continuously recognized on the rookeries, would be very hard to obtain. 
 
 "18. The analogy just referred to may or may not ludd in the case of the fur-seal, 
 which is in many res| ects very peculiar in its habits. The youn-; of most other 
 animals, if left at any time by the dam, remains where left, and it is very seldom neces- 
 sary for the nmther tt» select her own progeny from a vast crowd of others. Again, even 
 assuming (ha( she be capable of (bus singling ou( her own voting one, if. as is commonly 
 supposed, she remains for (he grea(er par( of (be day. or. according (o some audiorities, 
 for several days, in the sea. she must very often wholly fail to find her young, which may 
 have in the meantime wandered ofl" to an entirely (lillerent i)art of the lookery. Under 
 these circumstances, the female wtudd ctmtinue to ite nn(|iiiet till she got rid of her tnilk, 
 and must indeed be possessed of great fortitude if .slu' refuses to part with it to any of 
 the thousands of other young seals about her. The dilliculty of finding the yotmg must, 
 of course, be vastly increased in cas»'s in which the motlu-r has given birth to two pups, 
 one of which may have wandered in one direction, aiiidher elsewhere. 
 
 .•^l".). The idea that the fennde will suckle tlu" pup -^hc has hrKUgbt forth only, appears 
 to have been started by the natives, hut, so Car as can be ast'erlamed. is lirsl ailvanced by 
 Ihyant, who writes : "On landing. tlu> nmllu'r calls out l<i lier vining with a plaintive 
 hleat like that of u sheep calling to her lamh. As she approaches the ina-s (of young) 
 several of the young ones answer and start to meet her, responding to her c-all as a young 
 lamb answers its parent. As she meets thtin she looks at them and passes hurriedly on 
 till she meets her own. which >he at once rccngni/.es."* 
 
 3i'0. Elliott has adopted this theory, ami am|dilies it. writing : - "Tlu' mother, without 
 tirst entering into the «Mowd of tboiisand-.. rcconnizi's the voice of her oir>priiig. and then 
 advances, striking out right and left, toward the position froni wliich it reidit-s." KIse. 
 where in this comiection he -pe iksof the moilier 1 1.^ iiig out for its young ami reconnizing 
 the imlividual ri-ply. " thniigh liii thousand around, all together, siiould hlaat [sir] at 
 uiice." On a later page, he again says : "I have witnessed so many examples of the 
 temales turning pup> away to Micklc only some particular other one. that I feel sure I am 
 entirely right in saving that tin- seal-mother^ know their own young, and that lliey will 
 not permit any others to nurse save their own. I believe that this recognition of them 
 is due chiefly to the niotliiM-'s M-ent A\n\ hearing."t 
 
 '.i2\. It is not iiuenih (I to crilit-izc these hlatemcnts, which, in so liir as (bey relate 
 to observed fuets, can bo ce (ilied to; but it is necessary to iioiiit out that Iliey constitute 
 the entire body of proof in the matter in (|uesti(m, and that the inllueii> ' drawn from 
 them must be characterizeii as •• not proven.' The young themselves certainly do ind 
 know their own iiiotliers, and tlu' statement that thi' mothei' knows her imlividual young 
 seems to be placed in doubt, and is certainly not to l)e assumed merely from analogy with 
 other animals which show a dcgn^e of alleiiiou for their young, because of the observa- 
 tion whicli may be made any day on the ro«»kcries, that the feitnile fur-seal is entirely 
 careless resjiectiug her oUspring. 
 
 * At qiiolfil by Alli-n, " MonogiT.jili of North AniiTk-Aii l'intii|M-<{>, p. 9tf}. 
 t I'niletl 8(»titii' Ct'iiiiiiii Itoporl, |>ji. an ami WJ 
 
 [.tofi] I a 
 
 f' 
 
68 
 
 332. As Mr. Blliolt ia chiefly rcspoiiHible for the theory here specially referred to, 
 it is only fair, however, that he should ho heard also on the lasLmentioucI point. On 
 this he 8nyt« : " The apathy with which the yonn^ arc treated by the old upon the hrocdin*{ 
 grounds, es|)ecially by the mothers, was very atranj^e to nic, and 1 was constantly 
 surprised at it. I have never seen a seal-mother caress or fondle her offspring ; and 
 bhould it stray to a short distance from the harem I «rould step to and pick it up, and 
 even kill it before the mother's eye, without causiiifr her the Hli<i;htCHt concern, so far as 
 all outward signs and manifestations would indicate."* 
 
 323. The whole theory in fact, when eMnmined, rests on the circumstance that when 
 a female seal is seen to come ashore, she will not tnke the first young one she meets, but 
 perhaps by sound, perhaps by scent, selects one which she allows to feed. It appears, 
 therefore, to be ut least auite possible, that in thus making her selection she may merely 
 seek n jouiig one which docs not carry the smell of fresh milk about it. The gregarious 
 habits of the fur-seal, with the difficulties inherent in the matter of <he reunion of 
 mother and young under the peculiar circumstances obtaining on the rookeries, appear 
 to show that it would be advantageous to seal life as a whole if any mother would suckle 
 any hungry pup. 
 
 .'^24. It may be added, that in a report received from Mr. C. H. Jackson, Government 
 Agent in charge of the Seal and (Suano Islands of Cape Colony, he states, respecting the 
 fur-seals inhabiting these islands (after speaking of the killing of females), that " but for 
 a happy provision of nature, wherebv a female seal will sni;kl« any young one, the 
 destruction of the new-born seals would be complete;" ami, again, says: "The cow will 
 suckle any of the young seals, whether her own or not, and this period of nursing 
 continues more or less for about six months." 
 
 The same statement is made with respect to the fur-seal of the Australian coast. f 
 
 325. The analogy of other animals has so Irocjuontly been cited in this connection 
 that it may be in point to quote from >!n interesting memorandum furnished by Sir Samuel 
 Wilson, \l,P., the eminent Australian hiiec|)-brceder. He states that it is comnum and 
 eiisy to make ewes suckle other ewes' lambs, either by putting the skin of tlu* dead lamb 
 over the new lamb, or by folding together, in hurdles, the strange lamb and the ewe. 
 When the herd is valuable, all ewes arc mothered to lambs which have none of their own, 
 and the same is done in the case of twins. Ewes recognize their own Innilts by smell. 
 Sometimes a lamb, not her own, may come up on the other side while she is siiekling her 
 own lanjl), and may. unnoticed by her, suck licr for a time. There are, moreover, lambs 
 which go al)out in this way, and muna^jc tu Ii»c l»y what they can steal. This Australian 
 experience is fully borne out by general cx|)erienco. 
 
 (K.) — Natural CitwM of Dpslruclioii. 
 
 320. In connoction with tlio general nsperts of seal life, and iho cfTei-ts upon it of 
 commercial killing, it is necessary to remembi-r that it is largely ruled i)y certain natinal 
 events, or plienumena. and that, as in the case of nearly all animals in a slate of nature, l)Ul a 
 limited proportion of the whole number of younn produced ever attain either to a •• killabii-" 
 uge. or to one of maturity. Thus, in killin;> a large number of seals annually, a draft iM 
 nuule upon a mar^jin of seal life wiiicli ban »'scape<l all the other necessarily i-nvironiiig 
 diingers, and which very' often must he regarded as a natural reserve in process of being 
 slowly built up in the intervals between irregular and exceptional inroads whieb may at 
 any time occur, and over which man cNcrciscs no possible control. 
 
 327. Thus, on the Priliylolf IslaiuU. one )iarticular instaiwe has been recorded, when, 
 in consetjueiice of the loiiy persistence of lielil-icc about llie inlands, the seals were very 
 greatly di'pleted. This occurred in I s:U}. when, according to native count, the nnnilier 
 of iidult seals on St. I'aul Island was rcdiic»'il to about 1.000. and the greater part of the 
 huihII number of seals killed in tlial year consisted of pups. Other, lliou;;li less disas. 
 trous instances, of the same kind iia\c occurred since, and a study of available inforuui- 
 tion respecting the amount and position of the ice in Hebring Sea u\ various years shows 
 that such adverse conditions may recur in any year, though probably seldom with the 
 winie intensity as in IH.'Ui. 
 
 32H. A^jain, large numbers of pups are often killed before leavii\;; the islands by 
 heavy storms occurring before tbey are aide to swim strongly, and in ctmse(|uence of which 
 they are dashed against the rocks or ii|i(Mi the beacli. I'nfortunately, nothing like a com- 
 plete record has been k«-pt of such occurrence.s. but HryanI, Maynard. and Klliott.in their 
 published Keporls, all refer, at greater or less length, to them. One notable case of this 
 
 • tliiitdd Siotf"' OoiiiD Ki'port, ". !)s. 
 t oProdrMBU* ul ih« ^.oology of Victorw," bjr bir 1'. MeCo;, F.ll.S., 1>»C4J* VllI, p. 10. 
 
60 
 
 particular kind occurred in Octohcr 1976,* and Mr. D. Webster informed u^ that oneo 
 "in the seventie*," as early as July, he had seen the Loaches at Xort'i-Kist Point 
 " strunf; with dead pups," after a heavy storm. More or fe-'er pups are, in fact, 
 apparently kil'ed in this way every year. 
 
 320. On Rohtum Island, very considerable numbers of young pups arc killed by 
 burgomaster gulU {Larus tjlaucus), which pick out their eyes. This is so well known that 
 a reward of 5 copecks (\\d.) is given for c*ach of these gulls killed. This gull is rather 
 scarce on the Commander Islands, but the ktatives there have noticed cases of pups being 
 killed in the same way. They are common abont the Pribyloff Islands, and are frequently 
 seen on the rookeries, but no one there appears to have observed them attacking young 
 seals. 
 
 330. The most generally recognized dunger Id the pups, of a constant kind, while 
 they are still upon the islands, is that resulting from the adult bulls or seacatchie on the 
 rookeries. These, when fighting, or otherwise excited or disturbed, pay not the slightest 
 attention to the young in their vicinit}*, and overrun them without compunction in such 
 a manner as frequently to cause their death. Elliott doubts whether more than 1 per 
 cent, of the whole number of young in each year is destroyed in this way, but everyone 
 who has paid the slightest attention to the economy of the rookeries is familiar with 
 the frequent occurrence of such deaths. 
 
 331. In his Report upon the condition of atidirs in Alaska (187i>), the same writer 
 speaks of the presence on the rookeries of " decaying carcasses of old seals and the 
 many pups which have been killed accidentally hy the old bulls while fighting with and 
 charging back and forth against one another."! In the Census Report substantially 
 the same passage is, however, paraphrased by the writer, with the substitution of " few 
 pups" for " many pups." } 
 
 Professor Allan n^ay also be cited in this connection, though he specially 
 refers to alarms of a Lind which can scarcely be strictly (biassed under natural causes 
 of destruction. He writes : "Constant care is also necessary lest thoughtless |>erson8 
 incautiously approach the breeding grounds, as the stampede of the seals which would 
 result therefrom always destroys many of the young." § 
 
 332. When a sudden alarm causes a panic among tlic seals on a rookery, and 
 they make in consequence a rush in closely-huddled masses for the water, very con- 
 siderable numbers of pups nniy nt any time be killed. It is very easy in this way to 
 " stampede " even the breeding seals, and the necessity of preventing such stampedes is 
 one of the main reasons for preserving the vicinity «>f the rookeries from all intrusion and 
 disturbance. As already noted, the seals are alarmed particularly by smell, and during 
 the sunnner of 1801 a panic was caused on the Reef Rookery of St. Paul Island by the 
 drifting over it of tlie smoke from a Klennier wliicli was entering the anchorage there. 
 
 333. Nordenskiijld refers particularly to this matter in his account of the fur-seals of 
 Rehring Island, writing : — 
 
 '• The young ones are often smothered by the old when the latter, frightened in 
 some way, rush out into the sea. After buch an alarm hundreds of dead pups are found 
 on the shore." II 
 
 -VH, Killer whales {Orcn rectipinna) are among the more active enemies of the fur- 
 senl. Mr. I). Webster, who, because of his long experience on the Pribvloif Islands, has 
 alreati} been frequently (juoted, states that these whales usually come to the islands 
 from the north early in Septt-inber, and stay about tluMii as long as the seals do.^j They 
 kill many seals, particularly pup><, antl wantonly kill, tipparcntly in sport, many more than 
 thi-y actually devour. Captain [javender, in his Report ibr 1800, mentions the occurrence 
 of large schools of killer whales in pursuit ol ,voung s(>als about the islands on the 80th 
 October in that year,** and Lieutenant Mavnunl mentions a case in which a single killer 
 whale was found to have fourteen voung seals in its sloinach.tt The Aleuts at Ounu- 
 Inska further stated that they have often seen killer >\haU's pursuing and catching fur- 
 seals, not alone the young, but also the adults. 
 
 33*>. In the vicinity of the Connnander Islands Killer whales also occur, but they do 
 not appear to be so ntmicrous as about the PriliylolT Islands, and their ravageii have not 
 been complained of in the same way. 
 
 ■^ 
 
 :.' 
 
 • " Monngrnpli nf North .. 'ncrionn Piiini|)OiU," p. 397. 
 
 t l'iiK« Hi). Sri- also " Monrginpli o: Ni)rlli AmiTifaii I'imiipi'tls," p. .370. 
 
 t Unilml St,iU'i>' i'viimiii Uvpori, p. 4i. <j Kiill. M>i». (/'miip. /oo!.," vol. ii„ I'art I, p. 97. 
 
 y '* VoyiKv ul' tliR ' Vogn,'" liniial: >n tiy l.t-tlio, vol. ii, p. '.2U0, 
 
 ^1 Si'u altu Dryiiiit in " MonoKrapli of Nnrili .Aiiiorxnn l'Miiiip«>(l«," p. 407. 
 
 •• S«n«to, ICi. Doc. No. 49, Tilut ('<in|{ri'ii-<, 'Jml Heitiiioii, |> 
 
 It HouM of H«pMMiiUtive«, V^t, Doc. No. 49, 44tli Cuiigrrti, lit Seiiioii, p. C. 
 
f 
 
 60 
 
 880, Ah the killer wlmlo frequents not onl,v the Hununer haunts 4»f the fur-Heal, hut 
 itH whole migration-rani^e and winter habitat, it is practieally eertain that the sealH are 
 expoNed to their attacks at all times, exceiit when actuHll,v ashore on the breeding islands. 
 It is, iiioivover, supposed, and doubt'ess correetly so. thot the larger sharks to he found 
 in (be same waters prey upon the young seals to a eonsiderable extent. 
 
 •').'}7. In consetjuenee of these and (lerbaps other enemies, an«l of various aeeidents, 
 and irrespeetive of possible epidemic disease, the number of the young seals bom is 
 greatly reduced before they return as yearlings in the tVdlowing year; and it is atill 
 further continuously reduced, though in a diminishing proportion, in subsequent ycare. 
 On this suliject Bryant writes as follo^vH ; — 
 
 " ])iiring the time the young seals are absent from (be islands, fully )>(> per cent, ot* 
 their numiicr are destroyed by their enemies before they arrive at the age «»f one year, 
 and during the second year about lH per cent, moic nie Itist. Ijater they appi'ar to l)o 
 belter able to protect themselves, but before (bey arrive at miiturity. at least 10 per cent, 
 more are destroyed. t*o that if lef( entirely to (bemselves, only 10 or \f* percent, of the 
 annual product would mature or reach (he age of seven years."* 
 
 (hi the .same subject Klliott writes, s|>eaking parti«-ularly <»f the males :- 
 
 " By these agencies, during (heir absence from (be islands until their reappearance 
 in (be following year and in July, (bey are Ho|ercfp(ibly diminished in number, that I do 
 not think, fairly considered, more (ban one-half of (be legi«)n which left the ground of 
 (heir birdi las( October came up (be next July to these favourite landing-places; that is, 
 only 250,000 of them return ou( of (he Soo.mio born last year. 'J'be same statement, in 
 every respect, applies to the going ami coming of (be uOd.OOO female pups, Hhich are 
 identical in siice, shape, and behaviour." f 
 
 3.^8. Neither of these statements t-laim any great precision, and it would be imprac- 
 ticable to make them precise. Bryant s niay be taken, however, as showing a more 
 careful consideration of the facts, and according to bis estimates, in the case of 100,000 
 pups, but -10.000 would return in the second year and ;34.000 in (be tbiid year, while 
 about 30,000 would reach maturity. 
 
 330. It can scarcely be doubted th<i( (be fur-seal of (he ^orth Pacific is also subject 
 to diseases of various kinds, (be prevalence or otherwise of which have their efiects on 
 the numliers at «'acb particular period. in(|niries made on the subject have, however, 
 not brought to light any notable mortality which lias been a((ributed (o disease, nor do 
 previously published repor(s include any men(ion of such mortality. It may thus at 
 least be inferred. (iia( no nolably fatal disease lia'< a((acked tbe^e iiiiiimalH while np«m 
 their breeding islands within historic times, but it is not safe (o attirm that disimse has 
 been wanting, or tba( e|)idemic diseases may no(. at any given (inn*, appear, and require 
 (o be allowed for in any reguladons nuide respec(ing (be killing of seals. 
 
 840. In the Report of Mr. ('. H. Jackson on (lie fur-!>eal islands of Cape Colony, 
 already referred to. be writes : " Upon several islands, especially in the Ishaluir group, 
 are to be found the remains of \as( numbers of • seal.' probably the efleets of an 
 epidemic disease at some dis(ant period." 
 
 .'HI. On the same subject and referring to (lie same region. Mr. 11 A. Clark writes 
 as follows, quoting "Moreil's Voyages"; " In IS2H ('a|itain >forell. in (he schooner 
 'An(arc(ic.' viHi(ed (be wes( coast of .Africa on a fur-seal voyage. .\t Possession 
 Island, in latitude 'M° 61' south, he found eviilence of a pestilence unnmg (he fur-seals. 
 The whole island, which is about 3 miles long, be states, was covered with the carcasses 
 of fur-seals. wi(li their skins still nu them. 'I'liey appeared t(» have been dead about 
 five years, and it was evident (ha( they had all met their fate abou( the same period. 1 
 slnmid judge, from (be immense multitude of bones . ml carci'.sses. (bat no( less than 
 half-a-million bad ])erisbed here at once, and tba( t'.iey bad fallen victims to some 
 mysterious disease or plague." About 17 miles nor(b of Possession Island are two 
 small islands no( over a mile in length, where Cap(ain Morell found still further evidence 
 of a plague annaig (be fur-seals. •• These (wo islands," be says, " liavi' «mce bci'U the 
 resort of immense numbers of fur-seals, which were doubtless destroyed by the same 
 plague which made such a di'vastation among them on Possession Island, as their 
 remains exhibited the same appearance in both cases."J 
 
 342. Elliott, after stating (bat be has observed no disease among (be seals of (he 
 Pribylotr Islands. (iuo(e,i a recorded in.stance of a plague uHecting the hair seals of the 
 nortii of Scotland. Orkney and Shetland Islands, and adds; "It is not reasonable to 
 
 * "Monugraph of Nortli Aint^ricuu I'inniueda," p, 407 ; leo al fi tiouw of Iteprpucntativo, Et. Uoc. No 80, 
 44tli Congrrew, lit Swsion, p. 65. 
 
 t Unilud Statn' Census Keport, p. 6ti. 
 i " Fishery Induitrie* of the United Stalea," vol. ii,*p. 4li>. 
 
61 
 
 nippoBC that the PrihylnfT rnokerios liavo never Nuft'ored irom (liHteii))H<rH in the past, or 
 are not to in the future, simply hefausc no oocnHion Heema to hare nrison durnim the 
 comparatively brief period of their human domination. "*' 
 
 348. The fur-HcalH upon the Prihvioff Islands are, lioweviT, aftiictcd by at leniit (mo 
 known trouble, that of intestinal worms, nnd in the stonuicliH of nearly every Heal killed 
 a certain number, and often a very cimHiderable ntiniber, of sueb worms are found. TbiH 
 cannot of courHe lie connidered as couMtitutin); in ilscif a very serious ntfeclion. but if 
 under any |>articul.ir train of cir<-umsttinces it should be considerably increaHed. it alone 
 niighi become a dangtr to the continued well-bein^^ of the Healn. 
 
 the 
 
 the 
 
 to 
 
 89. 
 
 (L.) — Mortalifi/ of ifouiuj Seols In 1801. 
 
 844. [n the Heason of IHU], considerable numbers of dead pups were iound in 
 certain places upon the rookery grounds or in (heir vicinity, and various hypotheses were 
 advanced to account for this nnusuiil mortality. As some of these have special bt.>arin)i(s 
 on the ^;eneral questitm of seal preservation, it may bu well to devote a few words to this 
 particular subject. 
 
 iHo. In ordor to exhibit the circumstances Kiirroiuulin;; Ibis fact nnd to arrive at a 
 probable explanation of its true nieaniii<;, it will bo necessary in the tir 
 
 instant 
 on the ^ro 
 
 to 
 und 
 
 ^ive in summari/.t>d form the observations and notei bearing upon it made 
 by ourselves. 
 
 :Un. When visitiuja: Tolstoi Rookery. Si. Pnul Island. <m the 20tb .Inly, we observed 
 and callml attention to scvenil biindrel dead |)ii|)-i which lay scattered alnnit in a limite<l 
 area, on a smooth slope near the noitbern or inland end of the rookery irronnd, and at 
 some little distance from the shore. The iioilios were partly tlecoinposetl, and np|icar(Ml 
 to have bin where found for a week or more, ubicb would place the actual dat > of the 
 death of the pups. say. between the l.'ith and 20tb July. Neither the (Jovernnient 
 A^ent who was with us. nor the natives forming' our boat's crew at the time, would at first 
 believe that the (»b,jects seen on tiie rookery were dead |>ups, atliriiiin^ thai they were 
 stones; but when it became «-learly apparent that this was not the case, they could 
 su^jfest as causes of death only over-rnnnin<>' by bulls or surf aloii^ the shore, neither 
 «me of which appeared to us at the time to be satisfactory. Mr. D. Webster, 
 interro^:nted on tlic subject some days later on St. George Island, otlercd merely the 
 same sujii;Kestions. but a few days still later, iiotb Whites and natives on the islands were 
 found to have developed (piite other opinions, and id be ready to attribute the deaths 
 to the operations of pelagic sealers kiliin;; mothers while otf at sea. and leadin;>- to 
 the death oi' pups from starvation conseipient on such killing. 
 
 i'M7. Helievin^ the nnitterto be one of considerable importance, however it mi^bt be 
 explained, particular attention was paiti tt) it on subsetpient visits to rookeries. On the 
 aist July and the 1st Auynst the rookeries of St. ( leorj^e were inspected, but no similar 
 appearances were found, uw was anytbinj; of the same kind a^ain seen till the lib .\n<j>'ust. 
 on I'olavina rookery, St. Paul Ulaml. where, near the .sontberii extri'inity of the 
 rookery, several hundred dead pups were ayain found by us. here also coverint; an area of 
 limited sixe. which we were able lo examine carefully without disturbinu the breedinjx 
 seals. It was estimated that the pups lierc foimd bad died lietweeu ten tlays anti two 
 weeks before, which would place the actual date of death at alxmt the sanu' time with 
 that of those first referred to. 
 
 ;i4J*. (hi the followinj;' day the e.vtensive rookeries of Nortb-ICast Point were vi>iled 
 ami examined, Init very few dead pups w»'re anywhere seen. Mr, Kowler. in charfi;e of 
 these rookeries for the (^m)pany. was specially (|uestioned on this point, and fully 
 ctmfirmed the nejfative observations maile by ourselves at the time. It may here be 
 mentioned that the vicinity of North-Kast Point bad been the principal and only notable 
 locality from which, up to this date, sealin;;: vessels bad been sighted in the otlin^'. or had 
 been reported as shootin<r seals within bearing of the shore, 
 
 ;14U. On the llMh .\u<i'ust. after a cruize to the uoitbward of about a fortnight's 
 duration, we returned to 8t. Paul, and on the .saute tlay revisited Tolstoi liookery. On 
 this occasion the dead pups previously noted were still to be seen, but the bodies were 
 Hattened out and umre or less cov(>red with sand, by the coiitiniutMs movement of the 
 liviuju,' seals. There were, however, on and near the same place, and parti<-ularly near 
 the anjrie between Tolstoi liookery ami the sands of Knylisb Hay, nutiiy more dead jaips. 
 larK;er in siite than thohc tirst noted, ami scarcely distinguishable in this respect from the 
 
 * United Sliilai' Cciiiuh Iti'iiort, \>. 6J. 
 
 '■■ 
 
 I: 
 
02 
 
 living pupn whirh were Uien "podded nut" in f^roAt numlicrH in the immediate 
 noighhoiirnond. Messrs. Fowler and Murray, who accomimnied us on tliis occasion, 
 admitted tlic mortality to he local, and the tlrst-namod gentleman stated that in his 
 long experience he had never seen anything of the kind hefore. and suggested that the 
 mothers from thin siiccial locality might have gone to some iiarticulnr " feeding linnk," 
 and have there hoen killed together hy sea sealers. On the same day we visited the 
 Reef Rookery again, and a search was made there for dead pups, which resulted in the 
 discovery of some of approximately the same sixe with those last mentioned, hut pntbahly 
 not more than an eighth, and certainly not more than one-fourth, in numher as comiMired 
 with the inner end of the Tolstoi Rookery ground, and proportionately in hoth cnses to 
 the numher of living pups. 
 
 300. While making a third inspecticm of the St. Paul rookeries in Scptemher, on 
 the 15tli of that month, the Reef and North-East Point rookeries were ogain specially 
 examined. The rookery ground of the s«>uth-oastern side of the l{eef Point was carefully 
 insiiected area hy area, with field-glasses, from the various rocky iM>int8 which overlook it, 
 and from which the whole Held is vinihlo in detail save certain narrow stony s1o{h>h close 
 to the sea-edge, where dead pups might have heen hidden from view among the houlders. 
 Buhscquently, the north-eastern sloping ground, named Gorhoch on the plans, heing at 
 that date merely occupied hy scattered groups of seaU, was walked over. 'I he result of 
 the inspection was to show that there were on the south-eist side a few dozen dead pups 
 at the most in sight, while on the opposite side perhaps a hundred in nil were found in 
 the area gone over, heing, prohahly, tlie same with those seen here the previ«>u8 month, 
 and in numher or contiguity not in any way comparahle with those seen nt the inner 
 end of Tolstoi. 
 
 Sol. On the same day a flnal visit wns made to the North-ESast Point rookeries, 
 then in charge of throe natives only. Two of these men went over the ground with us, 
 and were questioned cm various subjects, including that of dead pups, through our Aleut 
 interpreter. They would not admit that they liad seen any great number of dead pups 
 on the North.Eost Part this season, and did not seem to be in any way impressed with 
 the idea that there had bei'n any unusual mortality there. The ground to the north of 
 Hutchinson Hill was, however, carefully «>xamiued by us from the slopes of the hill, and 
 a tew lead pups were made out there. Again, at a place to the north of Sea-lion Neck 
 of the plans, and beyond the sand beach upon which holluschicUie generally haul out, 
 a slow advance was made among a large herd of females and pu])s, tluiugh \)avt of these 
 were necessarily driven off the ground in so doing. An occupied area ot rookery was 
 thus walked over, and the dead pups which appeared at this spot to be unusuallj 
 abundant were counted with approximate accuracy. A very few were f(>und scattered over 
 the general surface, but on approaching the shore edge, an area rf about 20,000 square 
 feet was noted, in which about 100 dead pups were assembled. Some of these lay 
 within reach of the surf at high tide. Most appeared to have been dead for at least ten 
 days, and several were broken up and mangled by the movement of the living seals on 
 and about them. This particular locality showed a greater number of dead pups to area 
 than any other seen at this time cither on the North-East or Reef rooki>ries, but in 
 number in no respect comparable to that previously noted at Tolstoi, or even to that on 
 the south |>art of Polavina. 
 
 352. AVe were informed on this our last visit to the Pribylotf Islands, that subsequent 
 to our discovery of and comments upon the dead pups at tlic two last-mentioned placeir, 
 the attention of Mr. J. Stanley-Brown (who was engaged during the summer in making 
 a special examination of the rookeries for the United States' Qovcrnment) was called to 
 the circumstance, and that he undertook some further examination of it, of which the 
 result will, no doubt, eventually be rendered available. Dr. Acland, who liad just been 
 installed as Medical Otiiccr on St. Paul, also told us that he had, within a few days, 
 examined the bodies of six of the dead pups from Tolstoi, and that though rather too 
 much decomposed for correct autopsy, he had been unable to find any sirrns of disease, 
 but that all those examined were very thin and without food in the stomachs. 
 
 35:t. It may be noted here that the carcasses thus examined must have been those 
 of pups wiiich had died in the month of September, or when no scaling schooners 
 remained in Behring Sea. 
 
 3<>4. The body of a pup found hy us on the North-East Rookery on the 5th August, 
 which was still undecompoHod, was preserv >d in alcohol, and has since been submitted to 
 Dr. A. Gilnthcr, F.R.S., of the British M iseum, who kindly ottered to make an exami- 
 nation of it. This is quoted at length ii. Appendix (D). The stomach was found to 
 contain no food. The body was well nourished, with a fair amornt of fat in the subcu- 
 taneous tissue, but no fat about the abdouiinal organs. The Icn^s and windpipe were 
 
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 id to 
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 found ill an inflammatory condition. Hcspectinff the actual cause of death. Dr. (iUntlivr 
 Hayo: " Roth tliu alwcnce of food as well at tho condition of the rcHpiratory organH are 
 Nufflcient to account for the deatii of the animal ^ hut wliieh of the two wan the primary 
 cause, preceding the other, it iH impomilde to rtay." 
 
 955. It would lie inappropriate here to enter into any lengthened diHCUH*ion of tho 
 licaringt of the above facts on the metliodx of ncaling at sea ; hut hh, ntltcr the tentative 
 adoption of variou<« hypotheseH. the mortality of the young HeaU wns with a renmrl<ahle 
 unanimity attrihuted t«> peliiKit* Healing l»y the gentlemen in any way connected ^itli tho 
 breeding islandH, and an it liaH since been widely and cfmsistently advertised in the preiiH 
 as a further and striking proof of the destructiveneHH of pelagic sealing, it may bo 
 ]ierniis8ible to allude to a few cogent reasons, because of which the subject seems at least 
 to require consideration of a much more lareful and scaiching kind: — 
 
 (I.) The death «»f so miiiiy yoimg seals on the islands in 18IM was wholly exceptional 
 and unprecedented, and it occurred in the very Hea>«ui during which, in accordance with 
 the modus rirrndi. cvi>ry eH'ort was being made to drive all pelagic sealers fnmi Behring 
 Hea. Those familiar with the islands were evidently puzzled and surprised when their 
 attention was first drawn to it, and were for fiome time in doubt as to what cause it might 
 be attributed. 
 
 (2.) The explanation at length very unanimou»'ly concurred in by them. vi% , that 
 the young had died because their mothers had been killed at sea, rests wludly upon the 
 assumption that each female will suckle only its onii young one, an assumption which 
 appears to be at least very doubtfuK and which has already been discussed, 
 
 (3.) The mortality was at fii>t entirely local, and though later a certain number of 
 dead pu|)s were found on various rookeries examiiH'd, nothing of a character comparable 
 with that on Tolstoi rookery was discctvered. 
 
 (4.) The mortality tiist observed on Tolstoi and Polnviiia was at t«)t> early a date to 
 enable it to be reasonably explained by the killing «>f mttthers at sea, It occurred, as 
 already explained, about the ITith or 'iOth 'iuly. at a time at which, according to the 
 generally accepted dates, as well as our own observations in ISOl. the females hud not 
 begun to leave the rookeries in large numbers, or, when leaving them, to do no more than 
 swim or play about ch»se to the shore. It has already been statt'd that Hryant gives the' 
 ti'tth July as the opening of the period in which the females begin to leave the nH»keries. 
 Maynard states that the bulls, cows, and pups remain within the rookery limits to the 
 same date, while Elliott places this change in the rookeries between tlie end of July and 
 the 6th and 8th August. It is, moreover, acknowledged by the be>t authorities, that the 
 dotes in seal life upon the islands have become later rather than earlier in recent years, 
 as compared with those in which the dates above cited were ascertained. In the case of 
 the death of pups after the middle i>f August, it might be an admissible hypothesis that 
 the mothers had been killed at sea, and tltat subse(|uently to such killing the young had 
 had time to starve to death, but not at dates earlier than this. In the present case, the 
 mortality begnn long before that date, and it seems pr«d)able that the deaths which 
 occurred later must be explained by the same cause, whatever it may have been, 
 extending from the original localities and becoming more general. 
 
 .'156. The causes to which the mortality noted nniy he attributed with greatest 
 probability are the t'olhJM ing. but the evidence at present at disposal scarcely admits of a 
 final attribution to one or other of them. If, however, the examinatum made by 
 Dr. Acland of several of the carcasses be considered as indicative of the state of the 
 whole, one of the t«o first is likely to afford the correct explanation : — 
 
 (a.) It is well known that in conse(|uence ttf the decreased number of " killables" found 
 on the hauling-grounds in late years, it has been found necessary to collect these close to 
 and even on the edges of the breeding rookerie:4, and that it has thus been impossible to 
 avoid the collection and driving to the killing gioimds with the "killables" of all sorts of 
 Kcals not re(|uired. including seai*atchie and females. It is also known that the driving 
 and killing in the early part (»f the season of 1801 was pushed with unwonted energy, taking 
 into consideration the reduced number of seals, and it appears to be (piite possible tliat 
 (he females thus driven from their young, though afterwards turned away from the 
 killing grounds in an exhausted and thoroughly terrified state, never afterwards found 
 their way back to their original breeding places, but either went off to sea or landed 
 elsewhere. The places where the greatest number of dead pups were first seen on 
 Tolstoi and Polavina were just those from the immediate vicinity of which drives were 
 most fre<|ucntly made. 
 
 (/>.) The appearances, indicating a local beginning and greatest intensity of mortality, 
 with its subsequent extension to greati>r areas, might reasonably be explained hy the 
 origination and transmission of some disease of an epidemic character. 
 
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 (c.) Tho circumstances where the mortality was observed to be greatest appeared to 
 he such as to be explicable by a panic and stampede with consequent over-running of 
 the young, but, if so, such stampedes must have occurred more than once. They might 
 not improbably have resulted from attempts to collect '' drives " too near the breeding 
 rookeries. 
 
 (d.) It is entirely within the bounds of probability that raiders ma> have landed on 
 at least Tolstoi and Polaviua rookeries without any one upon the islands becoming 
 cognisant of the fact. Females would in such a case be killed in greatest numbers, for 
 these occupy the stations most easily got at from the sea-side, and the killing upon the 
 rookery ground would also unavoidably have resulted in " stampeding " large numbers of 
 seals of all classes. 
 
 (M.) — Methods of enumerating Seals on the Pribyloff Islands and Estimates of Numbers. 
 
 3d7. The number of seals frequenting the Pribyloff Islands at different dates is 
 of course a fact of fundamental importance, and every attention has thus been given to 
 the methods employed in making estimates of number and to the results arrived at. 
 Unfortunately for purposes of comparison, these have been made for the past twenty 
 years at irregular intervals, on entirely different methods, and by quite different persons, 
 excepting in the one case of Mr. Elliott, who made elabomte observations on the spot 
 both in 18*72-74, and in 1890, the latter being of special value for purposes of 
 comparison with the conditions in 1891. 
 
 368. The first actual estimate of the total numbers of seals resorting to the 
 Pribyloff Islands appears t'> have been that made by Bryant in 18^19. Bryant states 
 that he discovered that there were no open places on the rookeries, that they began to 
 fill at the water-line, and extended no further back than the breeding seals could occupy 
 in a compact body. He then estimated the number to a square rod, and, presumably, by 
 finding the number of square rods contained in the rookery grounds, found the total 
 number of breeding seals to be 1,130,000. He next proceeded to estimate the non- 
 breeding seals and young of the year, and states his belief that there were on the island 
 [nc] not loss than 3,230,000.* If intended for both islands, as by the context it 
 appears to be. this estimate is probably a reasonably fair one, made at least to tlie best 
 of the writer's ability, though, as he does not state the number assumed to the square 
 rod, we are without any exact means of checking it. 
 
 359. In his report, based on observations in 1872-74, Mr. Elliott claims the credit 
 f jr the " discovery " that the seals collected on the rookeries in a uniform number to the 
 square rod, and, with even greater candour than the last writer, puts us in possession of 
 his unit of computation. This is very simple, for he merely allows two square feet to each 
 breeding seal on the rookery ground, divides the whole number of square feet considered 
 as rookery ground by two, and calls this the number of breeding seals. His discussion 
 of the subject is somewhat lengthy, but he sums up his conclusions as follows : " Taking 
 all these points into consideration, .... I quite safely calculate upon an average of 
 two square feet to every animal, big and little, on the breeding grounds, as the initial point 
 upon which to base an intelligent computation of the entire number of seals before U8."f 
 Working upon this basis, he makes the number of breeding seals on the islands, in 
 1872-74, 9,193,420, and, adding an estimate for the non-breeding seals, raises the grand 
 total to 4,700,000.$ 
 
 360. Lieutenant Maynard, in his Report written in 1874, states that the seals 
 frequenting the Pribyloff Islands " have been variously estimated at from 1,000,000 to 
 15,000,000." He thinks Mr. Elliott's method of estimation to bo the most accurate, but, 
 by adding a larger number of non-breeding seals, raises the grand total, m relating to 
 the year 1872, to about 6,000,000.§ 
 
 361. Fourteen years after Mr. Elliott's estimate, Mr. G. R. Tingle, in 1887, 
 expresses the belief that the area of rookery grounds had increased, and, employing 
 Elliott's method of computation, arrived at tho figures 6,357,750 for ihe total number 
 of seals. He explains, however, that the space given to each seal by this hypothesis was 
 too small, and, consequently, reduces his estimate by one.-fourth, making it 4,768, '^00. || 
 
 362. It will be observed that EUliott's mode of computing the space occupied by 
 the breeding seals has been made the basis for subsequent calculations, though both 
 
 * "'Monofrrnph of Norlli Aineriron I'mnipedn," |>. »HiK 
 
 t United SUIM* Centui Hepoii, p. AU. { Ibid., pp. 61 and Hi. 
 
 § Houte of Rcpi(iienUtit««, E«. Uoc, No. tJ, HOi CungieaR, lui Hvaiion, p. 9. 
 
 II IIou«e of Bopreientaliveii, Ueport No. 3883, 3(.'lii Coiignti, 2nd ScMioii, pp. 163 and 177. 
 
65 
 
 Maynard and Tingle took the liberty of essentially changing the results as they would 
 have appeared if this method had been strictly followed. ]s either wholly believed in it, 
 but neither saw his way to substituting a more accurate basis, and both, therefore, 
 merely modified its results by guessing at additions or subtractions. 
 
 363. Elliott's basis of computation must, however, be taken subject to his owi\ 
 measurements of an adult female, which are as follows : Length, 50 inches ; girth, .?6 or 
 37 inches. Such an animal, in a recumbent position, would be contained in a rectnngic 
 of as nearly as possible 4, instead of 2, square feet, and as it is not the normal habit of 
 seals to lie overlapped one upon another, or to stand upright on their hind flippers, it is 
 surely clear that his unit of measurement is an erroneous one. This appears to have 
 occurred to the author himself, for, in stating tlie totals of various rookery areas, he 
 writes, cautiously, '' making ground for " so many seals, and it is not till he proceeds to 
 make up his grand totals that this statement is suddenly exchanged (though in the same 
 tables) for one representing actual number of seals. 
 
 364. This fact of measurement is not, however, the most palpable source of error in 
 these calculations, for the nature of the ground occupied by the breeding seals in itself 
 renders them wholly inapplicable. A first in.spection of the territory covered by any one 
 of the PribylofF rookeries is sufficient to show this, and the fact becomes more and more 
 o'lvious as they are examined in detail. The notes already given (§ 250 et seq.) on the 
 character of the rookery grounds may indicate the reason of this criticism, but it would 
 be difficult to convey an adequate idea of the rocky and broken character of some of 
 them by any description. Photographs may serve to exhibit better their general nature, 
 and it appears to be reasonably within limits of error to conjecture that, in the aggregate 
 of the Pribyloff Kookery g-ounds, not more than one-half the whole space included by 
 their outer limits can, under any circumstances, be assumed to be a surface so level as to 
 be "ground for the resting-place of seals." * 
 
 366. It has been considered necessary to deal with this subject because of its 
 direct bearing upon the question of the fluctuation and general diminution of the seals 
 upon the rookeries, and the evidence that it affords of the now scarcely-questioned fact, 
 that the estimates made in the earlier ";ars of the control of the islands by the United 
 States were absurdly high. It may be added that no single individual of the many 
 questioned by us who had been familiar with the Pribyloff or Commander Islands, or 
 both, for longer or shorter periods, was found to be ready to maintain even the approxi- 
 mate accuracy of the statements of number of seals according to the above- discussed 
 method of enumeration. 
 
 36'.}. By way of further substantiating the conclusions arrived at, however, it may 
 be well to quote a few published opinions bearing on it, which occur in the Congressional 
 Inquiry into the Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, made in 1888 : — • 
 
 Mr. 8. M. Biiynitzky, Government Agent on the islands during parts of the 
 years 1870-71-72, says: "I saw an approximate estimate made by Mr. lillliott .... 
 I do not think any estimate would be within a million or two. I think he puts them at 
 five millions, but it may be three or seven millions, as they are countless." 
 
 Mr. G. Wardman, Government Agent on St. George Island from 1881 to 1885, 
 asked as to the total number of seals on the islands, says : " I never could mak ; 
 it so much as Professor Elliott has done. I made many estimntes. I have been to all 
 the rookeries on the islands many times, and compared them with the space occupied by 
 the carcasses on the killing grounds, and I feel pretty confident that the whole number 
 has been over-estimated." He then proceeds to justify his opinion by special references 
 to rookeries on St. George and to measurements. 
 
 Mr. T. F. Morgan, who was on the Pribyloff Islands in 1868-69, and again during 
 every killing season from 1874 to 1888, as an employ^ of the Alaska Commercial 
 Company, says, respecting the number of seals: "I think that Professor Elliott has 
 over-estimated it . . . : he laid down the carcasses of seals and measured around them, 
 and then measured the rookeries. . . . But they do not lie all over the territory which 
 he marked out. . . . The seals did not cover the whole area as thoroughly as he 
 measured it." 
 
 Dr. H. H. Mclntyre, Superintendent for the Alaska Commercial Company, and 
 on the islands every year, except three, from 1870 to 1888, says: " I think the number 
 has been very largely over-estimated in the reports of naturalists who have observed 
 the habits of the animals on the seal islands. They have made their mistake in supposing 
 that all the ground which shows signs of having been occupied by seals is covered by 
 them simultaneously, when the fact is, that the bachelor seals may be found to-day upon 
 
 [806] 
 
 * lloute of RcprtwnUtiret, Rtport No. 3883, SOlh Congreu, 9nd Seitldii. 
 
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 66 
 
 a certain rookery, and another time upon another place. The result is, the Hamc animals 
 in many instances have been counted two or three times. [ think the estimates 
 arc fully one-third, or perhaps one-half, too high." 
 
 367. No further estimate of the total number of seals upoji the Pribyloif Islands 
 appears to have been made until that of Mr. Elliott in 1890, in which the grand total 
 arrived at is 959,393 breeding seals, including only 350,0;il) breeding females, besides 
 a large number of barren females, while the number of male seals over one year old did 
 not exceed 100,000. 
 
 368. The citations abovo given are sufficient to show the character of the estimates 
 of numbers made, and to indicate why it is impossible to follow the changes and fluctua- 
 tions in numbers of seals resorting to the Pribyloff Islands directly and by these means 
 alone. -In his original report of 1874, Lieutenant Maynard very sensibly remarks that 
 the most trustworthy index of the condition of the rookeries is to be found in the 
 aggregate area occupied by tliem at particular dates in each season, rather than in 
 actual numbers of seals, which can never be anything but mere approximations. His 
 suggestion, that plans should be made and marked with the rookery limits in each year, 
 was unfortunately not carried out, and we are thus thrown hack upon indirect methods of 
 instituting comparisons between the ))ast and present condition of seal life upon the 
 islands. We can only hope that for the future steps will be taken accurately to peg out 
 or mark the limits of the existing rookeries as a criterion of changes certain to occur 
 from year to year. 
 
 369. The auxiliary methods which were adopted in making comparisons of the 
 past and present condition of the rookeries, included careful personal observation at 
 three different periods in the season of 1891, made in the light of evidence previously 
 published, and with tlic aid of formal and informal (juestioning and conversation with 
 all those aCTually engaged in the work on the itdandH, as well as with many who had 
 previously worked on the islands, but were at the time in other independent employments. 
 
 370. The differing ages at which the males and females respectively reach maturity 
 and enter into the breeding class, together with the varying times at which the sexes 
 are supposed to continue in this class, with other circumstances already detailed as to 
 the habits of the fur-seals, together afford the data for very elaborate calculations as to 
 tlie rate of increase or decrease of numbers of seals under various conditions, and subject 
 to the killing of certain numbers of seals of specified sexes and ages. Such calcula- 
 tions, from a practical point of view, are, however, more curious than useful: first, 
 because ot the uncertainty of many of the data, due to a want of necessarily precise 
 information ; ant^ second, from the impossibility of including the consideration of the 
 varying natural causes of loss, which in some years may be so serious as to entirely 
 vitiate any arithmetical result which may be arrived at by such a calculation. An 
 attempt of a very general character has, nevertheless, been made to illustrate the normal 
 increase and possible killing of seals, which may be presented for the purpose of putting 
 the matter in point. In this calculation roughly approximate data only are employed, 
 because it is believed that such data are, under the circumstances, likely to yield results 
 as tnistworthy as any assumptions of a refined and definite character. 
 
 37 1. The state ot the breeding rookeries of the fnr-seal, under normal circum- 
 stances, and while the surplus of males is being annually killed off, may, it is believed, 
 be fairly represented by a unit value consisting of — breeding males 10,000, breeding 
 females 100,000. Bryant's estimate (which appears to be the best) of young surviving 
 to reach maturity, under normal circumstances, is 30 per cent, of the entire number born ; 
 or with an annual birthrrate corresponding to the above " unit " of 100,000, 30,000 would 
 reach " maturity " each year.* 
 
 It may further be assumed that the average age of " maturity " in the two sexes 
 is 4 years, and that the whole number of seals upon the rookeries during four preceding 
 years has remained constant. 
 
 vt72. Under these assumptions, 30,000 4-year-old seals would be added each year ; 
 and it may be postulated, though it has not been actually ascertained, that of these 
 15,000 arc males and 15.000 females. Of these it may be supposed that 10 per cent, 
 is required in each case to replace natural losses by death annually of the breeding 
 classes, or, sny, 10,000 females and 1,000 males. 
 
 373. Under these assumptions, it is evident that a surplus of the yearly increment, 
 cdhsisting of 14,000 males and 5,000 females, may be killed each year without damage 
 to the existing state of the rookeries, which should thus remain at a fixed number. 
 
 * BrjBUt estin:alrt that during the first year CO per cent, of the young are lost, during the lecoud year 
 li per cent., but bpfore tliey arrive at maturity at leatl 10 per cent, more are destroyed. " Monograph of North 
 American Pinnipeds," p. 407. 
 
 1 ••' 
 
 ■i ., 
 1 . 
 
67 
 
 The dcatli-ralc allowed is probably sufficient to cover nil but very exceptional natural 
 causes of loss. 
 
 If, however, under these circumstances, no females be killed, an addition of 5,000, 
 or 5 per cent., on the whole number of females, will accrue to the rookeries yearly; and such 
 increase, to maintain the requisite proportion of the sexes, will call for a similar increase 
 of 5 per cent, in males, or riOO males ; thus reducing the number of males which m&y 
 be killed, if killing is restricted to this sex, to 13,a00 annually. 
 
 With such an«annual increase of 5 per cent, to the entire herd, this should double 
 in number in about every fourteen years. 
 
 Thus, about 770,000 breeding seals should produce annually 100,000 killable males 
 of an average a,!>:e of 4 years, and still allow for a 5 per cent, annual increase of the 
 breeding seals. 
 
 374. Adding to the assumed unit of 110,000 breeding seals, male and female, the 
 number of non-breeding seals required by Bryant's percentage estimates of loss by 
 death of young, the following figures would represent the whole number of such seals at 
 any one time : — 
 
 Piip8, just burn .. .. .- 
 
 YenrJings 
 
 2-jcor-olils . . . . , , 
 
 3-ye;u'-olds , . . . . , 
 
 I'lffetc seals of both sexes, say 
 
 Total of noii-breeding s^als 
 
 100,000 
 40,000 
 35,000 
 3^000 
 50,000 
 
 258,000 
 
 375. Adding to these the breeding seals, the whole number of seals present, when 
 S0,000 may be killed annually without decreasing the aggregate number, would be 
 368,000, and proportionately, in order to produce an increase of 100,000 annually, a tolal 
 number of 2,576,000. 
 
 376. As a matter of opinion, based on such information as we have been able to 
 obtain, and notwithstanding the much larger number given to the islands by several of 
 the estimates previously quoted, we are inclined to doubt whether the whole number of 
 seals frequenting the Pribyloff Islands has ever, since the exceptional slaughter of 1868, 
 actually exceeded 2,000,000, There can be no possible question that the actual number 
 has been very greatly exaggerated in most of tlie computations made. If this opinion 
 be approximately correct, it is evident that an annual slaughter of 100,000 males might 
 lead to just such a continuous and cumulative decrease in total numbers as is elsewhere 
 shown to have occurred before pelagic sealing had entered into the question. 
 
 tcoiid year 
 of Norib 
 
 (N.) — Various Natitrnl Indications of Jormer Extent of Ground occupied hy Seals on the 
 
 Pribyloff Islands. 
 
 377. It will be understood, that on the Pribylotf Islands all parts of the surface 
 above the reach of the waves, and,not too rocky or too entirely composed of loose sand, 
 is, in consequence of the humidity of the climate, naturally covered with grass, but that 
 on the areas running back from the shore with a greater or less width, which are 
 occupied as rookeries or hauling-grounds by the seals, the constant movement and 
 passage of these animals entirely prevents any vegetable growth. Thus, these resorts^of 
 seals, when seen even from a considerable distance, are quite distinctly marked as bare, 
 earthy slopes. When more closely examined, it is further found that the rocky 
 projections and scattered angular rosks, which are common to a greater or less extent to 
 nearly all the rookery grounds, have had the angles more or less polished and worn by 
 the constant movement of the seals over them. The rocks being generally basaltic 
 contain no very hard minerals, and there being a certain proportion of silicious matter 
 in the sand, this supplies a very etHcient polishing material, which is applied by the 
 flippers and bodies of the seals. The polish thus imparted to portions oi the rocks is 
 different from that produced by wind-drifted sand in beipg chiefly confined to points and 
 angles, and is thus easily distinguished from it. 
 
 378. It is found that such partly polished rocks are characteristic particularly of the 
 seaward side of the several rookery grounds, and that further inland, and at greater 
 distances from the central parts of the several rookeries, the appearance becomes less and 
 less well marked, till it at length ceases to be observable. 
 
 379. It is evident that the polishing and wearing down of rocky angles in the 
 manner above described can have occurred only during long series of years ; but it is 
 also evident that the occupation of the same spot by large numbers of seals, say once in 
 
 ri 
 
 w 
 
 

 68 
 
 
 
 •i t 
 
 every third or even everv fifth or tenth vear, woald he sufficient to render the polinhing 
 procesB practically continuous. That, in fac'., any particular rocky spot, if not occupied 
 for intervals of several or many years, wruld not in such intervals lose the traces 
 impressed upon it by former occupation, an> that, if reoccupicd from time to time, these 
 traces would become cumulative. Experience gained in connection with the examination 
 of polishing due to the glacial period in other regions, impressed on just such roclcs 
 as those of the Pribyloff Islands, shows that such polisliing is exceedingly enduring, and 
 that the mere action of the weather upon polished rock angles; like those found 
 upon some of the breeding grounds, cannot have perceptibly operated in the direction 
 of their obliteration since the earliest human knowledge of the Pribyloff Islands. Other- 
 wise stated, it may be safely asserted, that while affording no valid evidence of recent 
 occupation, such traces give invaluable evidence as to the whole area at any time long 
 occupied by large numbers of seals during the past few hundred years. 
 
 S80. In consequence of the want of actual information as to the extent of jieal* 
 occupied ground about the various breeding places on the Pribyloff Islands in various 
 years, a very general tendency is apparent, even among those who have been familiar 
 with the islands for several years, to magnify the conditions of the past at the expense 
 of the present, and free scope is often given to the imagination in describing the former 
 extent of various rookeries and hauling grounds. An excellent corrective to generaliza- 
 tions of this ' kind was found, however, in noting the bare or lichen>covered surfaces of 
 the scattered rocks. I'he climate, as well as the rock surfaces of the Pribyloff Islands, 
 are well adapted to the growth of lichens, but where seals have been in any considerable 
 numbers, no lichens are found on any surface over which they can climb, or which has 
 been within the reach of their flippers. A knowledge of the very slow growth of lichens 
 was sufficient to indicate that where such accessible rocks were well lichen-covered, 
 seal life must have been but scantily, if at all, represented for a long term of years. 
 
 381. An observation of fhis particular fact, continued from rookery to rookery over 
 both islands, showed that the lichened rocks often extended quite to the limits of the 
 ground still annually kept bare of grass by the seals. By this statement, it is not meant 
 to affirm that the lichened rocks and stones were always and everywhere conterminous 
 with the limit of the bared ground, but that in many cases easily accessible points of 
 ground touched these limits, both on tit. Paul and St. George, and thus proved that the 
 seal-frequented area had not contimiously overpassed the actual limits for a considerable 
 number of years, and that vague statements to a contrary effect were necessarily 
 erroneous. This was particularly noted on West Zapadnie Rookery, on certain parts of 
 the Reef rookeries, and those of North-East Point on St. Paul, and on the Little Eastern 
 Bookery on St. George ; but as a criterion, it was in a lesser degree distinctly observed 
 on nearly all of the breeding grounds. 
 
 382. To render the meaning of this fact clear to those who have not particularly 
 
 {>aid attention to this subject, the following quotation may be given from the article on 
 ichens in the "Encyclopaedia Britannica" : — r* 
 
 "In this fitful and abnormal life of lichens, we have the explanation in a great 
 measure of their almost indefinite duration of existence. Ic is well known that they are 
 perennial plants in the widest sense of this term ; and that, though in the earlier stages 
 of their existence, their growth is comparatively rapid, yet this becomes extremely slow 
 when they arrive at a certain age. The time required for the development of even the 
 most rapidly growing species may be calculated by the appearances of such of these as 
 arc met with on gravestones, mortar of houses, stone walls, wooden palings, and such like, 
 the date of whose erection is known. Amongst other instances that have come under the 
 present writer's own observation may be adduced the case of Physcia parietina [the 
 common grey lichen of the Pribyloff Islands is a Physcia], growing in fair quantity on 
 the stones of a granite wall, built in 18-36, in a maritime district where the plant is 
 extremely abundant, and where the atmospherical and other conditions are well suited 
 for its growth. In a recent visit to the spot, it was found that although the thallus is 
 now well developed, no fructification whatever is visible, though traces of spermogones 
 are beginning to appear, so that, in a space of foi-ty-five years, this plant has not yet 
 attained full maturity." 
 
 383. Still another characteristic of the rookery grounds is, that their surfaces are 
 generally composed, especially in hollows subjected to little wear, of a felted coat of 
 mud and hair. In the damp climate of the Pribyloff Islands this characteristic does not 
 endure very long, and when any particular area is abandoned for a few years by the seals, 
 it .•■con becomes again covered with grass. 
 
 ' i ■*- 
 
 * Ninth edition, voU ily, p, 55l< 
 
 ..:.' • 
 
 'R' 
 
69 
 
 are 
 It of 
 
 not 
 eals, 
 
 984. This last circumstance leads to the consideration of a fact, upon which much 
 stress has lately been laid, in connection with the estimation of the present and former 
 areas of the rookeries and hauling grounds. It is quite noticeable that when an area 
 doubtless originally covered with rough, tussocky grass of long growth, and of the character 
 normal to the islands (and generally or always confined to the single species, Elymua 
 mollis), has been occupied by seals for such a time as to eradicate this grass and smooth 
 down the lumpy surface upon which it grew, the temporary or permanent abandonment 
 of the area is followed by the appearance on it of grasses of a shorter and closer growth, 
 and which in the later summer and autumn sooner assume yellowish colours, in consequence 
 of which the outlines of the previously occupied area become clearly defined. It is quite 
 natural, that in the unfortunate absence of any consecutive record of the extent of the 
 rookery grounds, or of correct or comparable estimates of the number of seals upon 
 them or upon the islands as a whole, these "' grass limits," as they may be called for 
 brevity, have been seized upon as something tan^-ible. 
 
 38ff. The '' grass limits " are often quite readily observable, particularly from a little 
 distance, and some special attention was given to them in order to ascertain, as far as 
 possible, to what extent they might be employed as a criterion of change, and particu- 
 larly of diminution in the areas frequented by seals, or in the aggregate number of seals 
 resorting to the islands. 
 
 380. It may be mentioned, in the first place, that the grasses to be found in these 
 particular areas are not in themselves peculiar, but it is merely the predominance of 
 certain forms and their mode of growth which seems to outline such areas, the most 
 abundant grass being apparently Descha'npsia (Aira) coeapitosa, with which the little 
 cruciferous plant Cochlearia officinalis is often mingled. Farther, that a very similar 
 growth and colouration is found in other parts of the islands, which have never been 
 known to be, and which in all probability never have been, frequented by fur-seals ; as, 
 for instance, on the easterly slopes of the low hill upon which the flagstaff stands at St. Paul 
 village. Making due allowance, however, for these and other accidental circiiinstances, 
 the fact remains that, surrounding all, or nearly all, the present rookery grounds, there 
 is a margin of varying width, and not always concentric with the still bare area, pretty 
 clearly marked out by such difference of sod. 
 
 387. Respecting the time which it might take for any portion of seal-worn ground 
 to revert to its oriin;inal tussocky condition if undisturbed, little can be said with certainty, 
 further than that it must be many years. The tussocky character of the general surface upon 
 the islands has arisen in the course of time and by the persistence of grass-clumps, about 
 which sand and soil carried by the wind have collected, and vegetable matter produced 
 by continued growth has accumulated. Experience on the western plains of North 
 America, where a buffalo-path or cart-trail is sometimes found to have retained its 
 identity, with little apparent change for thirty or more years, would indicate that the 
 time of reversion here to the original state of the surface .<annot be placed at less than 
 perhaps fifty years, while a century would, in all probability, more nearly represent it. 
 
 388. Without, however, attaching any importance to particular limits of time, it 
 is peifectly clear that both in the extent of the seal-polished rocks and in that of the 
 distinctive vegetation, we see marked the greatest expansion which the areas so charac- 
 terized have at any time attained during the last 100 years or so, and that these traces 
 thus carry us back so far as to render them of little value in the elucidation of the 
 changes of late years. Still further, it is obvious that such limits need not, and probably 
 do not, quantitatively represent the actual expansion of the seal herd centering about any 
 given rookery ground, but, on the contrary, indicate an outer boundary, within the limits 
 of which the seals have oscillated during a long terra of years. The extraordinary fixity 
 which has been attributed to the rookery areas and hauling grounds, arising naturally 
 from a popular exaggeration of their sub-permanent character, has alone rendered it 
 mentally possible to advance to the further stage of belief, which has induced some 
 writers to assume that the whole of the areas showing traces of seal occupation have 
 been at some definite time simultaneously and closely occupied. There is no basis for 
 any such belief in nature, or in the observed habits of the seals, and any reference to it 
 with this meaning involved, merely tends to cloud the consideration of the true facts of 
 the case. 
 
 389. Dr. Mclntyre, in a passage already quoted, refers clearly to this point, and the 
 facts previously given in connection with changes in the rookeries further illustrate it, 
 though ii is not at once grasped in an inspection of the seal islauds for the first time, or 
 in one coiiliued to a single period of the year. It is, moreover, very easily understood 
 that any one with but a general remembrance of the former greater abundance of seals 
 on the islands, if asked to indicate the limits occupied by them and groping for some 
 
 ;l 
 
 ■••i 
 1 ! 
 
m 
 
 f 
 
 ,«.■■ . 
 
 70 
 
 tangible means of doing so, should seize upon the " grass limit " as affording this means, 
 anamaintain that that limit h co-extensive with the spread of the seals in the " sixties" 
 or in the " seventies," as the case may be. 
 
 800. The best locality actually found for observing the circumstances connected with 
 old seal-frequented areas was that of the important rookeries of North-East Point. The 
 " grass limit " was there particularly well marked, especially in the month of September, 
 and it was noted thf t (he rocks with polished edges scarcely, and then only in a very 
 aligbtly marked forn:, extended as far as the " grass limit," giving reason to believe that 
 the ground had been at no time thickly or very continuouBly frequcVited by seals to this limit. 
 The nearly straight shore- line running eastward from Hutchinson Hill is almost, ov 
 practically quite, continuously occupied by breeding- sonls, though these occupy a much 
 greater width in some places than in others. As early as the 5th August, 1891, it was 
 observable from Hutchinson Hill, in connection with the general change in the rookeries 
 at about this date, thai considerable bodies of iieals liad worked buck in three places 
 
 J|uitc to the margin of the " grass limit," and in a fourth had almost reached this limit, 
 n thus working inland, the respectivi-* bodies of seals had formed fout " bays," gradually 
 narrowing toward the inner ends, where the greater number of seals were at the time 
 gathered, but of which the limits were quite distinctly marked by the flattening down 
 and partial disappearance of the short gri^ss, and the fact that mud and sand had been 
 drawn over it by the restless movement of the seals. This observation alono was sufficient 
 to indicate that even the present number of seals might naturally, in the course of a few 
 
 J rears, work over every part of the territory on the soaword side of the general "gross 
 imit," and that this limit might thus be ])erennially maintained. 
 
 391. When the same part of the !North-EastBookery was re>examined4n the middle 
 of September, though there were still some large " pods " of seals scattered out as far as 
 the "grass limit," the arrangement above described had partly broken up, and the 
 "bays" were not so distinctly outlined, as recent rains had washed and jmrtly revived 
 the seal-trodden grass by which they had previously been marked out. The seals 
 occupying the "hay" nearest to tlie base of the hill had, however^ moved still further 
 back, and were actually in occupation to tKe nnmber of 2,000, or thereabouts, of nn area 
 of the longer and tussocky grass to the rear of the general " grass limit." At the same 
 date, near the western base cf the long slope of Hutchinson Hill, n conHiderable area of 
 the Ljorter turf on the seaward tide of the " grass limit " was found to show obvious 
 traces of having been occupied by a large number of seals for some days at least, though 
 they had subsequently abandoned it for some other locality. Here, again, one corner of 
 the area thus marked out by recent occupation overpassed the " grass limit," and covered 
 a snperficies estimated at about .50,000 square feet of the long tussocky grass, which 
 showed no sign of previous occupation by seols. The shorter grass had naturally suffered 
 more than the longer, being flattened down, partially worn off, and pressed into the mud 
 The longer grass in the course of a year will probably show no trace of its occupation. 
 
 392. Passing now to several changes of the same general character noted on the 
 Beef Rookery : — As early as the 18th August, not only was a larger number of seals 
 than before observed (mostly holluschickic) seen 'hauled out on the outer part of Z ,!tni 
 sands, nt the inner end of Reef Point, but they were also scattered in considerable numiiers 
 far back on the hill. There were in all probably about 3,000 seals here at this time, a.id 
 one-half of them were estimated to bo "killablc" seals. On the loth September largs 
 droves of seals were resting or ravelling about all ports of the bare "parade ground'" 
 between the Reof and Gorbotch rookeries, which had on previous visits, six weeks and 
 nine weeks before respectively, been but scantily occupied, and which, if noted only in the 
 earlier part of the season, »ould have been characterized as an area practically abandoned 
 by seals. The only notable exception to this occupation was the grassy flat to the south- 
 west of "Fox Hill," which for some reason was not frequented, and shows little sign of 
 having been much occupied either in. this or former years. While, therefore, it might 
 easily have been assumed at earlier dotes in the season that the hare slopes of the 
 " parade " indicated the former existence of great masses of seals unlike any now to be 
 found, the reason of the absence of grass upon them, even under the present circum> 
 stances, became -perfectly obvious on a later inspection. 
 
 393. Before leaving this particular subject, it may be well further to mention that 
 there is on the North-East Point a considerable area of what may be called " spurious 
 grass limit," to the west of the slopes of Hutchinson Hill, and extending nearly to 
 Gross Hill. Here there is a flat, spreading back from the beach and bounded on the 
 inland aide by a low rise or step, which might easily be mistaken for a very wide expansion 
 of a former rookery ground, but which is in reality not due to any such cause, but is 
 physically different. The higher flat, running inland from the step or low bank just 
 
71 
 
 referred to, is chiefly composed of loose, porous sand, a few feet only in thickness at the 
 edge, but extending in greater or less thickness over a considerable portion of the interior 
 of the whole iJorth-East Point peninsula. This is overgrown by rough, tussocky grass. 
 Between the edge of the step and the sea the superficial sandy covering has been removed, 
 probably by the action of the wind and sea in exceptional storms, and has exposed n stony 
 and bouldcry lower surface, on which volcanic soil rather than sand is packed between the 
 rocky fragments. All that part of the lower area which is grassed, is covered with n shorter 
 and yellower Kind of grass. No distinct " grass limit " can, therefore, be traced across 
 it, and it is impossible in this place to outline the maximum limit of seal occu])ation at 
 any period except by the polished character of the rocks, a feature which ceases to be 
 observable long before the edge of the upper flat is reached. 
 
 304. The general features here described arc well shoNvn in the sketch forming 
 Plate IX in Mr. Elliott's Census Report, though in this sketch, for artistic efloct, the 
 horizontal distances arc considerably reduced in proportion to tlie vertical dimensions. The 
 Hinuous line of the edge of the higher flat may be clearly traced by the longer grass, and 
 it is obvious that the seals did not approach this line even at the time this sketch was 
 made, or in 1872-74. A photograph taken from the same ])ointof view in 181)1 indicates 
 the structural peculiarities of this stretch of ground still more conclusively. 
 
 ?95. It may therefore be stated, in concluding the consideration of this subjcut, that 
 neither the extent cf the seal-polished rocks nor that of the " grass limits " in the vicinity 
 of the breeding grounds, can be trusted to for the purpose of giving information as to 
 clianges in area or position of ground occupied by seals in recent years, as contrasted 
 with that at present occupied. Far less can it be taken to indicate in any reliable 
 manner the numerical decrease in the seals in these years, or be accepted in place of the 
 annual details on this subject which an intelligent supervision of the rookeries would 
 have exacted as a matter of prime importance, but which arc unfortunately wanting, and 
 can only be in part supplied by incidental allusions or collaterfll observations which have 
 been preserved. Whether considered from a general point of view, or in the light of the 
 sj)ecial inquiries made in 1891, such indications as those above referred to must be 
 admitted to mark out only the maximum average limit of oscillation and range of seal 
 occupation during a very long period of years. While, therefore, exact recent surveys of 
 the areas marked out by such "grass limits" or otherwise, in tlic vicinity of rookeries, 
 may possess a certain limited intrinsic interest, they can have a' solutely no fixed value 
 in connection with the practical matters under discussion. It is, in fact, largely to ideas 
 loosely based on the observable extent of ground which has at one time or another, but 
 never simultaneously, been occupied by seals, that many of the exaggerated estimates of 
 the amount of the present reduction in number of seals in the islands may be directly 
 traced. 
 
 I 
 
 oers 
 
 jn of 
 
 light 
 
 the 
 
 that 
 rious 
 y to 
 
 just 
 
 (O.) — Chanyes in Hnbits of the Fur'Scal in recent Ycam. 
 
 390. The systematic and persistent hunting and slaughter of the fur-seal of the 
 North Pacific, both on shore and at sea, has naturally and inevitably given rise to 
 certain changes in the habits and mode of life of that animal, wliich are of importance 
 not only in themselves, but as indicating the effects of such pursuit, and in showing in 
 what particular this is injurious to seal life as a whole. Such changes doubtless began 
 more than a century ago, and some of them may be traced in the liistoiical precis, else- 
 where given (§ 78-' et seq.). It is unfortunately true, however, that the disturbance to 
 the normal course of seal life has become even more serious in recent years, and that 
 there is, therefore, no lack of material from Avhich to study its charactci' and effect even 
 at the present time. 
 
 397. The changes in habits and mode of life of the seals naturally divide them- 
 selves into two classes, which may be considered separately. The first and most direct 
 and palpable of these is that shown in the increased shyness and wariness of the animal, 
 which, though always pelagic in its nature, has been forced by circumstances to shun 
 the land more than before, so that, but for the necessity imposed upon it of seeking the 
 shore at the season of birth of the young, it might probably ere this have become 
 entirely pelagic. Changes of the second class embrace those which have resulted from 
 a disproportion of the sexes, produced by the continuous and excessive killing of males of 
 certain ages, and from new and more destructive methods adopted on the breeding 
 islands because of dinnnished numbers and other such circumstances. The increasing 
 irregularity and overlapping in the dates in the events of seal life may be included in this 
 latter class. 
 
 [305J L 
 
 ir' 
 
if 
 
 T 
 
 ■PTT55r- 
 
 m 
 
 !§] 
 
 . ! 
 
 ! 
 
 ■ i 
 1 
 1 
 
 \4 'i 
 
 72 
 
 " ■ .' 308. Chnnj^cs of the flrst clasH haTc now apiuirently bceomp, in n measure, hereditary, 
 While those of the second depend almost from year to ^veiir up«m the treatment at the 
 time nt'forded to the seals, and might, in the course of a few years at most, with cnrc, 
 bo oansed to revert to their former normal condition. 
 
 890. Pelagic sealers of experience are almost unanimous in stating that tlie fur-seal 
 is eaeh year becoming more ulert and difficult of approach mid captLre, uhilo the 
 independent native hunters add their testimony to the same effect, and there can lie 
 no question as to the general fact. Snch changes are more notable at sea th:in on the 
 breeding islands, for when at sea the seal is in its natural clement, and free to exercise 
 its instincts of self-preservation ; when on shore at the bree<ling season it is, on the 
 contrary, practically defenceless, and, beyond the insiiiict to attempt to escape from 
 immediate death about to be inflicted by the club or otherwise, it is incapable of seeking 
 safety, and is at the mercy of the scaUkiller. Its wily refuge, under these circumstances, 
 is to seek, if such may be found, some new breeding-place unknown or inaccessible to 
 man. Captain Scammcn, many years ago, adverted to this fact in the following terms : 
 " We may add, likewise, from our own observation, and as the expressed opinion of 
 several experienced sealing-masters, that their natural migritions extend over u great 
 expanse of ocean ; and if they are unduly disturbed in their favourite haunts for several 
 successive years, they are quite sure to seek some distant and unknown place, where they 
 can congregate unmolested by man."* 
 
 40(». It is doubtless in consequence of this fact, as already pointed out, that the 
 Pribyloff and Commander Islands had long ago become the special resorts of the fur- 
 seal of the North Pacific, and to the same cause must be attributed the abandonment 
 of other breeding grounds formerly frequented by this animal, as well as the attempts to 
 take tip new rookeries which have been mentioned when describing the facts of seal life 
 along the western shores of the North Pacific. 
 
 401. As above stated, nearly all the pelagic scalers concur in the opinion that 
 the fur-seal is annually becoming' more shy and wary at sea. They add that this is 
 most apparent in that part of the east side of the North Pacific to the south of the 
 Aleutian Islands, but that it is becomiug equally marked in the eastern part of Rehring 
 Sea ;• while in the western part of the sea, where pelagic sealing has as yet been 
 scarcely practised, the seals do not show the same fear of boats, and are more easily 
 approached. It is thus evident that greater skill and caution is annually required on 
 the. part of the pelagic hunters, and on' 'the assumption that the number of seals met 
 vithat sea has remained the same in proportion to ares of surface, the statistics quoted 
 OQ PA later page respecting the catch made in relation- to each boat employed, would 
 appeat to show that the dexterity of the hunters has increased, pari passu, with the. 
 wariness of the seals. 
 
 402. The facts observed by the pelagic sealers in regard to the abundance 
 or otherwise of f-eals at sea have important bearings on the general question of 
 the v'hole number of seals.now or in recent years inhabiting the North Pacific, and also 
 wbcn^ taken in.conjunction- with the tedtiction in numbers on the, breeding islands, 
 in evidencing tile- changes in habits hcrei specially referred Ut. The general ,tenor of 
 the whole of. the evidence to be obtained on this particular subject, whetlier directly by 
 oarselves or.from' other sources, shews>:that though changes in position are noticed from 
 year ta ^oar, no decrease in numbers, has occurred at sea, Jivhile an actual increase is in 
 many cases repotted. This circumstance- of the oontinued abundance of seals at sea in 
 the whole tract of ocean frequented by the pelagic sealera is so notable, aiid at the 
 same ^ime so entirely opposed .to some, loose general statcmenis as to diminution, which 
 have found currency, that some evidence relating to it mdy properly be adduced.' ,. , 
 
 .403- In 1889, Captain J. O. .Warren, whose experience is entirely pelagic, aaOie has 
 ner^r been within. hight. of the Pribyloff IsUihIs, says : "I bare noticed no diminution 
 in tire number of seals during th& t^wenty years I have- been in the business^, but -if any 
 ciiaiige, at all an inorease."t Captain W. O'Leary gays, in the same' year: " I-dop not 
 tfaptk Ihere is any decrease in the.niHnber ofi seals entering Behring" Hea, 1 ncvei* , saw 
 BO isaoy seal along- the coast as 'there were this year, and in, Cehring Sea; they were 
 mote numerous tluia L ever saw them before.^'}.: In< the following' year ^r. A- 1^- Milne, 
 .Gdl^or.of Customs at Yictpria, after, detailing his inquiries made from pelagic sealers, 
 says-: "I can now safely repeat wbiat l.have already said and written, that owners and 
 masters do noJt entertain the slightest idea that the soals are at all scarce.".§ : . ^ , . 
 
 i ^ 
 
 • . ' '< '),..i. ...i • '.' Marine Mammalin," p. !62. 
 t Parliamentary I'aper [C. 61313, 1>- 336. London, 1890. 
 
 § Parliamentary I*apcr fC. 6353]. Londop, 1690. 
 
 X Ibid., p. 357. 
 
 i 
 
 ■'9 
 
73 
 
 401. Messi'H. Cnrne and Munsic, in a letter, dHted the 3l8t October, 1890, addrcHsed 
 to Mr. Milne, uttite timt while tlic Menls Imd in that ycnr, both in Uchring Soa and along; 
 the const, to some extent changed their grounds, they did not appear to be any !>carcer 
 (lian when they first engaged in the scaling I)llsinc^ .s in 1884. In 1890, they found the 
 senis most plentiful to the north and eastward of the Islandn of St. I'aul and St. George, 
 and distant from the;-> from 35 to GO miles, while in former years they were most 
 al>iindant to tlie wc.-iinard of tlie'<e islands. All their cnpfains reported tlint the seals 
 were as plentiful as ever in JJchring Sea, and attributed the comparatively 
 sniall catches made to the rough and foggy weather that prevailed during the 
 season. Captain J. S. Cox, in a letter bearing the snmo divto as that from which 
 tiic ai)()vo statements are taken, and addressed to the same gentleman, says that the 
 ninslcrs of his schooners report tliat thu seals are not getting any scarcer. The 
 liniitcMl catch made wns, in tlieir opinion, due entirely to the bad weather which 
 prevailed in Hebring Sea during the scaling season. They found the seals most 
 [lientiful to the east of St. Paul and St. George Islands. Messrs. Hall, Goepel, 
 i>nd Vo., in a letter, dated the Ist November, 1800, and also addressed to Mr. Milne, 
 slate that the captains of their schooners found tlie seals to be as plentiful as in any 
 previous year, but that, owing to the foggy and boisterous weather encountered in 
 I'obring .Sea, very large catches were not made. 
 
 105. During the month of .lanuary 1892, several captains of sealing-vesscls, and 
 hunters on sucii vessels, were examined under oath by Mr. Milne at Victoria, and from 
 tiu'ir evidence the following statements us to the relative abundance of seals in 1891, as 
 compared with former years, are taken : — 
 
 Mr. C. J. Kelly found the seals as abundant as formerly along the coast to the 
 Shuniagin Islands. 
 
 Captain Wm. Petit followed the seals north from Cape Flattery, and sajs: — 
 
 " I found then\ more plentiful last year than I have any year since 1880; that is, 
 
 from Cape Flattery north In Behring Sea as plentiful as in former years 
 
 We saw more last year than for several years previously." 
 
 Captahi W. E. Baker reported the seals to be as plentiful along the coast to 
 
 He 
 
 savs ; 
 
 No 
 
 .Shuniagi'.i Ts'ands as in former years, " in some jdaccs more plentiful." 
 material dilference in my average catch for last four years." 
 
 Captain A. liisset followed the seals north from Cape Flattery, and found them as 
 abundant as ever before. 
 
 Captain T . M. Magnesea says : — 
 
 " I think they " (the seals) " were more plentiful last season than T ever saw tlicm 
 liefove .... Tiie biggest catch I have ever made was last year, on the coast as well as 
 in Behring Sea." 
 
 Henry Crocker thinks, from what he saw of the seals, that " they were Just as many 
 as before.'' 
 
 Uiehard Thompson believed the seals were as plentiful as in the previous year. 
 
 Andrew Laing had observed no decrease in the number of seals ; ''if anything, they 
 wore a liitle more numerous than in 1890." 
 
 Captain W. Cox took 1,000 seals in four days, 100 miles to the westward of the 
 I'ribyloll Islands. He found the seals much more plentiful in Behring Sea than he had 
 ever seen them before. 
 
 400. Similar evidence of a general character, and confirmatory of the statistics just 
 quoted, was obtainetl by us in the autunmof 1891 from a numlier of sealing captains and 
 iiunters, to the effect that the general experience was that seals were equally or more 
 iibuiulant at .sea this year than they had been in former years. 
 
 407. 'i he actual success of individual sealing-vessels of course depends so largely 
 upon tlie good fortune or good judgment which may enable them to fall in with and 
 follow considerable bodies of seals, as well as on the weather experienced, that the figures 
 representing the catch, compared to the boats or whole number of men employed, con.sti- 
 tute a more trustworthy criterion than any such general statements. 
 
 ^ 
 
 [805J 
 
 L 2 
 
■74 
 
 Compahisox between Uie number of Reals and Men cmployoil in the Fur-scal KUIury 
 and the number of Seals taken. (Only Vessels sailin^i^ fro n Victoria are iuclude;!.* 
 
 Your. 
 
 Xumttcr of 
 
 Xunil)or of 
 
 Avoriiao 
 
 Niiinlx r of 
 
 .•\virin,' !•''■ 
 
 KciiU. 
 
 • Men. 
 
 ]K<r Man. 
 
 lio;it.4. 
 
 IJoa'. 
 
 1887 .. 
 
 20,2f.n 
 
 361 
 
 56 
 
 123 
 
 Kit 
 
 1888 .. 
 
 21.320 
 
 442 
 
 53 
 
 170 
 
 11.1 
 
 1880 .. 
 
 27.8G8 
 
 481 
 
 58 
 
 170 
 
 I5t) 
 
 1890 .. 
 
 30.547 
 
 (505 
 
 69 
 
 24(1 
 
 160 
 
 1891 .. 
 
 49,615 
 
 981 
 
 46 
 
 353 
 
 134* 
 
 * In 1891, nearly nil the schoonrrs wire watnid out of Behring Sen gome weeks before the expiry of tlie 
 ordinnry liunting aeason. 
 
 408. In consiilerin{>; the general benrings of the above -itatenients oMaini'd from 
 pelagic sealers, and of the numerical facts derived from an analysis of their catch, it 
 must he remembered that the vessels engaged in sealing are able to curry on their work 
 wherever (he seals may be found, and that the tendency of the seal to keep further fron 
 the shores does not materially alfect their snccess. It is otherwise witii tlie independent 
 native hunter,*, who employ the shore as their base of operations, and it is therefore 
 chiefly from tlie observations made by these men that an idea can be formed of the 
 recent chonges in habits of the seals. It must be noted here, however, before qnoting 
 •his particular evidence, that circumstances of wind and weather, as well as the abundance 
 or olhcrwiso of suitable food for tlie seal^^, Imve a great etfect locally on tiio numbers of 
 seals of which the natives are cognizant, and that it is, therefore, rather on the general 
 tenor of their observations than on any isolated notes that broad conclusions may be 
 safely based. 
 
 409. In the Aleutian I.>-land,s, the natives questioned at Ounalaska began by stating 
 that the rumbcr varied much from year to year, but the oldest among the hunters said 
 that it had been aI)out the same for the past five or six years. 
 
 410. Ki Kadink Island, Mr. Washburn, the local agent of the Alaska Commercial 
 Company, expressed the opinion tiiat seals wore four times more numerous in the vicinity 
 of the shores of that island five years ago than at present, and that the number seen 
 there lad decreased notably within the last two years. The seals did not now come into 
 the shores as before, and did not enter Prince AVilliam Sound in large numbers as they 
 had previously done, but remained at sea in thr neighbourhood of the Portlock and 
 other banks. 
 
 411. The same gentleman informed us of the interesting fact, related I)y the natives 
 of Kadiak, that one season, now many years ago, several hundred fur-seals h:ul formed a 
 breeding rookery on one of the islands in Shelikoff Strait, but that this attempt had not 
 been contiiuied. In June or July 1891, one recently born seal pup had been seen with 
 its mother near the shore, about 20 miles to the west of St. Paul on Kadiak Island. 
 'J'his, however, v.as the only instance of the kind he could vouch for. 
 
 412. At Sitka, both Whites and Indians, familiar with the sealing business, stated 
 that the hunters complained that the seals were now wild and difficult to approach, 
 and united in attributing the comparatively small native catch of 1891 to this cause. 
 'Ilicy think that the number of schooners engaged in the fishery is the reason of this 
 increased wariness. Captain Morrisay stated that he did not think the seals were less 
 nunierons at sea this year than before, but tliat, on the contrary, all accounts show that 
 they were more abundant than usual, and that a good catch would have been obtained 
 had they not been so much disturbed by vessels. The Indians aver that long ago tlic 
 seals were very numerous about Sitka, and it is a tradition or legend, that in early times 
 they frequently landed on the islands in that vicinity. Within the memory of the living 
 hunters, single seals had been seen ashore in various places on the islands off Sitka and 
 near Cape Edgecombe. Two years ago, a female had been seen on the beach on the 
 outer side of Cape Ommeny. 
 
 413. Am(mg the Indians from Klawok, an old man explained that in the time of his 
 great-grandfather there were vast nnmbcrs both of seals and sea-otters in that vicinity, 
 and that the old people said that in these times the seal gave birth to its young tliere. 
 Ho had never heard, however, that there were any special places to which the seals 
 Ves(rted for that purpose. 
 
 414. In the northern part of Queen Charlotte Islands, the Indians state that the 
 feals have now become so timid, that in a hunting season of two months thej sometimes 
 
 ;r 
 
75 
 
 kill )\l)oiit th'niy Kcnls only to a cnnoe, wlicrcas they tbrmorly wore often able to get the 
 MiTt number in one ilay. AVIicn they first bcgnn to hunt seals lystemntically, they 
 ;;incrally f^ot titcni u or niilos from the Hhore, wherouH at the present time they had to 
 ;;o ir* or 20 null's. Thc.v iittrihnto this change to (ho schooners which Ihey see engaged 
 ill liunting ott* tlieir coast. Kdensaw, the old Chief, said tiiat many years ago the seals 
 wore (iftt'ii found lying together on the water almost touching each other, and 30 or 50 
 ill a hunch, but that now they are more widely scattered. He further slated, that 
 in former years he had sometimes seen full-grown bulls coming ashore in various places 
 on the west coast of the islands in spring. Not many years ago, lie had seen a female 
 •.villi a recently born pup on the shore near Cape Kaigani ; and once, long afo, ho had 
 found a female seal in the act of giving birth to two pups on Hose Spit. These facts 
 are of ])nrticular interest, from their bearing upon the statements quoted by Professor 
 .1. A. vMloii, on the authority of Captain Bryant, now more than ten years ago, for while 
 they do not directly confirm tliis statement, they tend to support it. Referring to 
 Captain Hiynnt, Professor Allen writes : " In bis MS. Keport just received, he states 
 that a half-hrccd hunter told him that he foimd in summer, on Queen Charlotte's Island, 
 ;j;roui s of these nnimals, consisting of two or more beach-masters, with a do/en or more 
 females and jiups, but no balf.grown males."* 
 
 415. Speaking of the same vicinity, and as the result of long experience, 
 Mr. Alexander Mackenzie said that, judging from the number of skins taken, seals were 
 loss abundant than formerly in Dixon Entrance, but that the fact must also be taken into 
 consideration, that there were not now so many good hunters as before among the 
 Indians. In 1881-82 and 1882-83 many skins were got, nut in the years since 1885 the 
 number of skins had been smaller than before. 
 
 410. The Indian hunters of the Tshimsian tribes sa_) that before the seals were so 
 nnich hunted, fome of them used to give birth to tl ir young on wWy islets in Hecate 
 Strait. Living hunters had seen this. 
 
 417. Ai Bella-Bella, the Indian hunters staled that as long as they themselves could 
 rememLiii, ,enls were very abundant in that vicinity. Thov had gradually decreased in 
 nimiber till about four years ago, since which they had lieen moderately abundant for 
 liiree years, and in 1891 had shown a marked increase in number. They sometimes, but 
 rarely, saw seals, both male and female, coming out on the rocks. Two or three had at 
 various times been killed on shore. 
 
 418. The Indians of iNawitti, who hunt about the north end of Vancouver Island, 
 had no complaint to make of scarcity of seals. They said, on the contrary, that the 
 hunting further at sea by schooners had, they thought, driven the seals into the entrance 
 of Queen Chnrlotte Sound in greater numbers than before. They had occasionally seen 
 seals of dilferent ages sleeping on the rocks. 
 
 419. At Clavoqnot Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, .seals were 
 said to have been very numerous long ago, but to have been seen in smaller numbers for 
 some ten or fifteen years past. At Ahouset, also in Clayoquot Sound, the Indians 
 said they bad never seen or heard of seals coming ashore to breed, or for any other 
 purpose. 
 
 420. At Neah Bay, near Cape Flattery, the Indians stated that the seals seen by them, 
 in that vicinity, are now fewer and more wary than before, and more difficult to kill. 
 They have never seen even a single seal on the rocks, but always at sea. 
 
 42j. Keferring to the same place. Judge J. G. Swan writes, in 1880, that between 
 IB.**? and 18GG seals were very few, but that since thai liu.e they had appeared in much 
 larger numbers. t 
 
 422. Mr. K. Finlayson and Mr. T. Moffat, both long identified with the Hudson's 
 Bay Company on the West Coast, believe that the fur-seals became notably more 
 numerous in the waters adjacent to the coast of British Columbia about the time the 
 Alaska Commercial Company obtained possession of the Pribyloff Islands. This they 
 attribute to some difference in the mode of capture practised on these islands, in conse- 
 quence of which the seals changed Uulv former habits. Captain Bryant has also 
 t^articidarly referred to the abundance of fur-seals along the coasts of Oregon, Wash- 
 ington, and British Columbia in 1869. { 
 
 423. Some years in which exceptionally large numbers of seals have been noted 
 along various parts of the coast of British Columbia are referred to in other parts of thi» 
 report. (See particularly § 223.) 
 
 424. On another page, and in connection with the subject of the migrations and 
 
 • " Monograph of North American Pinnipeds," p. 333. 
 
 t " Fishery Industries of the United btates," vol. ii, p. 394. 
 
 \ " Mcnograph of North American I'mnipeds," p. 33'.!. 
 
70 
 
 ".^i 
 
 linbitnt of the fur-seal, Mr. J. \V. Mackay has been cited with reference to the former 
 abunilancc of seals upon the southern part of Vancouver Island. His informants on 
 tin's point were old Indian hunters of tlie Songis, Sooke, and Tlalum tril)es, inhabitin;"' 
 tiic adjacent coasts. The following- additional statements by the same gentleman, IVi)m 
 their bcarinji; on chnngos in habits of the seal, may appropriately be included here : " 'I'he 
 Indiins above quoted stated that the fur-seal bred on the Race Rocks, on Smith's Island 
 (Washington), and on several islands of the Gull" of (Jeorgia. They used to liavo their 
 young to within a recent jjcriod <'n liie Haystack Islands, off Cape Scott, N'ai.couver 
 Islaml. It is probable that a few Individuals still brei'd there, these islands beiiii!,' very 
 inaccessible to small ciaft on account of the strong tides and cross currents which prevail 
 in their neighbourhood." 
 
 Mr. Mackay'a authority i'or the first ])art of the above statement are the Indians 
 ])reviously referred to, and tlio nuitter must even, at the early date at which Mr. JMackay 
 first knew them, have become traditional. 
 
 42.">. Under the heading of Migrations and Range (§ 171 cl sc(j.), sufficient 
 allusicm lo the former abundance of fur-.seals on the Californian coast, and to their 
 breeding places there, now appMrently abandoned, has been made. Further particular-. 
 may he fmnid in Scammon's work and elsewhere. 
 
 420. From the foregoing notes, it may be gathered that the increasing timidity of 
 the fur-seal has caused it almost comidetely to abantlon its original habit of ()oca>io!ially 
 landing elsewhere than on the nniin breeding islands, and has led, besides, to the pr()b;il)]y 
 comjdete abandonuient of certain local breeding places where small niunbers of seals 
 resorted in former years. Not only so, but the seals now shun more thin over the 
 entire vicinity of the coast, and are found at sea in undiminished quan!ity only by the 
 pelagic scalers, whose operations do not depend on proximity to the land. The same 
 instinct lias its effect also on the breeding islands, to the continuous harassing of the 
 seals upon which its growth is doubtless in large part duo. On the islamls, it ^Isows 
 itself i)articularly in the late arrival, short stay upon, or continued avoidancj of, the 
 shores by those seals not actually engaged in breeding ; as well as in erratic variations in 
 proporticmal numbers of seals of different classes at various reasons. These ch:\ngeH 
 cannot be wholly attributed to t'.ie operations of the soa-sealcrs, for Ihoiigli not so 
 striking on the Connnandor Islands as upon the Pribyhiff Islands, they arc still 
 ohservablc there, though the contingent of seals visiting thf^so is'ands hiloiig as a 
 whole to a different migration-tract, which has scarcely as yet been touched by pelagic 
 sealers. 
 
 4U7. 'J"he fact that the breeding islands are now iidiabitod by man, is in itself an 
 anoiiiah, and particularly so when the protection of the seals on these islands is 
 combined vnth the requirements of a largo annual slaughter. Sueh circunistances need 
 to be hedged about with most rigorous precautions, in order that tl'.ey may remain com- 
 patible w ith the continuous prosperity of seal life. More care is taken in this respect on the 
 Commander than on the Pribyloff Ishmds, but even there improvement seems pos.silde. On 
 the Commander Islands, great precautions are observed to prevent the smell of smoke 
 reaching the rookery grcnuids, particularly early in the season, when the seals first land. 
 Coal-oil is used for cooking in the houses near the rookeries at this season, ami all (ires 
 are quenched when the snioke blows in the direction of the rookeries. Smokin;; is not 
 ])ormitted near the rookery grounds, and no one is allowed in their vicinity (unless for 
 purposes of collecting a drive) but the superintendent of the island or the foreman in 
 charge of ihe rookeries. 
 
 42S. There are, however, in addition to aelual fear and the instinct of self- 
 preservation, other causes which now render the breeding islands, and particularly the 
 Pribyloil islands, less continuously the resort of seals than formerly. Chief ann)ng 
 these is the paucity of virile males, which makes the islands less nttractivo to the 
 females, and, besides, has resulted in the existence of a large and increasing elass of 
 barren females, which do not find themselves inuler tiie necessity of .«-eoking the shoie. 
 
 4'J{). On this point, speaking of an early date in the history of the islands, 
 Veniaminor writes: "This opinion is founded on the fact that never /except in one year. 
 18)2) have an excessive number of females been seen without young; that cows not 
 pregnant scarcely ever come to the Pribyloff Islands ; that such females cannot be scon 
 every year."* 
 
 450. To this may he added the probable circumstance, that the constantly liaia.ssed 
 and now much reduced number of young but already virile males, meet the fenniles niore 
 couimonly than before at sea. 
 
 Qiiutrd ill Uiiitod Sinlcs' Census Ilcpoit, p. 141, 
 
77 
 
 431. Tlie occurrence of increased numbers of barren females hat* been more 
 precisely noted on tbe Commander Islands than upon the Piibjloff Islands, probably 
 because, as the result of a better system of protection there, thesei animals still come to 
 the rookery grounds instead of staying al sea. In 1891, a large number of females were 
 observed to be without young both on Behring and Copper Islands. 
 
 4''>2. fn the eastern part or the North Pacific, the increased number of barren 
 I'ciiiales has principally been observed by ])elagic sealers. Theii' statements on this 
 sulije t, whether those already published or those obtained by ourselves in conversation, 
 cvo of course of a general kind, but they show tlmt while barren fcmnles are more 
 (umiiron tlian before to the south of Behring Sea, nearly all the adult females got in 
 Behring Sea itself are of this class. The Indian hunters of the Queen Charlotte's 
 Islands, moreover, informed us, without being specially questioned on the subject, that 
 venrs airo the females killed by them were always with young, but that this was now no 
 longer llio case. Mr. A. Mackenzie, of the same place, stated that about two-thirds only 
 of tlie fotnalcs killed were witii young. 
 
 40:3. Upon the I'ribyloff IsLnuIs in 1891, we did n.it ourselves note any great 
 iil)iuul:inee of barren females, but the facts in this matter would be scarcely apparent to 
 those not intimately ccmnected with the rookeries for more than u single year. In his 
 otiieial report on the condition of the islands in 1890, Mr. Elliott states that there were 
 llien 250,000 females "not bearing, or not served last year and this," but he does not 
 explain in what way this numerical estimate was arrived at.* 
 
 434. One direct result of a paucity of virile males, is to bring about an irregularity 
 and change of dates in the events of seal life, which is especially notable upon the 
 breeding islands in an unwonted absence of the usual precision and simultaneousness in 
 tlioiso events. Instances of this are found in the recorded iustory of the Pril)yloft' Islands, 
 elsewhere cited, and facts of tlie same kind are again markedly apparent at the present 
 time. Such irregularities follow- from the circumstance that the period of gestation of 
 the female is nearly twelve months in length; and that therefore any want of piompti- 
 tiule in reimprognalion carries the time of birth on to 11 date later than usual in the 
 following year. It is easy to see that such delay having once occurred, the female, 
 under the most favourable circumstances, can only revert gradually and after several 
 years to her original time; and that by a recurrence of delays in impregnation the 
 change of time will not oidy be carried on from year to year, but must gradually depart 
 more and more from the normal date. One impottant effect of the restilting late birth of 
 tlic yoiirtg is to render these mnch more than otherwise open to danger of various kiiuls, 
 net only to that resultitig from inclement 'and stormy autumn weather occurring while 
 they are yet too young to withstand it, btit also from the circumstance that they must 
 delay longer upon the breeding islands, and must pcrhapsin the eiwl leave these islands 
 bcf(»ro their strength is sufficient for the long southern journey. 
 
 435. The best account of the nature of such changes in earlier years is that given 
 by Ihyant, which is elsewhere quoted in abstract. The changes now apparent on tbi? 
 rookery groim'ds of the Mbylotf Islands, a$ compared with the previ^msly described state 
 of these i;rounds, and as pointed out by those familiar with thcn'i, are chiefly of the 
 following kinds : — 
 
 ■tW. A genferal detU'ease in the number of seals, whieh is ntost marked. in the 
 disprojiortiorially small number of hoUuschickie or males of an age of less than about 
 (i yfars. Allusion has already been' made to this in connection with the marked increase 
 in fti/.c of the "harems" or cows held by a single adult bull, in late years. It is als(» 
 strikingly apparent when the present conditions are contrasted with the descriptions of 
 forfner years, in which the haltVigi-oWn but already Virile bidls are represented as haunting 
 tlic vicinity <if the brec '.ing Vookerios in great numbers, and constantly struggling, to 
 meet vhcifemaks upo* thenv,-tu" in the iiiargiti of the adjacent siea* It is further 
 indii'at(*d; and Vefy detinitcly, by the practical inijxwsibility of procuring more than 
 i'1,000 male skins in ISOO, thongh ovorve.xcrt'ion -was made to do so, and the standards 
 ill 'weight of skins were gj'dfttly lowered, in-order t^i ttllow the inclusion of very young 
 males. This effort was continued til! it? became patent- to tl»e Government officers- in 
 eliarj^e tiiat it was useless' and rruol to allow it to g(» lurthor, because of the very large 
 and Wnstttiitly increasing nnmbers of non-killable seals « hich "were driven and redrivcn to 
 the killing grounds, in order to obtain a few passable skins. On this subject it may be 
 well, ho\v ever,' n allow these dlRcers who witnessed and superintended those killings to 
 speak for themscdves. 
 
 437. Mr. C. J. Goff says : " Heretofore, it was seldom that more than 15 per cent, o 
 
 * Parliumentary Paper [C. 6368], p. 61. 
 
h: 
 
 
 M ft 
 
 76 
 
 all the seals driven the latter part of June and the first few days in July wero too small 
 to be killed ; but this season the case was reversed [notvvithstanding the lowcrinj^ of 
 standards], and in many instances 80 to 85 per cent, were turned away . . . The season 
 closed on the 20th July, and the drives in July show a decided increase in the percentages 
 of small seals turned away, and a decrease in the killables over the drives in June, 
 demonstrating conclusively that there were but few killable seals arriving, and that the 
 larger part of these returning were the pups of last year," * 
 
 438. Colonel J. Murray gives an account of a meeting of the natives held for 
 discunion in the same year and long continued, after which — " They unanimously declared 
 that it was their firm belief and honest opinion that the seals have diminished, and would 
 continue to diminish from year to year, because all the male seals hud been slaughtered 
 without allowing any to come to maturity for use upon the breeding grounds ; " he adds : 
 " I am now fully convinced by personal observation that it is only too true, and that the 
 natives were correct in every p!iiticular."t 
 
 450. Captain A. W. Lavender says: ''The writer was surprised when ho first visited 
 the rookeries to find no young bull seals upon them ; this looked strange to him, iind he 
 began to look up the cause, and it occurred to him that the constant driving of young 
 male seals, and the killing of all the 2- 3- 4- and £-year olds, that there were no young 
 bulls left to go on to the rookeries, and without young blood the fur-seal industry will be 
 somethmg of the past in a very few years." { 
 
 'J40. Mr. H. \V. Elliott, in his official report for 1890, remarks to the same eflTcct on 
 the exhaustion of the supply of young male seals, and their reduction to a ' scant tenth 
 of their number in 1872-74."§ 
 
 441. It is further noticed on the islands that the rookeries are more scaticrod and 
 less definite in outline than in former years, and that the remaining holkischickie tend to 
 lie close to the rookery edges for protection, a circumstance which materially adds to the 
 diflficulty of collecting drives without unduly disturbing the breeding seals. 
 
 442. It is also generally admitted that the dates of arrival of the seals at the islands, 
 and especially that of the arrival of the. females, is becoming on the average later each 
 year. It is difficult to arrive at a precise statement on this subject, for obvious reasons, 
 but some authorities place the average delay in arrival of females as compared with 
 earlier years at as much as, or more than, two weeks. 
 
 443. On the Commander Islands, where the officers in charge were found ready to 
 afford all information on such points with the utmost frankness, it has likewise been 
 noted that the seals now arrive somewhat later than formerly. In 1S91, seals capable 
 of yielding 10 and 12 pound skins were about a week later than usual in reaching 
 Behring Island, and the killing, which on Copper Island generally bigins auout the 1st 
 June, did not begin in 189 1 till the 22nd June. 
 
 444. A^'arious other irregularities have also been noticed in late jears in or about the 
 Commander Islands. Thus, in 1890, there were rather few holluschickie, and females 
 appeared in smallar numbers. Again, it was remarked ])articularly on Copper Island, 
 that though there had been a large number of young born in 1890, yearlings came 
 ashore in markedly small numbers in 1891. The natives professed themselves unable to 
 account for this, but it is almost certain that the yearlings, in consequence of the 
 unusually severe onslaught made on the seals in 1890, had simply remained at sea. 
 This explanation is supported by the observation, that an unusually huge number of 
 scattered seals were reported at sea between Behring Island and the coasts of Kamschatka 
 and Siberia, in 1891, by the vessels belonging to the Russian Government and Company. 
 In 1890, again, according to Mr. Tillman, an unusual event occurred in the arrival of a 
 number of holluschickie and mature bulls quite fat, at Copper Island, in August. His 
 conjecture was that these might have come from the Pribyloff Islands, but it is possible 
 that these f.eals had merely remained fishing at sea until this exceptionally late date. 
 
 445. The general effect of these changes in habits of the seals is to minimize thi 
 number to be seen at any one time on the breedi'ig islands, while the average number 
 to be found at sea is at least propoitionately, though, perhaps, in face of a general 
 decrease in total number of seals, not absolutely increased. The regularity of the routes 
 of migration has no doubt been also to some extent interfered with, and it seems probable 
 that the seals may now be more widely scattered at sea both in their winter and summer 
 habitats than formerly. 
 
 44G. As to the eventual results of such changes in habits, if perpetuated and 
 increased by the continued and further effect of the causes referred to, it is evident 
 
 • Senate, Ex. Doc. No. 49, 51st Congress, 2nd b'ession, p. 4. t Ibid., p. 8. j; Ibid., p. 9. 
 
 § Parliamentary I'npcr [0. 636t?], pp. 15, 16, 19, 21, 56, and 57. 
 
 ^4 
 
Slimmer 
 
 ntcd and 
 cviilent 
 
 ., p. 9. 
 
 79 
 
 that they must tiltimntcly be injurious to all industries based on the capture of the fur- 
 seal. It is probable that tlie seals might aKogethcr cease io frequent their present 
 breeding grounds in mass, and instead, as hns been recorded in the Falkland and other 
 islands in the fHouthern Hemisphere, scatter out to foim small irregular Colonies beneath 
 cliffs or rocks which are practically inaccessible to man. They would thus doubtless 
 manage to perpetuate <heir species, but the numbers might be very much reduced, 
 so that the skins would cease to be a factor of commercial importance. Tlie continued 
 prosperity of seal life requires, from its peculiar features, above all things, complete 
 regularity and protection on the breeding places, and, deprived of these advantages, it 
 lies open to many accidents and failures, which must affect it more prejudicially than can 
 be determined i'rom the actual numerical amount of the slaughter for skins. The extract 
 from Scammon's work, quoted in paragraph 399, is to the point in this connection. 
 
 (P.)- -Fur'Seals Breeding on the Southern Part of the North American Coast. 
 
 447- It is evident that many years ago a considerable number of fur>!;eals bred in 
 various places along the western coast of North America, and pro])ab1e that the seals so 
 breeding did not take any part in the migration of the larger body to Behring Sea. 
 Statements previously quoted respecting the fur-seals of the Califomian coast show this, 
 and the traditions cf the Indians of the coast of British Columbia, particularly those 
 relating to Race Kocks and Smith's Island, appear to have the same meaning. Judge 
 J. Gr. Swan has also collected much evidence to the same effect, with particular reference 
 to the vicinity of Cape Flattery, which may be found detailed in the " Fishery Industries 
 of the United States" (vol. ii, p. 393), and in the "Bulletin of the United Stales' Fish 
 Commission " (vol. iii, p. 201). Some of his observations we have been unable to confirm, 
 but the statements since obtained from Mr. J. W. Mackay go far to prove that, in still 
 earlier years than those referred to by Judge Swau, a certain number of seals regularly 
 occupied certain breeding places in the vicinity of the Straits of Fuca. 
 
 448. Once established, whether on the Califomian or British Columbian coasts, 
 such a race of southern-breeding seals must have become sub-permanent ; and, following 
 the analogy of other rookery grounds, it is probable that the same animals tended each 
 year to reoccupy the same, or nearly the same, breeding stations. It is probable that these 
 southern-breeding families may have been directly connected with the larger northern- 
 breeding race, and it is at least easy to see how they may have originated and been 
 recruited from it. Females delayed from any cause, and giving birth to their young 
 along the coast to the southward, must often be served by young males, and irregular and 
 too early service may also occur in many instances in the case of young females, or of 
 those barren since the previous year. In all such cases of too early service, it would be 
 impossible for the female to reach the Pribyloff Islands in time for the birth of the 
 young, owing to climatic causes. She would, no doubt, remain with the other seals till 
 impelled by nature to seek the shore, and if in any particular year a considerable number 
 of females collected together for breeding purposes, the males would doubtless soon find 
 and follow them, and, if undisturbed, the family thus established might probably return 
 to the same place again in the nest ensuing year. 
 
 449. This reasonable explanation, at all events, accords with the facts ascertained, 
 and, moreover, in itself appears to have so much force, that even apart from these facts, 
 it would be admissible to predicate the occasional birth of young along the whole extent 
 of coast frequented by the fur-seal. It is further borne out by the actual existence of 
 breeding rookeries situated ai'^ng or near to the migration route of the fur-seal on the 
 western side of the Pacific, on the Kurile Islands and on Robben Island. These occupy 
 the same position relatively to the principal breeding places on the Commander Islands, 
 which the former similar colonies on the Nortli American coast must liave held re- 
 latively to the Pribyloff Islands, and the survival of the southern colonics on the Asiatic 
 side is directly due to the less persistent and less efficient hunting by the natives there. 
 
 460. This subject is in its nature closely related to the foregoing remarks on 
 observed changes in habits. It also, however, connects itself with the general question 
 of the origin of the regularly migratory habits osL.imcd by the larger number of the 
 fur-seals of the North Pacific, a question referred to under the head of migrations. 
 
 (Q.) — Connection or Interchange of Seals between the Pribyloff" and Commander Islands. 
 
 461. It is frequently assumed that the fur-seals inhabiting the whole North Pacific 
 may, from year to year, resort almost indifferently to the Pribyloff or Commander Islands 
 
 \m] M 
 
 1 1 
 
 I, 
 
.# 
 
 I ■ - .' ' ''■ 
 
 m 
 
 I 
 
 80 
 
 at the breeding season. Statements to this effect have been made by v/irious authorities,* 
 and, as already noted, <lie arrival,, in 1800, of a number of fat liolluschickie and adult 
 males on Copper Island was accounted for by the Superintendent there on the hypothesis 
 that they had migrated thither imm the Pril)ylotf Islands, though in reality his knowledge 
 merely wniranted the statement tliat lie did not know whence they came. It has often 
 been claimed by persons interested in justifying the methods practised on. the Pribyloff 
 Islands, that the continued Jibundnnce of seals on tlio Commnnder Mands is not due to 
 greater care there exercised, hut that they have been reinforced by accessions from 
 the Pribyloff Islands, induced by the operations of pelagic sealers. One writer, indeed, 
 took occasiyi, as early as 1887, to forestall any adverse criticism which might be directed 
 against the methods and results on tie Pribyloff Islands and based on the diminution of 
 seals tiiere, by stating, in nnticipation. that such decrease would have no meaning unless 
 discussed in connection with an unknown but possible increase on the Commander 
 Islands.f 
 
 452. When it is considered that for twenty years both groups of islands have been 
 controlled by a single Company, whose employes were often transferred from island to 
 island, it is remarkable that so little has been placed on record in regard to this particular 
 question, especially in view of the importance evidently attached to it by the gentle- 
 men connected with the Company whose statementa have just been referred to. 
 Thougli unable to speak from personal observations on this point, it is clear 
 that the result of .Mr. Elliott's investigation of the Pribyloff Islands led him to believe 
 that an interrelation existed between the seals frequenting these islands and the 
 Commander Islands, and that a familiarity with one group of the breeding iidands was 
 insufficient to enable a complete view of tlie problem to be arrived at.{ 
 
 4o3. The inquiries and observations now madi\ however, enable it to be shown that 
 the fur-seals of the two sides of tlie North Pacific belong in the main to practically 
 distinct migration-tract-, both of which aro elsewhere traced out and described, and it is 
 believed that while to a certain extent transfers of individual seals or of small groups occur, 
 probably every year, betv.een the Pribyloff and Commander tribes, that tliis is exceptional 
 rather than normal. It is not believed that any voluntary or systematic movement of 
 fur-seals takes place from one group ot breeding islands to the other, but it is probable 
 that a continued harassing of the seals upon one group might result in a course of years 
 in a corresponding gradual accession to the other group. 
 
 454. There is no evidence whatever to show that any considerable branch of the 
 seal tribe which has its winter home off the coast of British Columbia resorts in summer 
 to the Commander Islands, whether voluntarily or led thither in pursuit of food-fishes, 
 and inquiries along the Aleutian chain show that no regular migration route follows its 
 direction, whether to the north or south of the islands. It is certain that the young 
 seals in going southward from the Pribyloff Islands only rarely get drifted as far to the 
 westward as the 172nd meridian of west longitude, while Attu Island, on the 173rd 
 meridian east, is never visited by young seals, and therefore lies between- the regular 
 autumn migration-routes of the seals going from the Pribyloff and Commander Islands 
 respectively. 
 
 4;j5. The price obtained for skins from the Commander Islands has generally been 
 somewhat lower than that for the Pribyloff skins, but this is beHeved to result rather 
 from the less careful handling and preparation of the Commander Island skins than 
 from any inherent inferiority. Under this belief, the Alaska Commercial Company at 
 one time, in 187(», sent Mr. D. Webster, their most experienced foreman, to the Com- 
 mander Islands, to introduce better modes of treating the skins there. M. Grebnitsky, 
 however, states that there is some actual general difference in the skins, such as to enable 
 them to be distinguished by an expert, and that he is informed that the Commander 
 Island skins are more difficult to " unhair " in dressing. Snegiloff, the Aleut foreman in 
 charge of the Behring Island rookeries, who had also been on the Pribyloff Islands for 
 some years, stated that he had observed that in both sexes the seals on the Pribyloff Islands 
 were somewhat shorler and stouttr than on the Commander Islands, and that the Pribyloff 
 seals have thicker fur and shorter hair on the belly. This he attributed to the circum- 
 
 * See EllioU, "Condition of Affairs in Alaska" (1875), \t. 26G ; Miller, House of Representatives, 
 Report No. «i23, 44tli Consress, 1st Session, p. 4.t ; Buynitsky, House of Representatives, Report No. 388?, 
 flOth Congress, 2nd Session, p. IC; Williams, ibid., I)p.'77 and 78; Elliott, United Stiitea' Census Report, 
 pp. 69 and 157. 
 
 t "Kishery Industries of the United Statei," vol. ii, p. 361. 
 ^ See especially United States' Census Report, p. 69. 
 
81 ^ 
 
 stance that the seals stay longer ashore on the Pribyloff Islands. He said further, that 
 on the Commander Islands the females are larger, and the mature males, or " seacatohie," 
 often become nearly white about the manes with age. He added that on Uobben 
 Tslund, in Okotsk Sea, the seals have still longer and thicker hair than on the Commander 
 Islands. 
 
 456. As* there is a considerable range of individual diversity, particularly in 
 colouration, among the seals of any single locality, it vould require much longer and 
 more detailed examination than we ourselves were able to make, to verity these state- 
 ments; but it appears to be probable that there is actually a flight general varietal 
 difference as between the tribes frequenting the two princiiml groups of breeding islands, 
 whether this is due to causes such as those above rcfenod to or other circumstances. 
 The amount of interconnection between the two groups is doubtless, however, sutRcient to 
 prevent any very striking or permanent peculiarities even of a varietal rank to grow up. 
 
 467. Home evidence not without importance in this connection is afforded by a 
 comparison of the diagrams olpewhere given and representing the number of seals killed 
 each year on the two groups of islands. Though affected by other causes as well, this 
 number may be taken in a very general way as a record of the state of the rookeries as 
 a whole, and the correspondence of the lines in the two diagrams is thus significant of 
 connection or of co-operating causes. 
 
 (B.) — Conditions afecting the •Scd'Otler and Sea-cow, contrasted with those affecting 
 
 the Fur-seal, 
 
 458. It has often, but incorrectly, been stated that the fur-seal of the J^orth Pacific 
 is in danger of " extermination " if measures be not taken to preserve it. The question 
 is, however, not one of extermination, if by that term the extinction of the species is 
 meant. The breeding Colonies of the analogous species in the Southern Hemisphere, 
 once exploited and harried in every conceivable way, and without law or hin(Jrnncc of any 
 kind for over fifty years, chieHy by New England vessels, have, in no known instance, 
 been absolutely destroyed. Long before the poiiit of extermination is reached the 
 killing of the seals, by whatever method practised, ceases to pay. Extermination is 
 financially impossible, and therefore need not be feared. This is well enough understood 
 by those best informed on the subject, and it is no sentimental dread of the exlinction 
 of a species which appeals to the imagination of tlio persons immediately interested 
 in the breeding islands, but rather the practical destruction of tiieir profitable monopoly 
 of the sealing business of the North Pacific. Depletion, or great reduction in numbers, 
 together with changes in habits of life, such as have been aheady indicated, are sure to 
 be the result of continuous indiscriminate and unrestricted slaughter and hunting of the 
 fur-seal, but not extermin.ition. To precisely what point the diminution in numbers of 
 the fur-seal might go before the increased average price of the skins ceased to com- 
 pensate for the reduced aggregate number taken, it is impossible to say, but that such a 
 point would eventually be reached is proved by all experience. This experiment, how- 
 ever, it is hoped, is one which need not he tried, for, as already made apparent, the fur- 
 seal, by the nature of its life and habits, oilers [ eculiar facilities for the exercise of a 
 rational protection under which it may remain a source of profit to the hunter, while at 
 the same time affording a contir.uons yield of skins intrinsically valuable. 
 
 46 "rom this point of view, the sea-otter [Enhydra inariua) is an interesting case 
 in point, 'i'his animal has played a prominent part in the discovery and history of the 
 ^S'orth Pacific. Its skin was higlily valued long before that of the fur-seal was considered 
 of any worth, and owing to its intrinsic value as an article of dress, its cost has continued 
 to increase in a greater or less degree with its increasing scarcity, so that at the present 
 time skins of the first quality are worth in London 700 to 1,000 dollars each. Surely, 
 if it were possible to cxierminate a fur-bearing animal of this kind, the sea-otter should 
 long ago have met with i hat fate, yet it has been hunted for more than a hundred years, 
 and is still a chief object of pursuit of many hundreds of natives. 
 
 460. Originally, this animal frequented a large part of the west coast of North 
 America, togetiier with the east coast of Asia, and all parts of the Aleutian, Pribyloff, 
 Commander, and other islands. Its limits have now been much reduced, so that it is 
 rarely found on the coast of British Colnmlna or anywhere to the south of Sitka, and has 
 altogether disappeared from the Pribyloff Islands, while on the Asiatic coast it has 
 similarly ceased to be a matter of commercial interest in the Kurile Inland chain. 
 Although in tlie early part of the present century it was taken by thousands in certain 
 localities, a few hundreds arc now considered an excellent catch for a considerabld 
 [306] M 2 
 
 I 
 

 If '«, 
 
 
 m" 
 
 ',1'.^ 
 
 82 
 
 district. It is to be remembered that the diminution of the sea-otter has been the 
 result solely of operations conducted from the shore. In the old days the otter was 
 clubbed, speared, or shot on the beaches, and afterwards from stages or from canoes 
 close along the rocks and beaches. 
 
 461. The sea-otter possesses, however, one important advantage over the fur-seal in ' 
 the nature of its procreation. The young are born at all seasons of the year and not 
 simultaneously, and it is not necessary for this animal to resort in large numbers to 
 particular breeding places, or to remain on or about such places for any considerable 
 time. Its disadvantages as compared with the fur-seal are that it is not properly a pelagic 
 animal feeding upon migratory fishes, but, on the contrary, subsists chiefly upon sea- 
 urchins, molluscs, and other such creatures, which are only to be obtained in the 
 immediate vicinity of the shores and their adjoining rocky patches and kelp beds. 
 
 462. As a result of its diminishing numbers, and the greater activity of the hunters, 
 it has within historic times not only greatly increased in wariness, but has also very 
 markedly changed its habits in dirccti(ms similar to those in which a change has already 
 become observable in the case of the fur-seal. In earlier years, it frequented the rocky 
 shores, and was frequently found on the land, forming in some instances veritable 
 colonies or " rookeries," comparable in some respects with those of the fur-seal. The 
 young in those days were probably always born on shore, and it seems further probable, 
 though not proven, that many of the so-called " kitchen middens " of the Aleutian 
 Islands, composed almost entirely of the shells of echinus, and attributed by Dall to the 
 pre-historic Aleuts, really owe their origin to such pre-historic sea-otter colonies. At 
 the present time, it has become an event ,of extreme rarity to see a sea-otter anywhere 
 on those shores, and, so far as the natives who spend their lives in hunting the animal 
 can ascertain, the young are now almost always brought forth on floating masses 
 of kelp. 
 
 463. The sea-otter, in fact, appears, as the result of persistent hunting and of the 
 efforts and instinct to elude pursuit, to have reached a practically irreducible minimum, 
 at which it is likely to remain unchanged unless new factors enter into the problem. 
 
 464. The non-pelagic character of the sea-otter, however, renders its protection a 
 matter of comparative facility as contrasted with the fur-seal. A strict preservation, for 
 instance, on the Sannakh Islands, which still constitute one of its remaining favourite 
 haunts, would, without doubt, result within a few years in this group being restocked 
 with an abundance of sea-otters. 
 
 465. Probably, the only remaining notable colony (or rookery, as it is called from 
 analogy with the breeding places of the fur-seal) is that which is now strictly preserved 
 by the Russian Government on the north-west point of Copper Island, of the Commander 
 group. The sea-otters are reported by the Superintendent of Copper Island as 
 increasing here from year to year, though a limited n^imber is allowed to be taken by 
 the natives each year, and though the natives are permitted to shoot, during the winter 
 and in the absence of the fur-seals, any sea-otters found to the south of Matveya Point on 
 the east coast, and a designated point somewhat further to the southward on the west 
 coast. To the northward of the line thus defined, no shooting is at any time allowed for 
 any purpose whatever. This reserved area thus comprises about five miles of the northern 
 end of Copper Island, with Sulkovsky Point and the Bobroti rocks and reefs lying off 
 this point. Here the sea-otters are taken at designated times and under Government 
 supervision in twine nets, except in certain years in which the natives get a permit to 
 make a drive of otters upon the rocks, and kill them there with clubs like the fur-seals. 
 This was allowed in 1890, and twenty sea-otters were got in the drive, though more 
 might have been secured but for some mistakes which occurred during the operation. 
 One hundred and eighty sea- otter skins in all were obtained from Copper Island during 
 the year 1890. , 
 
 466. Vigilance is required in gua'-ding this sea-otter colony from raids, and it is said 
 that in 1887 or 1888 Captain Snow, in the schooner " Nemo," from Yokohama, and 
 flying the British flag, attempted to raid the place, but was tired at and driven off. 
 Snow was reported wounded, and two Japanese sailors killed. Since this time no raids 
 have been attempted here. 
 
 467. Near Cape Lopatka, the southern extreme of Kamschatka, a sea-otter colony 
 or rookery existed till recent years, but it wa^- mided and destroyed by vessels from San 
 Francisco between 1880 and 1882. There is also stated to have been a similar colony at 
 Pirat, or Yellow Cape, not far from the last. An effort was made to protect this by 
 stationing a number of Aleuts at the place to guard it, but many of these people died, 
 and the remainder were withdrawn at their owu request, after which the sea'otter colony 
 was raidod and destroyed 
 
8d 
 
 468. Some attempt has also boon made by the United States' Government to 
 protect the sea-otter. Section lOoG of the Berised Statutes of the United States 
 provides that no person shall, without the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury, kill 
 any otter, mink, marten, sable, or fur-seal, or other fur-bearing animal, within the limits 
 of Alaska territory, or in the waters thereof. This is further explained by a Treasury 
 Department Notice, dated LMst April, 1879, which reads as follows: — 
 
 "No fur-bearinj; animals will, therefore, be allowed to be killed by person? other 
 than the natives, within the limits of Alaska territory, or in the ivaters thereof, except fur- 
 seals taken by the Alaska Commercial Company in pursuance of their lease. The use 
 of fire-arms by the natives in killing other than during the months of May, June, July, 
 August, and September, is hereby prohibited. No vessel will be allowed to anchor in 
 the well-known otter-killing grounds except those which may carry parties of natives to 
 and from such killing gromids ; and it will be the duty of the officers of the United 
 States who may be in that locality to take all proper measures to enforce all the pains 
 and penalties of the law against persons found guilty of a violation thereof. White men 
 lawfully married to natives, and residing within the territory, are considered natives 
 within the meaning of this Order." 
 
 469. Inquiries at Ounalaska, however, show that no attempt bad been made to 
 enforce the law against the killing of fur-seals by the Aleuts in that vicinity till 1890, 
 when instructions were received that it must be enforced, although no means were 
 provided for its enforcement. The l.iw .ngainst the killing of sea-otter and the ruling as 
 to the months in which fire-arms shall be prohibited in hunting this animal is also, ns a 
 matter of fact, inoperative. The prohibited months include all those in which it is 
 ])ractically possible to hunt the sea-otter, and it is well understood that if the Aleuts of 
 the Aleutian Islands were interfered with in this, their only means of obtaining a living, 
 they must either suffer great hardships, or their support must be undertaken by the 
 Government. 
 
 470. The sole instance of the actual extermination of an animal of the North 
 Pacific within historic times, and one of the very short list of such cases of extermination 
 the world over, is that of the Khytina or Steller's sea-cow (Rhytina Stelleri). It is 
 instructive to allude to this instance, because it becomes obvious that it was entirely 
 owing to the great differences in habits and the very restricted range of the animal, as 
 compared with the fur-seal, that its extermination became possible. 
 
 471. This sea-cow or manatee was found in great numbers on Bebring Island, and 
 to some extent also on Copper Island, at the time of the discovery of these islands iu 
 1741, but scarcely, if at all, elsewhere; though Nordenskiold conjectures that it may 
 within historic times have also occasionally visited the Kamschatkan coast. 
 
 472. It was a large, slow, cluuisy, and incautious animal, which fed chiefly along the 
 shores upon marine algaj; and being found easy of capture and good for food was per- 
 sistently attacked by the early Russian navigators, who often visited Behring Island for 
 the sole purpose of laying in a stock of its flesh. From the accounts of these voyages, it 
 seems first to have disappeared from Copper Island, and subsequently, about 1768, less 
 than thirty years after the discovery of the islands, it became extinct, also on Behring 
 Island.* 
 
 473. It is stated that Brandt expresses the belief that the Bhytina formerly, and in 
 prc-historic times, not only frequents d the coast of Kamschatka, but extended also as 
 far as the coasts of China and the northern islands of the Japanese group, and to the 
 western islands of the Aleutian chain. It thus appears to have already been naturally 
 verging towards extinction before it was at all pursued by man. In a paper read before the 
 Russian Impeiial Geographical Society in March 1884, Dr. Dibofsky expresses a similar 
 opinion. Mr. F. VV". True writes as follows respecting the causes of its extinction : 
 " The most generally accepted notion is that the rate of capture much exceeded that of 
 the increase of the animal, and that extinction followed as a matter of course. Nordens- 
 kiold, however, and in a certain way Brandt, also avows his belief that the sea-cow bad 
 gotten out of harmony with its environment many years before the Russians discovered 
 it, and that its extermination would have occurred within a comparatively short time 
 without the intervention of nmn. The fact that in Steller's time the range of the animal 
 was much circumscribed seems to give weight to the latter view."t 
 
 * Daron Nordtnskii))'' round some reason to believe tlial a single individual of the sea-cow was seen aa late 
 19 llie yeui- 1834, but Ur. L. fitvjneger, first In the" I'rocceding'i of the United States' National M.iseam," vol. vit, 
 1884, p. 181, and at later dates in the " American Naturalist," vol. xxi, p. 1047, and "American Qeogrnphical 
 Society Bulletin," No 4, U86, has advanced strong reasons to shoW that the animal actuallv became extinct 
 in 1768. 
 
 t "Fishery Industrie! of the United States," vol. i, p. 135 See also Nordenskittld's "Voyage of tha 
 Vega," vol. ii. 
 
■,1 " 
 
 (S.) — Breeding Placen and Resorts of the Fur •seat on the Western Side of the 
 
 North Pacific. 
 
 474. The pursuit of the fur-seal on the western or Asiatic portion of the North 
 Pacific, affords much evidence very directly affecting- the conditions and prospectH of the 
 seal fishery in the eastein waters of that ocean, nltogcthcr apart from the question as to 
 how far tiie territorial PowcrM of these Asiatic water-t, viz., Russia, Japan, and China, 
 may desire to participate in any general regulations tending to the preservation of so 
 old-estahlished, important, and useful an industry. 
 
 M5. Vfti have been careful to collect and collate all the information possible on the 
 growth of the industry on the Asiatic coasts of the Pacific, because it has for the 
 most part been left untouched by those who have written on the subject. Clark* simply 
 dismisses the subject with the brief remark : "The seals taken by the Japanese are those 
 migrating from the Commander jjroup, the number taken averaging 4,000 annually, 
 though some years as many as 11, €00 are taken." Messrs. Lainps(mt merely report : 
 •' The supply from this source (Japan) has varied very much of late years, amounting 
 sometimes to 15,000 skins a-ycar, nt others only 5,000. Last year (1887) stringent 
 prohibitory laws were passed by tiie Japanese Government, and very few skins have 
 come forward." Very little else lias been published on the subject by any one of 
 authority. But in addition to the results of much corresptmdence, official and private, 
 and gathering together of scattered references, « c have liad the advantage of making the 
 acquaintance of men experienced in seal-hunting and in seal localities in this portion of 
 the Pacific, and have thus been enabled to put together a sufficient body of information 
 to convey sufficient accounts of the rise and progress of the sealing industry in these 
 waters. 
 
 476. Among the points of special interest to our present purpose are : — the growth 
 of the industry; the similarity of conditions prevailing on this side of the Pacific; the 
 dissimilar circumstance of the absence of pelagic sealing ; the very destructive effect 
 of raids upon breeding rookeries ; and the attempts at regulation and control by both the 
 Japanese and Russian Governments. 
 
 477. After the middle of the eighteenth century, British vessels, especially under 
 the auspices of the East India Company, extended tlieir voyages from Bombay and 
 Calcutta or Macao to the coast of Kamschatka, and along the Aleutian Islands into 
 Behring Sea. and as !ar as the nortli-wost coast of America, in seardi of furs. Such 
 voyages were made in 1780 antl in 1780-S7. i'iio^o Enolisli traders nl once encountered 
 the claims of the Russians and the Spaniards to tiie sole rigiit to navigate and trade in 
 those seas, a claim then successfully contested and tacitly or explicitly ignored about 100 
 years before the officials of a territory belonging to tlie United States seized British 
 vessels for engaging in similar enterprises in those waters. 
 
 478. The furs thus obtained by the British were taken to the Chinese market. The 
 Russians were quick to notice this, and in due course obtained from the Chinese autho- 
 rities an interdict against the landing in China of any furs from the islands and shores 
 of the Eastern Pacific. In the event this proved l)ut a partial restrictioM so far as the 
 English were concerned, for they commenced at once to turn their attention to bringing 
 10 the Canton market the fur-seal of the southern seas, and this highly profitable trade . 
 thus started flourished from about the year 179-3 until 1835. 
 
 479. Meanwhile, however, in the Northern Pacific the Russians were active. In 
 1799 a charter was granted by the Czar to the Russian-American Company, giving them 
 control over all the coasts of America on the Pacific nortli of latitude blf north, and this 
 Company, extending its operations under Baranoff and other leaders, acquired a wide 
 dominion. In the course of a few years, E)nglish and American vessels established almost 
 a monopoly in the supply of goods of all sorts to the Russ-ians and their natives, the 
 return trade being mostly in furs for the Canton market. In 1811 the firm of Astor, of 
 New York, made a special contract to supply the Russian Company with provisions, 
 payment being taken in furs to be s^old in Canton. This enterprise took the name of the 
 Pacific Fur Company, and "t lie two Companies undertook, besides this mutual trade, to 
 prevent the natives obtaining any liquor, to assist each other against all interlopers and 
 smugglers, and to respect each other's hunting areas. In the following year these rights 
 and undertakings were bought up by the North- West Fur Company, of wliich the 
 head-quarters were in Montreal. 
 
 480. Thus, the English were in the North Pacific taking seal-skins from the south 
 seas to Canton, and also trading generally in furs, right away to that portion of the 
 
 * Parliamentary Paper [C. 6131], p. 178, 
 I House of Representatives, aOtli Coiigrese, 2nd Session, Iteport No. 3883, p. 114. 
 
 ! 'iv 
 
80 
 
 North Pacific which subsequently became known ns Bohrinn; Sea, on a wcll-OHtabliNhcd 
 bflHiH, by the beginninji^ of the present century. 
 
 481. In connection with this part of the Nortii Pacific, it miiy also be horno in iiiinil 
 that about tl;e year 1840 whalinj>; bc^nn to )»e extensively practised. Fn 1840 to 1812 
 the wlialinjf fleet frequcntetl the KHtliak sroiuul, wluro many ri^ht whales were taken. 
 In 1840, the Japan Sea was found to be a good whalinf-' f>i()und, from wliicli that part of 
 the Pacific near KaniHchatka was next reached, and soon after Okotsk Sea. in lHt8, tlie 
 first whaler entered the Arctic Ocean, and tliereat'ter not only Jiehring Sea, but also 
 tliis further ocean, has been regularly frequented by whalers, the bow-bead whale 
 chiefly being taken in the extreme north. The industry lias gradually declined, in con ,j- 
 quence of the lessened number of wliales ; but between 181'.) and 18(50, there were about 
 300 vessels under the United States' Hag, besides British, French, Oldenburg, Danish, 
 and other vessels. Many of the British vessels came fiom Fobart Town and other places 
 in Australasia. 
 
 4b2. But the fur-seal of the North Pacific remained in great measure a monopoly ot 
 the Russians until towards the middle of the nineteenth century, and then, by reason of its 
 becoming a well-ascertained fact that the supply of seal-skins Trom the Southern Ocean 
 had practically ceased, English and oilier nations also ttn-ned their attention to the supply 
 of seal-skins fiom the North Pacific. 
 
 483. It is necessary to bear in mind that the commercial importance of the skins 
 of the fur-seal of the North Pacific is thus of recent origin. In the well-known " Penny 
 Cyclopa;dia," published so lately as 1842, the seal is described as follows:, and it is 
 stated that no market value is attached to the skins of the adult: — 
 
 " Arctocpi)li(ilus urslmis. — Islands on the north-west point of America, Kamscbatka, 
 and tlie Knrile Islands. This is the Olarln ursinti of Dezmacst; Plwcn iirsina of Linnteus, 
 &c. When these migratory seals a;)pear ofi' Kamscbatka and the Kiniles early in the 
 spring they are in high condition, and the females are pregnant. They remain on or 
 about the shore for two months, diu-ing which the females bring forth. They are 
 polygamous, and live in families, every male being surrounded by a crowd of females 
 (from fifty to eighty), whom he guards with the greatest jeolousy. Tliese families each, 
 including the young, amounting to 100 to 120, live separ^e, though they crowd the 
 shore, and that to such an extent on the islands off the north-west point of America, 
 that it is said they oblige the traveller to quit it, and scale the neighbouring rocks. 
 Both male and female are very affectionate to their young, and fierce in their defence; 
 but the males are often tyrannically cruel to the females, which are very submissive. . . . 
 The skin, which is verj thick, is covered with hair There is a very soft, brownish- 
 red wool ch)se to the skins The skins of the young are liighly prized for clothing." 
 
 484. Upon the Commander Islands, until the year 18ti8, nothing was thought 
 worthy of capture except the grey-pup seals, while on the Pribyloff Islands and along 
 the coasts of A'orth-West America the skins of the fur-seal were considered as hardly 
 worth the taking. For instance, in 1825 skins ivcre bartered by the Eussian Government 
 in the Sandwich Islands at an average rate of 1 dol. 75 c. (7.v.) ; in China, at Kiatcha, 
 at from 1 dollar (4s.) to 1 dol. 40 c. (0*.) ; while t!ie prices given by the Hudson's Bay 
 Company at Port Simpson were, so lately as 1850, only 1 dol. 50 c. (Os.) per skin. 
 
 485. A few years later, however, more attention was given to the northern 
 fur-seal, and we find vessels from all quarters, including Honolulu, cruizing round the 
 North Pacific, endeavouring to trade for, or take, seal-skins. Seal-hunters followed in 
 their track, bringing with them the traditions and experiences of the south seas summed 
 up in the idea of taking the fur-seal as and when it came ashore. Writing in 1870, 
 Professor Dall describes the Harbour of Chiehagoff, in Attn, as a notorious smuggling 
 centre for furs. 
 
 Such was the general aspect of affairs by the middle of the present century in the 
 North Pacific. 
 
 48(}. In the more westerly portion of that ocean, from a variety of sources, and 
 especially from the .'special report supplied to us by Mr. do Bunsen from the British 
 Legation at T6ki6, and a memorandum obtained from his Ciovernment by Viscount 
 Kawaze, Japanese Minister in London, we have a tolera])ly complete account of the 
 fur-seal fishery on the coasts of Japan and the Kurilo Islands. 
 
 4•^7. The seal fishery is an old-established industry in Japan, and particulars are 
 on record dating back to the middle of the last century. The skins were obtained 
 about 1750 and 1760 from Horomoshir, Makaruru, Shimsir, and Urup by the natives of 
 Itrup and Ra^hua, using arrows, harpoons, and nets. 
 
 In 1800, we read of a regular sealing establisbraent being set up in Itrup, and carried 
 on for years with success. 
 
 .' 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
fl ' 
 
 II: 
 
 i»i't 
 
 86 
 
 Tlio sonl-skins were usually bartered at Nagasaki to the Chineao. The Govemmoni 
 m these jears purchased the skinH from the natives, at the fixed rates of 90 and 45 sen 
 for the best and medium quality skins respectively. 
 
 During the succeeding years, Russian subjects gradually pushed southward down the 
 Kurilc group, and much competition and even cunflict resulted in rival endeavours 
 to secure seaUskins. At this period, the Russians began to send furs to the Oliina 
 market direct to Peking thrcugh the great mart established at Kiatch, in Eastern 
 Siberia. 
 
 488. About the year 1805, the Japanese Government found itself forced to deal 
 with the increasing numbers of foreign vessels— chiefly Russian, British, American, and 
 Dutch — which began to visit their coasts, and frequent the bays and harbours in quest of 
 marine products. 
 
 489. As early as 1809, the Japanese Colonial Department set up a branch establish' 
 ment in the Island of Itrup, with the special object of carrying out tlie measures 
 established to protect the Japanese const tishing against foreigners. The old seal-skin 
 '/•'-Sfulations were revived iind the Government price trebled. In 1873, Commissions 
 were set up specially to prevent seal poaching and sale of seal-skins by foreigners. 
 Much trouble was occasioned by the foreign vessels, which usually claimed the right to 
 remain in the bays and harbours, on the plea of stress of weather or need for wood and 
 water. This necessitated a man-of-war being sent up, and, ultimately, a special cruizer 
 was detailed to the Kurilc Islands for the sealing season, viz., May to Octobc. 
 
 490. In May 1874, the Government issued regulations to control the fishery around 
 the Hokkaido (Yezo) Islands, claiming jurisdiction within a limit of two and a-lmlf miles 
 from the shore, and stating " if any foreigners be found fishing within the above-mentioned 
 limits, they shall be arrested in as peacejful a manner as possible and sent to Hakodate, 
 accompanied by guards, and delivered to the Consul of the country of their nationality." 
 During these years, foreign vessels were frequently encountered engaged in sealing. 
 Besides many vessels from the United States, a Danish vessel, the " Mattee," and others, 
 nrc mentioned. 
 
 In 1875, on Itrup, the Russians actually commenced putting up liuts^ as did the 
 Americans at a place called Man»ko, for the purpose of killing seals. They were, how- 
 ever, arrested and sent to Hakodate. 
 
 491. The head-quarters of the Protection Estiiblishment originally set up on Itrup 
 Island were afterwards transferred to Nemuro, with branches on Oonebetsu, Nanneho, and 
 Toshimori. In 1876, in consequence of the agreements come to with Russia in 1874 
 concerning the Kurile Islands, new regulations were issued, prohibiting fishing for seals 
 by foreign vessels within gunshot of the Hokkaido shores; new branch offices esta- 
 blished on Shikotan and elsewhere, and measures were taken by proclamation and other- 
 wise to notify foreign vessels that sealing was prohibited. Endeavours were also mtfdc 
 to improve the native methods of preparing the senl-skins. In addition to this, special 
 rejiulations as to the methods of slaughter were issued, deprecating the use of fii-e-arms 
 and the killing of " pups," limiting the number of seals to be taken along the coast, and 
 establishing a close season between the months of May and November in the territorial 
 waters. Special inquiries were also tu be Instituted into the facts of seal life. 
 
 40i. The Japanese were thus inclined to adopt wise Regulations, but foreigners, 
 and especially Americans, were far more reckless, and continued to maraud along the 
 shores and to use fire-arms, eagerly seeking the profits of to-day, but ighoring all risks 
 of depletion on the morrow. In 1877, 1878, and 1879, the Japanese nmde esta- 
 blishments successively in Kunashir, Iriribush, and others of the less inhabited islands, to 
 secure for themselves the fur-seal industry. But foreigners followed them closely, and 
 by the year 1880 or 1881 serious apprehensions existed that the seals were hopelessly 
 diminished in numbers. The Japanese Report states : " The foreigners do not in the least 
 care about the decrease of breeding or the extermination of the species ; they freely 
 use their guns in hunting, and, as the result, they killed the greatest number. Thus, we 
 are obliged to throw aside the old instruments, such as clubs, bows and arrows, and gafis, 
 and to adopt the gun, as it would be most foolish to keep to the old system, which left 
 others to make the greatest gain. Thus, the use of guns is the main cause of the present 
 decrease." 
 
 493. Over all these years, and up to the present, seals were known to breed in 
 numbers on at least three points on the Kurile Islands, viz., the Srednoi Rocks, off the 
 Island of Ushishir, on Raikoko Island, and on the Mushia Rocks. Indeed, in 1881, quite 
 an impetus was given to scaling by the unexpected discovery of a small rookery on 
 the Srednoi Hocks, holding 20,000 to 25,000 seals. 5,000 skins were taken there in that 
 one year. 
 
 ;, •?. 
 
87 
 
 )reed in 
 off the 
 1, quite 
 kery on 
 : in tbdt 
 
 494. SeaU) wero known to frequent tho adjoining ocean in large numbers from 
 November to May, especially off the coast of Japan between Inabosaki and the east part 
 of Yezo, and it .vas reported that during the remainder of the year the iteals traTelled 
 away northwards into tlie Okotsk and Bchring Seas to breed on Robbcn Island and the 
 Commander Islands. They were never molested out at sea. 
 
 i05. The native fishermen, in open boats, along the Nambu and Yezo coasts north 
 of Inabosaki, habitually take the senls by spearing, by shooting them with barbed arrows, 
 and in nets. In some places, a fur covering for tho head and neck enabled the hunters 
 to approach close to tho seals. The annual catch of from 2,000 to 3,000 skins is disposed 
 of to Chinese buyers in Hakodate. In the autumn, they sometimes take 2,000 to 2,500 
 ^rey pups in nets. But it has always been customary, whenever a rookery was discovered, 
 especially along the Kurile Islands, for larger vessels to proceed thither and take all seals 
 that could be killed on shore by clubbing. 
 
 490. The Japanese Agricultural Department states that the fur-seal appears to be 
 reared on the rocky coasts, and caught at a distance of not more than one nautical mile 
 from the shore, but that they are generally found on the beaches and clubbed there. 
 
 407. In recent vears good records have been kept, especially of vessels under foreign 
 flags engaged in sealing from Japan, but it is not so certain that all Japanese vessels so 
 employed are always registered. 
 
 498. The following are tho figures, about one-half of the total being under the 
 British flag : — 
 
 
 
 
 
 Number of 
 
 
 
 Number of 
 
 
 
 Yenr. 
 
 
 Foreign Veneli 
 
 
 Yeor. 
 
 Foreign VeRfleU 
 
 
 
 
 
 engaged 
 in Sealing. 
 
 
 
 engaged 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 in Sealing. 
 
 1880 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 1888 .. 
 
 
 7 
 
 1881 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 1887 .. 
 
 
 6 
 
 1882 
 
 
 
 
 18 
 
 1888 .. 
 
 
 « 
 
 1883 
 
 
 
 
 18 
 
 1889 .. 
 
 
 6 
 
 1884 
 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 1890 .. 
 
 
 4 
 
 1886 
 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 1891 .. 
 
 
 3 
 
 499. The rapid increase in numbers of vessels employed from 1880 up to 1884 was 
 due to the discovery of the rookeries on the Kurile Islands. But these were speedily 
 exhausted by indiscriminate slaughter, and these sealing-vessels almost confined their 
 operations to raids in and around Robben Island and the Commander Islands, especially 
 during the temporary absence of the guard-ships. Several schooners came from America 
 every autumn for sealing purposes, but not one of these vessels was ever employed in 
 " pelagic " sealing. 
 
 500. It is certain that these schooners could not have been worked at a profit unless 
 they had taken ten times as many skins as are reported to have been landed at Hakodate 
 and Yokohama. But it is almost impossible to form a correct estimate of the total 
 catch, because the vessels sometimes bring to Japanese ports skins of seals raided from 
 the Russian shores, and sometimes ship seal-skins thus obtained to Europe or China 
 without bringing them into a Japanese port, even if only for transhipment. 
 
 501. Of the extensive and wasteful slaughter on the breeding places included in the 
 territorial jurisdiction of Japan, many interesting though incomplete records were 
 obtained. Captain Miner, of Seattle, a particularly well-informed sealer, had frequently 
 been to these rookeries. The Alaska Commercial Company, he stated, had obtained 
 seals from Ushishir and Srednoi in 1882-83. In 1884, he heard from the natives of 
 a rookery at Kikaka, a small island near Mattoo. There he secured 4,500 skins, but 
 news of this having become public there were next year six schooners at work there, and 
 the few seals left were killed off by the Japanese Marine Products Coro'^apy which now 
 leases the island. 
 
 602. Captain Snow, the well-known sealer of Yokohama, took in one year (1881) 
 7,000 seals from Srednoi Rock alone. Next year ho found none there. The natives of 
 Urup Island always had seal-skins to sell, and this led to the Alaska Commercial Com- 
 pany and the schooners searching the neighbourhood, but the island being low and 
 behind others was very difHcult to find. In the following year (1887), he secured 2,000 
 seals on Ushishir Island. Such are some of the examples of the wholesale slaughter 
 of seal on these smaller, but prolific, rookeries. 
 
 [305J If 
 
 ^ii 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 ; 
 ! 
 
 

 
 \f\-A 
 
 M 
 
 609. Tho JapancHo Govoniinont was not slow to appreciate the gravity of the case, 
 and tho Agricultural Department waM prompt to report that the promising annual catch 
 had Huddoiily docrcaHuit becauHO of thiH indiHcriminato Hiaiightcr on Hhore. 
 
 504. An Jmpoiial Decroo was iHHUcd on the 23rd May, 1884, forbidding the hunting 
 of the fur>8eal in Japanctie tvatcrH except by uornonH with a npccial permit. Thia wan 
 Hupplemented on the 16th December, 1880, by Regulations issued by the Imperial 
 authorities U'lder the immediate Hupervision of the Oovernor«General of Hakodate. 
 
 606. These Regulation!*, in brief, enacted: — 
 
 (i.) No fur-seal may bo taken except between tlie Iflth April and the 31 st October. 
 
 Hi.) No fur-seal may be taken outside a defined area. 
 
 (iii.) This area is divided into three portions, in only one of which is seal-hunting 
 permitted in any given year, the other two divisions benetiling by two years of rest. 
 
 (iv.) All veMBcIs engaged must be specially licensed, and conform to special regula- 
 tions, and fly a special flag. 
 
 (v.) All skins brought to market must be stamped at certain ports. 
 
 There is no specified limit to the numbers of licences, but the issuing authorities 
 would exercise discretion in the matter. 
 
 600. The Nipon Marine Products Company, of Hakodate, with a capital of 126,000/., 
 was formed to cnrrv on whaling and the capture of sea-otter and fur-seals. The Company 
 purchased three schooners of about 70 tons each, manned by crews of twenty-five men, 
 for the purpose of killing seals on these hauling.grounds, these being the only vessels 
 which have as yet taken out the necessary licences. These three vessels were reported 
 to have taken sixty seals between them in 1891. 
 
 507. Last year three "foreign " vessels fitted out in Yokohama, but their destination 
 was to the north of the Japanese waters; and two, the "Arctic" and tho "Mystery," 
 were captured in the late autumn by the Russian gun-boat " Aleut ' raiding Robben 
 Island, having killed 1,500 seals. 
 
 608. It would appear that tho somewhat elaborate Regulations set 
 Japanese Government in 1880 have been as yet practically inoperative. It 
 that the Government vessel, the •• Kaimonkan," detailed to enforce these 
 in 1891, as a matter of fncl never left her station at Nemuro. It sec 
 however, that, with the exception of the local shore fishermen, no one ei 
 inclined to seek for seals among these Japanese islands since the rookeries were depleted 
 in 1881-82. 
 
 609. Apart from the Commander Islands, the most importont breeding place of the 
 fur-seal in the Western Pacific at the present time is undoubtedly Robben Reef or Island, 
 named Tucelen or Seal Island on Russian charts, lying oft' Cape Patience, oa the east 
 coast of Saghalien Island, in Okotsk Sea. This is a low, flat, rocky islet, destitute of 
 haven or convenient anchorage for vessels, about 1,800 feet only in length and not more 
 than 60 feet in greatest height, surrounded by shingly and rocky beaches. What little 
 is known of its history is perhaps particularly interesting, in showing how persistently the 
 fur-seal may continue to resort to its favourite haunts in the face of slaughter and 
 disturbance provided these are not actually continuous. 
 
 When first discovered, it is reported that the f-eals frequented all parts of the 
 periphery of the little island, but especially the east an' north-east sides ; at present, 
 in reduced numbers, they congregate chiefly on the south-easterly beach. 
 
 610. According to Mr. I). Webster, now em^jloycd on the Pribyloff' Islands by the 
 North American Conimerci I Company, Robben Island was cleared of fur-seals by 
 raiding vessels in 1851 -63, a d was thereafter not again visited by sealers till he himself 
 
 lughter here referred to is no doubt the same with that 
 by Soammon, who says, however, that it occurred in the 
 " (probably, therefore, in 1854 or 1855), and was carried 
 e by " an enterprising firm in New London, Connecticut." 
 ulars of this raid upon Russian territory, and adds that a 
 obtained, which brought an unusually high price in the 
 European market because tlie regular Russian supply was cut off by the war.* 
 
 Webster thinks that after the above date the seals gradually increased again in 
 number, but nothing is known of the conditions till he himself visited Robben Island in 
 1870. Webster did not name the vessel in which he visited the reef, but it was probably 
 either the "Mauna Loa" or ''John Bright," as these two vessels, nominally engaged in 
 whaling, are known, from information afterwards obtained from M. Kluge on Copper 
 Island, to have raided Robben Island in that year. Webster, at this time, according to 
 
 up by the 
 
 is reported 
 
 cgulatlons 
 
 l)robable, 
 
 has been 
 
 went there in 1870. The 
 mentioned in greater deta. 
 " midst of the Crimean W» 
 out by a clipper bark sent tl 
 He gives some further part 
 valuable cargo of skins wa' 
 
 ** ^fariqe Mamtnalia," pp. 149 to IT)), 
 
wm^ 
 
 ipHBi 
 
 ■mi^Vi 
 
 80 
 
 by the 
 
 sals by 
 
 IhiinseVi 
 
 Ith t),at 
 
 in the 
 
 I carried 
 
 cticut." 
 
 that a 
 
 in the 
 
 min in 
 land in 
 t-obably 
 
 jed 
 
 ling to 
 
 hii own account, aBsisted in taking 15,000 Hkins, tliougit Kiuge'H eKtimatu of the number 
 taken was 10,000. Webster further informed us that he had hoisted the United Staten' 
 flag on the island, and thoush warned that it was Russian territory by a vessel of that 
 nationality, he paid no hood. A little later, however, a Russian Qovetnment vessel 
 appeared, and the officer in command ordered him to leave within twenty days, tie had 
 already sent most of the skins to Ban Francisco, probably on one of the vessels above 
 mentioned, but continued killing until he had taken about 2,000 more skins, 
 
 />il. In 1871, this island, with the Commander Islands, was leased to Messrs. 
 Hutchinson, Kohl, Phillipeus, and Co., who transferred their rights to the Alaska 
 Commercial Company. Mr. Kluge went there in the same year in the interests of the 
 lessees, and found that, in consequence of the raid in 1870, there were not over 2,000 seals 
 to be found on the entire island. The island was watched 'n that year, but no seals were 
 killed. A fevr may have been killed in 1872, though, if oo, the number is no^ known ; but 
 from 1873 to 1878 rather more than 2,000 skins were on the average taken annually by 
 the Comimny from this one small reef. 
 
 512. About the year 1870, schooners sailing from Japan began to frequcvit the*" 
 inland, and were in the habit of raiding ik in the autumn, after the guardians had been 
 withdrawn. In 1881, the Oomiuiny's agent remained on the island as late as the 5th 
 November, at which date five or six Japanese schooners were still hovering about, looking 
 for a chance to land. The Dutch sealer "Otsego "was warned oif by the Company's 
 trading steamer "Alexander." In consequence of such raids, the number of seals 
 dcclitied from year to year. 
 
 513. Probably discouraged by the cost and difficulty of protecting the island, and in 
 order to prevent competition in the sale of skins, the Company in 1 88."J made a barbarous 
 attempt to extirpate the seals on it. A full account of this attemptjis given in the 
 depoisition of C. A. Lundberg,* who arrived at Hobben Island in the schooner "North 
 Star" from Yokohama, and found Mic mate of the sclioon(;r "Leon," a vessel in the 
 employ of the Alaska, Commercial Company, living on the island with about fifteen 
 Aleuts. Lundberg found a great mass of dead and decaying .seals upon the shore, which 
 iiad been killed b}' 'liese men, as they snid, in order to " keep any of those Yokohama 
 t'cllowa from getting anything this year." Tlic crews of tlie " North Star " and another 
 schooner, the " Helene," then set to woik to remove the carcasses, which included those 
 of many females and y.'ung, and proved to number between 9,000 and 10,000. In the 
 process, they managed to pick out some 300 skins in good condition. "There were 
 tiiousii ads of seals in the water, but they would not pull out on the beach on account of 
 the stencil and filth. We washefl the beach as clean as we could, and turned the gravel 
 over as far as we were able. Shortly a heavy gale came on, which washed the beach 
 quite clean igain. and the seals then began to pull out." 
 
 514. We were also informed that Captain Hansen, afterwards master of the German 
 schooner " Adele," was present on this occasion. Captain Miner, an experienced scaling- 
 master of Seattle, also visited the island in the same year, and described to us the great 
 heap of carcasses which he found on the island, and the manner in which the skins had 
 been slashed in order to render them useless. 
 
 615. In 1884. according to Mr. Kluge. the Russian Government stationed a steam 
 launch at the island for its protection, and in the same year four schooners, inclnding 
 the German schooner "Helene," were captured there by the Russian man-of-war 
 " Rasbonik." 
 
 516. In 188 r», the launch was replaced by a force of twenty Cossacks, but these were 
 withdrawn in September, after which raiding schooners again appeared. In tiiat year, there 
 were not more than 7,000 or 8,000 seals in all upon the island. From 1885 to 1800, no 
 skins were taken by the Company from the island, but in the last-mentioned year 1,452 
 skins were tiiken. The guard was, however, removed from tlie island between the 12th 
 and the 15th October, and after that date the island was raided by schooners, one of 
 these, reported as hailing from Japan, and said 'o fly the United States' flag, being the 
 chief offender. These schooners must have obtained at kast 4,700 skins, for when the 
 island was revisited early in 1891, that number of carcasses was found upon it, and these 
 were buried in order to avoid the effect which their presence migiit have in preventing 
 seals from again landing. 
 
 617. In consequence of this heavy slaughter, but 520 skins were obtained by the 
 Company from the island in 1891, ar.d Captain Brandt, of the Russian gun-boat "Aleut," 
 estimates the whole number of seals present on the island at thi? date at about 16,000. In 
 October 1891, Captain Brandt returned to the island in the " Aleut " when not expected 
 
 ■ ■. 
 
 » 
 
 i 
 
 i ^ 
 
 f: ^ 
 
 [306} 
 
 Parliamentary Paper [C— 6131], p. 3«3. 
 
 N 2 
 
Mx-' 
 
 90 
 
 there, and captured two raiding vessels from Yokohama, sailing under the British flag, 
 and at the time in possession of 1,500 fur-seal skins. 
 
 Captain Blair, of the Company's schooner '' Leon," further informed us that there 
 were at present ahout twenty-five females to each adult male on the islands, a proportion 
 of males which he, from long experience of the sealing industry, considers to be far too 
 small. 
 
 One of the difficulties found in guarding this island is duo to its small size, in con- 
 sequence of which the mere presence of guardians on shore tends continually to disturb 
 the seals. 
 
 018. Passing to the coast of Kamschatka, from vaiious good authorities on the Com- 
 mander Islands and at Petropaulovski, it was learnt that there is some reason to believe 
 that n new breeding place of the fur-seal has been established near Cape Stolboi or Cape 
 Kamschatka. Females with young pups have been seen off this part of the coast, and 
 an attempt was made in 1890 to examine it in boats, but was frustrated by stormy 
 weather. 
 
 519. At Cape Tshipunski, also on the Kamschatka coast, M. Grebnitsky, the 
 Superintendent of the Commander Islands, stated that he saw breeding fur-seals in 1879 
 or 1880, though it had been ascertained in 1877 that there were no seals there. 
 Subsequent to the time of M. Grebnitsky's visit, the incipient rookery was destroyed by 
 hunters or by raiding schooners. 
 
 620. From the vicinity of Cape Kamschatka north-eastward to Baroness Korf 
 Gulf, a stretch of coast exists which has been entirely uninhabited for many years, and 
 about which very little is known. The former inhabitants were killed off by small-pox, 
 according to information received in 1786.* 
 
 Karaginski Island lies off th' pnrt of (he coast, and here it is reported that 
 numbers of seals were seen in former years. 
 
 521. It seen\s certain that the killing and harassing of the seals which has been so 
 actively carried on for the past ten years or more from the Japanese coast, along the 
 Kurile Islands, has had the effect of causing these animals to wander further afield than 
 before, and more or less instinctively to seek for new and secluded breeding places. 
 
 C23. Thus, the Lieutenant-Governor of Petropaulovski, who is well acquainted with 
 the northern coasts of the Okotsk Sc-j, informed us that up In the north, off the Ola 
 River and in Tausk Bay, the natives have noticed the fur-seal since 18SG, though 
 not before, and that fishing-vessels in these waters occasionally secure one or two. It is 
 also known that fur-seal occasionally haul out at various points, although at none are 
 they known to breed. Captain Brandt, of the Russian gun* boat '' Aleut,'' again has 
 himself recorded as a new feature seeing several fur-seals off Point Povorotny, near 
 Vladivostock, and states that seals are sometimes seen at Cape Seritoko. 
 
 528. The facts relating to the Asiatic coast of the North Pacific, outlined above, 
 showing as they do that several outlying rocks and islands in various latitudes, and 
 affected by somewhat diverse climatic conditions, have been or arc resorted to by the fur- 
 seal as breeding places, and that new places of resort may be chosen by that animal, go 
 far to prove that it is to the continuously inhabited character of the Aleutian Islands, 
 and other islands along the American coast, that the absence of such breeding places 
 there at the present day must be generally attributed. This is fully borne out by the 
 notes already given with respect'*to former breeding places on the Californian and 
 British Columbian and Alaskan coasts, and may be adduced in favour of a belief that 
 with proper protection new rookeries might not improbably be established in suitable 
 places, provided there be no disturbance or slaughter by man. 
 
 524. This is particularly worthy of consideration in the case of the Aleutian 
 Islands, where, in consequence of the now very small and still decreasing number of 
 natives, it would not be difficult to set apart resen'es for this purpose, as well as for the 
 propagation of the sea-otter. The greatest difRcully in the case of the fur-seal would 
 doubtless be foiind in the matter of inducing the first colonization of such new rookery 
 grounds, but as it has been shown that the sit. all of the formerly occupied rookeries is 
 one of the chief — if not the chiefs — attraction to the first-arriving seals, and as this smell 
 is inherent chiefly in the soil of these rookeries, it is perhaps not unworthy of conside- 
 ration whether the transfer of portions of this seal-impregnated soil, and its scattering 
 over suitable places — particularly such as lie near the migration-route of the seal — might 
 not lead to their occupation. In any case, such reservations would soon be colonized by 
 the more widely wandering sea-lions and hair-seals, and the security and increase of these 
 would probably after a time have tlie effect of producing a sense of safety which might 
 
 * BMenft, bowtvw, gWti tbU yaar ai 1768, "UUtory," vol. suiii, p. 164. 
 
ilpppp^ 
 
 ^mm 
 
 01 
 
 induce the fnr-seal lo take up its abode there at the breeding season. The princii;al 
 objection to experiments of this kind would be the cost of affording the necessary 
 protection, but if such islands were also stocked witb and preserved fur the blue-fox, the 
 snle of the skins of this animal might alone, in the course of a few years, be sufficient to 
 cover a large part of this cost. 
 
 525. Sirr.ilar measures would, of course, be also woii-thy of consideration in the 
 case of various places on the shores of British Columbia, or on the Asiatic coasts of the 
 Pacific. 
 
 I 
 
 ^ii 
 
 |t>y 
 
 Aleutian 
 mber of 
 
 for the 
 al would 
 
 rookery 
 keries is 
 
 lis smell 
 Iconside- 
 pattering 
 I — might 
 
 lized by 
 lot' these 
 (h might 
 
 II. — Natives op the Coasts of British Colvmbia and Alaska dirhctly 
 
 INTEBES'iED IN INDEPENDENT SbALING. METHODS OV HUMTIHO, AND NDHBEB 
 TAKEN. 
 
 52Q. The native peoples of the west coast of America directly interested in the 
 capture of the fur-seal are the following : — 
 
 1. Aleut. 
 
 2. Eskimo, or Innuit, including Kaniagmut, of Kadiak Islan'l. and vicinity, and 
 Chaga-Chigmut, of Prince William Sound, with probably some other tribes of lesser 
 importance. 
 
 3. The Tlinkit, or Koloslian tribes of South-eastern Alaska. 
 
 4. The Haida, of the Queen Charlotte Islands; with the Kaigani, of the.soathem 
 extremity of the Alaskan coast-strip. 
 
 5. The Tshimsian, of the inner coast of Hecate Strait. 
 
 6. The Hailtzuk tribes, to the south of the last. 
 
 7. Tlie Kwakiool tribes of the northern part of Vancouver Island. 
 
 8. The Aht, or Nootkan tribes, of the west coast of the same island, and including 
 tiie linguistically-identical Makah, of Neah Bay and Cape Flattery. 
 
 527. All these people have known and hunted the fur-seal from time immemorial, 
 and in all cases either within the limits of what has been referred to as the winter 
 habitat of the seal, or along the course of its northward migration-route. So long as 
 the breeding islands remained uninhabited by man, the seal was practically exempt from 
 his attacks in its summer habitat. 
 
 628. The amount of the interest of these nativ« peoples in this pursuit has naturally 
 varied in accordance with chat.ging circumstances, and has, in most cases, been notubljf 
 stimulated by tho higher prices which have ruled for skins within the Inst twenty years. 
 Their aboriginal modes of hunting the fur-senl are somewhat varied, including the spear, 
 bow and arrow, net, .^nd club ; but in most cases the gun is now the weapon employed. 
 
 529. Aleuts. — The luinting of fur-seals by the Aleuts inhabiting the eastern part of 
 tiio Aleutian cnain has already been referred to in connection with the migrations of the 
 seal. The Aleuts of Iliuhiik Settlement at Unalaska, stated that they generally got 
 twenty or thirty seals in the early part of the summer and when on their way north. 
 They are engaged in hiiniing tiie soa-otter at this season, and take a stray seal if they 
 tind it. Such seals are gcnoraliy got along the southern side of the islands, but the seal- 
 hunting season proper is in tlic autumn. In hunting seals, these natives employ the same 
 methods as in sea-otter hunting. They us c a " bidaika," or light skin-boat, in which 
 tliey sometimes go as far as 25 or .30 miles from land. The spear, launched by means of 
 a throwing-stick, was foimcrly most employed, but is now being superseded by the gun 
 loaded with buck-shot. Tliey generally shoot from a distance of 40 or 50 yards, and have 
 plenty of time to ijaddle np in the bidarkn and got the seal before it sinks. The 
 dead seal is taker either with the hand or by means of a gaflP carried for the purpose. 
 Grey pups always tloat when killed, being very fat. An old male, or a female over two 
 years of age, generally sinks when shot, particularly in the autumn, when seals of these 
 kinds are thin. A female with young may sink, but more slowly. These natives, how- 
 ever, affirm that they never lose a seal if killed. Mr. Dirks, now agent for the Alaska 
 Commercial Company at Atka Island, states that when previously stationed at Sannakh 
 Islands, he has seen the Aleuts there pursue and overtake fur-seals in their light 
 bidarkas, a feat which would be impossible with any boat, 
 
 630. Nets were formerly employed by the Aleuts of Unalaska and neighbouring 
 islands for the capture of sea-otter, fur-seal, and hair-seal. These are described as 
 having been from 20 to 30 fathoms in length. Such nets were set about the rocks, 
 generally a mile or so from shore. They are still used on the Sannakh Islands, but have 
 elsewhere been practically abandoned in consequence of the increasing wariness of the 
 sea-otter. 
 
 531. The fur-seals killed by the Aleuts afford practically the only flesh meat which 
 
 I 
 
 4* 
 
 I 
 : 
 
 I 
 
 i ' 1 
 
 ! ; 
 
 W 
 
■;!' \ 
 
 02 
 
 they are, undor ordinary circumstancofl, able to obtain, and, as food, are highly prized by 
 them. In 1890, for the first time, the United States' Qovcrnment prohibited the killing 
 of fur-seals by the Aleuts of the Aleutian Inlands, but this. rule ha« so far been practi- 
 cally inoperative, in consequence of the want of means for its enforcement. 
 
 r>-yj. The Aleutian Islands were originally thickly inhabited, and settlements 
 existed on nearly all those of considerable size. Soon after the Rus:*ian discovery, 
 measures were taken to concentrate the Aleuts in a few islands, where they might be 
 more easily controlled. The decrease in number of inhabitants has since then been con- 
 tinuous, and the number of inhabited villages is now small. In the eastern part of the 
 chain the fidlowing ))laces are still inhabited, and to all of them the remarks above made, 
 with special reference to Unalaska, are equally applicable. On Unalaska Island, 
 Iliuluik, Makushin, Kashega, Tshernnfsky: on Spiskin Island, Burka; on .Akiitan Island^ 
 Akutan ; on Akun Island, Akun ; and on Umnak Island, Nikolsky. 
 
 633. The most westerly of these villages is that on Umnak Island. The next 
 permanently inhabited place is Nazan Bay, Atka Island, 210 miles further west, and 
 beyond this there now exists but one permanent settlement, tliat on ChichagofT Harbour, 
 Attn Island, at a further distance of no less than 480 miles. The .Aleuts resident at 
 these places, Jiowever, during the summer months, hunt from island to island along almost 
 the entire chain, with all parts of which they are consequently more or less familiar. 
 
 r»34. At Atka Island, fur-seals are occasionally seen, In former years, they'^some- 
 times were observed to pass on their way north between Atka and Amlia Islands, but 
 never of late. Grey pups are not infrequently taken about Atka in N'ovember. The 
 Aleuts here do not make a business of hunting the fur-seal at any time, but when seen 
 kill them with sea-otter spears. The flesh is prized for food. At Attn grey pups are 
 never seen, but larger seals are occasionally got. They are generally speared, as at 
 Atka Island. The spear employed in both cases has a small detachable ivory or 
 copper head, and is impelled by means of a throwing-stick. The bidarka is used in 
 hunting by these as by the other Aleut tribes. 
 
 I 5'65. Innuit. — The Kaniagmut Innuit people, inhabiting Kadiak Island, kill a few 
 fur-seals in the earlier part of tlie summer, when they are engaged in hunting the 
 sea-otter. They employ the skin bidarka or kayak, and use an ivory-tipped arrow 
 with detachable head, shot from a bow. The same stylo of weapon is used along the 
 Aliaska peninsula, and is probably co-extensive with the limits of the Innuit peoples of 
 this region. In Prince William Sound, the Chaga-Chigraut tribe formerly made a special 
 business of the pursuit of the fur-seal, often getting, within recent years, as many as 
 200 skins in a season. In 1891, the number obtained was about fifty only. 
 
 636. Tlinkit. — To the eastward and southward of the Aleut and Innuit peoples, 
 the skin boat is replaced by the wooden dug out canoe, which, though comparatively 
 rude, as made among the Tlinkit peoples, is nevertheless a serviceable craft, and with 
 the Ilaida and other northern tribes of the coast of British Columbia, becomes perfected 
 in construction, and assumes lines of almost ideal form. 
 
 637. In the neighbourhood of Sitka, the Indians systematically hunt the fur-seal 
 in the spring and early summer. They form camps at suitable spots on the outer coast 
 for this purpose, the favourite places being between Cross and Salisbury Sounds, 
 particularly about Cape Edwards. In some years as many as 700 skins are got, but in 
 1891 about 300 only were obtained. Three or four Indians man a canoe, and when the 
 weather is favourable start about two o'clock in the morning for the hunt. jThey continue 
 paddling or sailing imtil near noon, and believe that they often get thus as far as 
 sixty miles from the shore. They then hunt for six or seven hi>'irs before setting out on 
 their return, and reach the land early the following morning. Such a trip is made about 
 once a-week when the weather is fine, and the hunters consider themselves fortunate if 
 they can make ten trips in all during the season. 
 
 5d8. The Indians here first saw schooners hunting oft' the coast about ten years 
 ago, but heard of them before this. Some of these people are employed in sealing- 
 schooners sailing from Sitka. 
 
 539. The seals were formerly killed with spears; rifles were aftenvards employed to 
 some extent, but in late years the gun, with buck-shot, has been adopted by almost ali. 
 The Indians state that the seals sometimes sink when shot, the proportion thus lost being 
 sometimes one, sometimes two, out of ten. One man informed us tliat he had in 1891 
 got nineteen skins and had lost four in addition, all of which he felt sure he killed. 
 
 540. The Tlinkit (Hanega tribe) of Klawak on Bucarelli Sound, Prince of Wales 
 Island, are now mingled with some Indians of Kaigani (Haida) extraction. They have 
 not in recent years hunted the fur-seal in spring or summer, being more remuneratively 
 and less arduously employed at that season in salmon canneries, or at other work. 
 
98 
 
 years 
 
 .'d to 
 st ali. 
 being 
 
 1891 
 
 (Vales 
 
 have 
 
 tively 
 
 work. 
 
 During the winter, however, most of the men hunt the fur-seal to a greater or less 
 extent; a single hunter sometimes getting as many as twenty skins in a season. Here, 
 five men often go together in a canoe, tiie canoes used being larger than those at Sitka. 
 In the spring and early summer the seals arc far off shore, but in the winter months they 
 come close in, particularly the grey pups and yearlings. About two years ago, seals 
 appeared in great numbers. In a good season, 200 or 300 skins are secured at Ktawak, 
 for which 2 dollars to 9 dollars is paid by the traders on the spot. The flesh is some- 
 times eaten, but not now so much as formerly, though the fat is still prized as food. 
 
 541. Hnlda. — In the northern part of the Queen Charlotte Islands (lying off the 
 northern extreme of the coast-Iinc of British Columbia), Masset is now the principal 
 Indian Settlement. Here the Haida people who formerly inhabited permanent villages 
 at Virago Sound, North Island, and elsewhere, now centre, though still resorting for 
 purposes of hunting and fishing to their old homes. Inquiries made at Masset among 
 the Indians (including Chief Edensaw, an old bat very intelligent man), with other infor- 
 mation obtained, enable the following statements to be made respecting fur-seal hunting 
 by the Haida people. 
 
 542. About the beginning of the present century the sea-otter was very abundant, 
 and was systematically hunted. Fur-seals were often seen, and, when required for food, 
 wore shot with arrows tipped with the bone of the whale, or speared, though the skins 
 at that time were of little value. About the year 1 846 (the year in which Fort Victoria 
 was established), the Haida first began to make a business of hunting the fur-seal for 
 skins. Guns were employed from the first in this hunting, loaded either with buck- 
 shot or with •' trade bullets," three to a charge. At first comparatively few skins were 
 got, but for the past fifteen years a considerable number has been obtained — in two of 
 these years 1,000 skins or more. In 1873, a post of the Hudson's Bay Company was 
 established at Masset, chiefly for the purpose of buying fur-seal skins from the Indians, 
 and the increased activity of the local hunters coincides with this date. The Indians 
 first saw schooners engaged in hunting off this part of the coast about thirteen years 
 ago. 
 
 543. The hunting season is the spring and early summer, and most of the hunting 
 is done in Dixon Entrance, where the hunters have a good chance of making the land 
 safely, either to the south or north, if bad weather comes on. They know that seals 
 arc often abundant in the open ocean to the westward, but seldom go far out ii^ that 
 direction because of the danger of being blown off and lost. North Island is a 
 favourite starting-point for the hunters. 
 
 544. In hunting there are usually four paddlers in a canoe, and one man to shoot. 
 When shot through the head, and at once killed, the seals frequently sink, and long ago 
 hunters often lust seals in this way ; now they spear the seals as soon as they are shot, 
 and seldom lose any. The males are the most apt to sink, while females with young 
 always float. Mr. R. H. Hall, formerly in charge of the northern coast posts of the 
 Hudson's Bay Company, who has himself been at sea with the Haida when hunting, as 
 the result of his own experience, states that if a seal is lightly wounded with shot 
 it generally escapes, as it is then impossible to overtake it with a single canoe. If 
 severely wounded ov killed outright, the seal is seldom lost. After a short time the body 
 generally begins to sii:k ; but '"an Indian killing or badly wounding a seal is pretty safe 
 to get it." He has seen three seals shot, and two of them left floating till the third one 
 fired at was picked up. 
 
 545. The Indians spoken to were unable to give a percentage ratio of seals lost 
 when shot, but in order to reach some conclusion on this point, with regard to these 
 particular Indian hunters, thsse who had lately killed considerable numbers of seals 
 were specifically questioned with the following result : — 
 
 Hunter No. 1. — In the hunting season of 1891 got 21 seals ; lost none. 
 
 Hunter NoTl. — In the season of 1890 got 88 seals ; lost il in addition. 
 
 Hunter No. 2.— In the season of 1890 got 37 seals ; lost none. 
 
 Hunter No. 3. — In 1889 got 126 seals ; lost none. 
 
 Hunter No. 4. — In 1889 got 90 seals; lost 3 in addition. 
 
 The Haida seldom ship as hunters in sealing schooners, but the two last- 
 mentioned catches were made in connection with a schooner on which these hunters wcie 
 engaged, and most of the seals got were taken in Behring Sea, ** too far from shore to 
 see the land." They are noted here as indicating the skill of the Haida hunters. 
 
 546. Chief Edensaw explained that long ago, when ships first began to come to buy 
 sea-otter skins (in the latter years of the last century and earlier years of the jjroscnt 
 century), his people were well off, getting plenty of good clothes, &c., in exchange for 
 these skins, When the sea-otter became very scarce the trading vessels ceased to come, 
 
 J, 
 
 'i 
 
i* ^yiV MaMmrr. 
 
 94 
 
 
 I ■. .1 
 
 i 1 >;<>■ 
 
 !!;>; 
 
 !*); 
 
 and for many years the Haida were very poor, and had to return to the use of skin 
 clothing. Their condition has, however, improved again in later years, partly because of 
 the money they are able to obtain for the fnr-seal skins, partly on account of tKe growth 
 of other industries alongv the coast in which they can engage. The Haida generally, 
 complain that the continued hunting of the fur-seal has caused it to keep far off shore, 
 and has rendered it so shy, that it is now b'>;coming ditticiilt to earn money near their 
 homes by hunting the seal as before. They are, in consequence, obliged to leave their 
 homes in search of other work. 
 
 547. The above notes refer particularly to the northern part of the Quecri Charlotte 
 Islands. Special inquiries were not made among the southern Haida tribes). Many 
 years ago there were numerous village communities scattered along the outer vest coast 
 of the islands, but these have gradually abandoned this coast, and coalesced with the large 
 communities of the eastern coast. It is, therefore, now difficult to obtain facts 
 respecting the outer coast, wiiere, however, in connection with the sea-otter hunting, 
 many fur-seals were doubtless formerly killed. The Haida eat the flesh of the fur-seal, 
 
 'and esteem it highly. 
 
 548. Tshimsian. — The principal fur-soal hunting station of the Tshimsian tribes 
 proper is upon Zayas Island. They hunt in the spring, from this place as a centre, 
 in the eastern part of Dixon Entrance and northern part of Hecate Strait. Till about 
 thirty years ago these people never systematically engaged in hunting the fur-seol, 
 though they knew that their neighbours, the Haida, long before this took fur-seals. Each 
 hunting canoe is here usually manned by four persons, and guns appear to have been 
 employed from the beginning of the systematic hunting by the Tshimsians. Buck-shot, 
 or trade bullets of twenty-eight to the pound, three to six in a charge, are used. Three 
 canoes hunting from Zayas Island in 1890 obtained catches of seventy, fifty, and twenty- 
 eight skins, respectively, during the season. The trade prices paid for these skins on the 
 spot in 1891 ranged from 3 dollars to 3 dol. 50 c. for "grey pups " to 17 dollars for best 
 skins. The number of skins got in various years depends of course on the abundance of 
 seals and the character of the weather ; but there is also a great difference from year 
 to year in the number of hunters, governed by the prices of skins, and the wages offered 
 for other work. Probably, about 300 skins are taken each year at present by these 
 Indians, but as these are bought by various traders, it is difficult to get exact figures. 
 
 549. A spear or hook about twenty feet in length is often used to recover the seal 
 when shot, and the Indian hunters questioned stated that they had never lost a seal 
 when killed. 
 
 550. The Kitkatla tribe of the Tshimsians, whose permanent village is situated on 
 Goschen Island, are noted as fur-seal huuters, though, because of the facility in obtaining 
 employment with regular wages, in late years they have not paid so much attention to 
 this hunting as before. They resort to Bonilla Island in the seal-hunting season, and in 
 1 891 there were there seventy hunters with their families. The number of skins obtained 
 this year was, however, small, as most of the hunters suffered from the influenza 
 epidemic. Generally speaking, about 300 skins are taken in spring and early summer. 
 
 651. These people hunt in Hecate Strait, and their mode of hunting is the same as 
 that practised by the Tshimsians proper. A few of the Kitkatlas have been employed 
 on sealing-schooners for the past four or five years, but no large numbers from any of 
 the Tshimsian group of tribes engage in this species of hunting. Mr. R. Cunningham, 
 who has been for twenty-five years familiar with the Inilians of this tribe, states that the 
 seals do not usually sink at once unless the breath escapes from the body. 
 
 552. Hailzuk. — The Hailzuk tribes, of the vicinity of Milbank Spund, resort chiefly 
 to the outlying group, named the Goose Islands, at the seal-hunting season in spring. 
 A number of these Indians, including several well-known seal-hunters, were interviewed 
 at Bella-Bella. They stated that in ancient times the fur-seal was killed by their fore- 
 fathers only for food. Sea-otters were abundant, and the skin of the seal was not of 
 much value. When a fur-seal was killed, it was kept only if fat. The flesh is sometimes 
 eaten still, but not so much as formerly, thousrh the fat is always kept for food. The 
 best part of the seal for food is the flipper. Before guns were in common use, the spear 
 was employed exclusively in the pursuit of the sea-otter and fur- seal, but now one hunter 
 only still continues to use the spear. They began hunting fur-seals as a business about 
 twenty years ago — not so long ago as twenty- five years, which they remembered because 
 of the small-pox. Guns are no«r employed, loaded with buck-shot, or with three trade 
 bullets. They hunt only in their own canoes, with two to four men in each canoe ; and 
 in these they sometimes go so far from land that only the mountains about Cape Calvert 
 remain in sight. Occasionally they spend a night at sea. 
 
 552*. The seal is sometimes shot from a distance of not more than 20 feet, when 
 
08 
 
 ployed 
 
 any of 
 
 nghani, 
 
 at the 
 
 chiefly 
 j spring, 
 rviewcd 
 Mr forc- 
 not of 
 letimes 
 The 
 le spear 
 1 hunter 
 about 
 )ecause 
 trade 
 le ; and 
 ICalrert 
 
 It, when 
 
 sleeping, but often at mnch greater distances. It is taken into the canoe with the hand, 
 or, if beginning to sink, a spear or gaff is used. Males sink more frequently than 
 females. 
 
 553. These people were unable to state any definite proportion as between the seals 
 recovered and those lost by them, but they are not accounted very skilful hunters. The 
 largest number taken by a single canoe in one daj' in 1891 was eight, and in this case 
 two that were killed were lost in addition. About 300 fur-seal skins in all were obtained 
 by the Bella-Bella people alone in 1891, which was a good year ; and nearly all these 
 were brought in by their own co-operative store, and sold afterwards in Victoria. The 
 highest price they got at Victoria was 10 dollars. The Indians here voluntarily expressed 
 their willingness to conform lo any laws made as to the killing of fur-seals, but requested 
 that they might be informed in time. 
 
 554. Kwakiool. — Nawitti, on Hope Island, at the northern end of Vancouver Island, 
 is the place most noted as a centre of fur-seal hunting among the Kwakiool tribes. The 
 people here hunt principally in the winter, and do not resort to special hunting stations. 
 They start on hunting trips very often from Nawitti village itself, and bring large 
 quantities of seal meat, which they relish as food, back to this place. They hunt in their 
 own canoes, and few of them have ever been employed on schooners. Nearly all the 
 men engage more or less in hunting at the proper season. Spears were formerly used 
 in hunting, but guns are now always employed, though the spear is still made use of to 
 recover the seal after it has been shot. Tne seals shot sometimes sink before they can 
 pick them up, but this happens chiefly when they are shot in the head and killed at once. 
 Mr. A. W. Huson, who is familiar with this part of the coast, states that in some years 
 he has himself obtained in trade as many as ICO skins from the Indians of the Nawitti 
 village alone. 
 
 555. Fur-seals are also hunted by the Quatsino, Klnskaino, and other tribes of the 
 Kwakiool family, but the numbers obtained by them are not known to be considerable, 
 and time did not admit of special visits to their villages. 
 
 556. Aht. — The Aht or Nootkan tribes, inhabiting the whole of that part of the 
 west coast of Vancouver Island to the south of Capo Cook, are the most noted of the 
 British Columbian Indians as expert fur-seal hunters. The Makah, of Cape Flattery, in the 
 State of Washington, are a detached tribe of the same stock. These Aht people furnish 
 by far the larger part of the Indian hunters employed on sealing schooners, and have to 
 a great extent abandoned their original method of sealing in canoes from the shore in 
 consequence. The number of skins &till obtained by them as independent hunters is, 
 however, not inconsiderable. 
 
 557. They are chosen as hunters for the sealing schooners in preference to the 
 Indians of the northern part of the coast, partly because of their experience and 
 dexterity in the use of the spear, but also because they are accustomed to hunt in 
 comparatively small canoes, requiring fewer men, and taking up less room on the 
 schooner's deck. The northern Indians require larger canoes, and usually no greater 
 number of skins is taken by a large canoe than by a small one. It is true that the spear 
 has, even among these people, now been largely replaced by the gun, but, meanwhile, they 
 have become familiar with the method of hunting from schooners. Still another cause 
 is found in the fact, that the Ahts are by no means so favourably disposed as other 
 coast tribes toward devoting themselves to regular occupation, such as cannery work or 
 loggmg. 
 
 558. The Ahts are divided into a large number of tribes and village communities, 
 from many of which details as to seal-hunting have not been obtained, but the following 
 notes on some of them may be taken as examples of the whole : — 
 
 Hunting in canoes from the shore is still practised at Nootka Sound, where the 
 hunting season embraces about three months of the later winter and early spring. The 
 hunter.q go out a long way from shore, and, when the weather is fine, sometimes stay two 
 days at sea. The skins obtained are disposed of to various traders, but, in all probability, 
 about 200 are got at this place annually. One of the hunters said that, about twenty 
 years ago he had himself secured 260 seals, but as the prices were then very low, he 
 obtained just 1 dollar each for the skins. 
 
 559. At Clayoquot Sound, the Indians staled that in the times of the grand-parents 
 of the present generation, fur-seals were valued and hunted only for food. Thoy were 
 then always killed with spears. Independent hunting with canoes from the shore has 
 fallen into disuse for the last seven or ten years at Ahouset village and Clayoquot proper, 
 respectively. The Indians from this vicinity now hunt only from schooners, and many 
 are so employed every summer. Long ago many of them were drowned when hunting 
 independently, and this mode of hunting has come to be considered very dangerous. 
 
 [306] 
 
 ■V^ 
 
 ;i 
 
 .,: ■ 
 
 ■ 
 
 ■ 
 
 ^ i^' 
 
 
 -.., 
 
96 
 
 
 At the present time, both the gun and spear arc employed in taking seals, according to 
 circumstances or Ihe habits of the individual hunter. 
 
 560, At Barclay Sound, the Indians of several villages still engage to a considerable 
 extent in hunting in tlieir own canoes from the shore, but they are also in many cases 
 employed on seating-schoonL'rH. The number of seals tiiken by them in independent 
 hunting varies between wide limits from year to ycnr. In the spring of 1891, about 
 1,800 skins at least were taken to Victoria from Ibis vi(;inity, all obtained in this way. 
 The spear is usually employed still in preference to the gnn by these hunter,"). 
 
 5Q\ . The Makah Indians of the neigiibourhood of Capo Flattery arc great seal-hunters. 
 They themselves now own three small Hcliooners, which are registered at Port Townsend. 
 Some of them go every year in schooners ownec' by Whites, but the old method of 
 independent hunting from ti;e shore h also still practised. Two or three men generally 
 go ill each canoe, and occasionnlly stiiy out a night at sea, where they are frequently as 
 far as thirty miles from laud. Tiicy usually still spear the seals, whether hunting inde- 
 pendently or from schooners, though the shot-gun is employed by some of the hunters. 
 The older men think that shooting is bad, but the younger men have taken to it. The 
 spear used has two prongs, witli i!etnchnl>lc barbed heads. It is about Kfteen feet long, and 
 ia thrown from the hand, without a thi'owing-stick, the butt end being flat and widened, 
 with <>ro'!vcs cut in it for llie fingerfti. This Hrtme type of spear is employed by all the 
 Aiit people. 
 
 602. The old men say that before tliey wore born (say, about sixty years ago), the 
 fur-seal was hunted for food and clothing, and was abundant ; but on several occasions 
 a number of Indians lost their lives at sea while huntinif. and. consequently, for about 
 twenty years Iho iiuntinjy was practically given up. j\bout the liuie the small-pox came 
 among them (probably in 18-52. as ascertained from <;t!ior sjiirccF) hunting began again, 
 and lias been continued ever since. 'J'hey tliiiik (hat it was about twenty-five 
 years ago (§ 586) when they first knew of NVliitcs going to sea to hunt the fur-seal. 
 Nearly 1,000 fur-seal skins arc annually got by the Makah Indians, but a considerable 
 proportion of the whole number is obtained by them in their schooners along the coast 
 to the northward or in Behring Sea, so that the precise number taken in tiie vicinity of 
 their own territory is difficult to ascertain. Nearly the whole of the skins taken by 
 these India;is are ^old in Victoria. 
 
 663. "W hen the seals are speaied, practically none are lost, but when shot some are 
 lost by sinking, though a spear is employed to gaff them. These Indians stated that in 
 taking fifty seals, sometimes one, sometimes two, might be lost, but occasionally none 
 would be lost. 
 
 664. Further particulars of interest respecting the Indian fur-seal hunters of Cape 
 Flattery ipay be found in Judge J. G. Swan's report on that subject contained in the 
 " Report of the Fisheries and Fishery Industries of the United .jtates," vol. ii, p. 398. 
 Also in the " Bulletin of the United States' Fish Commission," vol. iii, p. 201. From 
 the first of these publications, it appears that the independent catch of the Cape Flattery 
 Indians amounted to 1,568 skins in 1860, with an average value of 9 dollars per skin at 
 that time. In a letter of recent date, the same gentleman states that no official record 
 of the number of skins taken by these Indians has since been kept. 
 
 566. While it ia to be regretted that it is impo8««ible to give an accurate statistical 
 record of the number of fur-seal skins taken by the natives of the coasts of Alaska, 
 British Columbia, and Washington, by their independent hunting in their own canoes 
 from the shores, the results of inquiries made at a number of detached places along the 
 coasts, and given in abstract above, are at least sufficient to show that important vested 
 interests are there involved. 
 
 506. It is undeniable that all the natives represented along this great line of coast 
 have been accustomed from the earliest tinies to hunt the fur-seal. So long as the 
 sea-otter was abundant, little use was made of the inferior skin of the fur-seal, and that 
 animal was prized chiefly as an article of food. At a later dale, when the hunting of the 
 sea-otter had become scarcely remunerative because of its increasing scarcity on tins part 
 of the coast, the price offered for the skins of the fur-seal was still insufficient to tempt the 
 natives to engage systematically in the somewhat hazardous business of its capture; 
 but as the skins became higher in price, and notably within the last twenty years, 
 the hunting of the fur-seal has possessed a greater importance for the natives, Withm 
 quite recent years, however, the independent hunting of natives has somewhat decreased 
 from two principal causes— the employment of large numbers of the more expert natives 
 on sealing vessels, and the growth of various other industries capable of affording 
 remunerative employment. 
 
 567. The low prices given in former years to the Indians of the British Columbian 
 
ogam. 
 
 i^Hipts^nM 
 
 97 
 
 coast for their skins were in part due to the fact that, in accordance with native custom, 
 the sicins were slretclied and dried, and were thus not so suitable for the trade as salted 
 skins; but of late years the Lidians have become nccusloincd to salt nearly all the skins 
 they take. 
 
 068. Respecting the dates between which the Indians of various tribes engage in 
 seal-hunting, and in connection particularly with the notes elsewhere given on the 
 migration of the fur-seal, it must be observed that these dates do not necessarily coincide 
 wilh those defining t)ie occurrence ol fur-seals along the coast. The actual time of 
 beginning the hunt depends chiefly upon the date at which such tine weather aa is 
 described as " scaling weather " sets in. The close of sealing is, on the other hand, 
 largely governed by the arrival of the particular season al which immemorial custom 
 requires that fishing of some other kind — generally halibut fishing — shall begin. 
 
 569. The best estimates obtained of the number of skins taken annually by the 
 IndiAns of the British Cohmibia coast alone, for the last four or five years, show 
 that about 1/jOO in all are taken to the north of the northern end of Vancouver Island, 
 and at least a similar number to the south of that point, or, say, at least 3,000 skins each 
 year for the entire eoa-t. Estimating these at 10 dollars a skin (an average price 
 sutliciently low to cover the relatively small value of the skins of grey pups or yearlings 
 which sometimes form a considerable portion of the catch), the gross value of the catch 
 amounts to 30,0U0 dollars anniuilly. This amount constitutes a very important part of 
 the whole revenue of ihesc natives, with whom also the fur-seal forms a staple article 
 of food at certain seasons. 
 
 570. The less direct, but financially more important, interest of the same native 
 peoples in the pelagic sealing proper, in which they are now largely engaged, is of course 
 not included in the above estimate. 
 
 III. — Pelagic Sealing. 
 
 of Cape 
 
 in the 
 
 p. 898. 
 
 From 
 
 Flattery 
 skin at 
 
 1 record 
 
 of coast 
 as the 
 ind that 
 g of the 
 his part 
 mpt the 
 apture ; 
 vears, 
 Withm 
 icreased 
 natives 
 ffording 
 
 lumbiaii 
 
 (A.) — Origin and Development. 
 
 571. The interest of the natives of the west coast of America in the capture of the 
 fur-seal is an immemorial one, but in the earlier years of trade upon the coast the skin of 
 the fur-seal occupied a subordinate position to that of the sea-otter, and in still eurlier 
 and pre-bistoric times the fur-seal seems scarcely to have been pursued except for food. 
 The sea-otter yielded an ample supply of superior skins for clothing, while sea-lions, 
 hair-seals, and other animals afforded skins better suited to the manufacture of skin boats 
 by the northern tribes, and for the southern, that of other articles requiring strength of 
 hide rather than thickness of fiu*. 
 
 572. The principal areas in which the fur-seal was more or less hunted in such early 
 times, were doubtless those extending on the west coast from the vicinity of Cape Flattery 
 to about the latitude of Sitka. To the south of Cape Flattery tiie natives were not 
 seafaring in their habits, and the same may be said of most of the native peoples of the 
 Asiatic coast, along the Kurilc Islands to Kamtschutka. 
 
 678. So long as the skins of the sea-otter could be obtained in abundance for Chinese 
 markets (where at the time they were most valued), the White traders then beginning to 
 frequent the coast made little inquiry for the comparatively inferior skin of the fur-seal, 
 but these, with other skins of minor value, were purchased from time to time by the 
 traders, and have occasionally been thought worthy of mention in the na:rativ'?8 of their 
 voyages. The observations on this particular subject which it is now possible to glean from 
 these narratives arc naturally rather meagre, but even an imperfect examination of some of 
 them, is sufficient to show that from the first the skins of the fur-seal were counted among 
 articles of trade v\itli the natives along various parts of the coast to which these animals 
 did not habitually resort for the purpose of breeding, and where, consequently, they must 
 have been taken by the natives at sea. 
 
 574. It was primarily the S3arch for, and trade in, the skins of the sea-otter which, in 
 the last century, impelled the Russian adventurers to extend their operations from the 
 coasts of Asia along the Aleutian Islands and to the American coast. Wlien the 
 Commander and Pribyloff Islands were successively discovered, the skins of the fur-seal 
 began to be added in large numbers to the lists of articles of commerce, but even from the 
 first, and before these principal breeding places had been found, fur-seal skins also 
 were procured from the Aleut natives. From incidental references mrde in the summaries 
 [305] 2 
 
RjSKyeiJiHnQ^pn 
 
 ^' 
 
 if 
 
 ft!?!: 
 
 
 III 
 
 I 
 
 . ; I- 
 
 ) ■ 
 
 08 
 
 of early Russian voyages, such as those given in Bancroft's History of Alaska, enough 
 facts to show this may be {^atherv^'d, though a complete examination of the original works 
 might doubtless afford additional fuels of the same kind. 
 
 .075. Thus, in 1766, the " Vladimir " included in her return oargo 9,000 fur-seal skins 
 which are said to have been brought from the Near Islands of the Aleutian chain. The 
 number here given is, however, so considerable, that it may be regarded as not improbably 
 showing that at this early date some place resorted to by the fur-seal for breeding, still 
 existed on Agatu, Attn, or other neighbouring islands of the group ; in which case ali of 
 these skins may not have been taken at sea. The " Arkangel Sv. Mikhail," returning 
 from a voyage which had extended from 1772 to 1777, during which Kadiak was reached, 
 but in which no mention is made of any call at the Commander Islands (the Pribyloff 
 Islands had not then been discovered), brought back 143 fur-seal skins. In \7iiO, again, 
 Sauer, of the Russian Scientific Expedition, under Billings, is recorded to have been told at 
 Shelikoffs establishment at Kadiak, that 600 double bidarkas had been sent out to hunt 
 sea-otters, fur-seals, and sea-lions. In 1812, in Chugatach Bay, Prince William Sound, 
 where seals had formerly been plentiful, the yield is stated to have fallen off to fifty 
 skins.* 
 
 576. Similar incidental allusions may be found us well in the records of other voyages. 
 Thus, among the skins sold in China by Portlock and Dixon, in 1788, were 110 fur-^eal 
 (■kins, though these navigators did not approach the known breeding islands in any part of 
 their route.t 
 
 In 1791, again, Captain Marchand obtained thirty-seven seal-skins from the natives of 
 Norfolk Hound, these skins forming a considerable proportion of the whole amount of furs 
 got there.j: 
 
 577. There is often some difficulty in identifying the particular kind of skins which 
 were obtained by such traders along the coast, becaMse of the indefinite and varied terms 
 made use of by them, but it seems piobable that much of that classed as " beaver" was in 
 reality fur-seal. § This must certainly have been the case in the Queen Charlotte Islands, 
 for though Portlock and Dixon state that considerable numbers of " beaver skins " were 
 purchased there, the beaver is not, and never has been, a native of these islands. || 
 
 578. The opinion just referred to is that of Mr. Alexander Mackenzie, who has long 
 been familiar with the Queen Charlotte Islands in particular, and who bases his statements 
 upon the direct testimony of the natives themselves, to the effect that they frequently in 
 former times traded fur-seal skins to the vessels then frequenting the islands in search of 
 sea-otter skins. 
 
 579. Such facts, taken in conjunction with those already given as the result of our 
 own inquiries on the West Coast, are, at least, sufficient to show that the natives were, from 
 the earliest recorded dates, accustomed to hunt the fur-&ea1, as well as the more valuable 
 sea otter, at sea. So long as the skin of the fur-seal possessed but an insignificant com- 
 mercial value, little attention was paid by traders and others upon the coast to the hunting 
 of this animal by the Indians. The skins scarcely appeared in the lists of furs procured, 
 and very little has been placed on record on the subject. A few skins were purchased by 
 the Hudson's Bay Company from time to time, chiefly those oflered by the Cape Flattery 
 Indians. The first really commercial appearance of fur-seal skins at Victoria, according to 
 Mr. R. Finlayson, was in or about 1846, between which date and 1856 considerable 
 numbers of skins from the Pribyloff or Commander islands, collected at Sitka by the 
 Russian Fur Company, were forwaided from Victoria to London by the Hudson's Bay 
 Company. Tiiese were shipped in casks, and were presumably salted skins, doubtless all 
 taUen on the breeding inlands. In part overlapping the period just mentioned is the record 
 of purchase of fur-seal skins by the same Company from Indian hunters, which runs from 
 1852 to the present year. (See Appendix G.) 
 
 580. When, however, better prices began to be paid for these skins, those persons 
 interested in Indian trade along the coast became familiar with the native mode of hunting, 
 and recognized the difficulty and danger to which the native hunters were often exposed 
 in consequence of the distances to which they were obliged to venture from the shore in 
 pursuit of the seal. The endeavour was then made to encourage the Indians in sealing, 
 because of the profitR obtained from the sale of the skins, and it naturally occurred both to 
 the Indians and the traders (some of whom employed small vessels for the purposes of 
 traffic), ti;»t a combination might be formed which would be advantageous to both partiesi 
 
 . * Bancroft's Hittory, vol. xxxiii, pp. 153, 17t, 386, and 538. 
 
 t "Voyage to the Noith-weit Coast of America," p. 300. 
 
 X " Voyage Autour du Monde," tome ii, p. 11. 
 
 § The term "Sea-b«aTer" was also, however, sometimes applied to the sea>otter. 
 
 Ii <* Voyage to the North-west Cout of Amarica," pp. 169, 901, and SCO. 
 
 I f^ 
 
99 
 
 It became evident that the danger and hardship inherent in the independent native mode 
 of hunting might be much reduced by employing small vessels to carry the Indians and 
 their canoes to sea in search of seah, thus to serve as a base of operations from which 
 they mi^ht more successfully practise this industry. 
 
 fiSl. At this time, the Indians of the coasts of South-eastern Alaska and British 
 Columbia knew nothing whutever about the summer resorts of the fur-seal in Behring 
 Seu, and very little was known by any one as to the extent or course of their migrations. 
 1'hus, Dall, in his elaborate work on Alaska, published in 1870, though conversant with 
 all facts then available, is able merely to make the following statement on this subject : 
 "The Alaskan fur-seal formerly extended from the ice-line of Behring Sea to the coast 
 of Lower California. At present, a few 8trn|?glcrs reach the Strait of Fuca . . . , but 
 the great majority are confined to the PribyloiT Islands .... They leave on the approach 
 of winter — usually about the end of Ortobpr. They are supposed to spend the winter in 
 the open sea south of the Aleutian Islands."* 
 
 Even so late as 1880, Professor Allen, afler a very careful investigation of the whole 
 subject, was able to write in the following very general way only with regard to the migra- 
 tions of the fur-seal : — 
 
 " Except during the season of reproduction, these animals appear to lead a wandering 
 life, but the extent and direction of their migrations are not yet well known. Steller 
 spoke of their migrations being as regular as those of the various kinds of sea-fowl, and 
 they are recorded as arriving with great regularity at the Pribyloff Islands, but where 
 they pass the season of winter id still a matter of conjecture."! 
 
 582. It was the habit of the Indians, when sealing in their own canoes, to bring 
 back the entire carcasses of the seals killed, and to utilize the flesh and fat as food. 
 When schooners were first employed as an auxiliary, the same practice was very ofVen 
 followed. The carcasses belonged to the individuals killing the seals, and were prized by 
 them, und whenever possible carried back to the villages to which the sealing Indians 
 belonged. The vessels were seldom very long away from port. The sealing voyages thus 
 at first made were restricted in their scope, and it was only by degrees that it came to be 
 discovered that the seals might be profitably followed in their general northward move- 
 ment along the coast, after the cessation of the rough wintry weather. It was also found 
 that some seals might be obtained in the winter and early spring as far south as the coast 
 of California, and before " sealing weather " set in on the coast of British Columbia ; 
 and as no other profitable employment oflered for the sealing schooners, it became 
 customary for them to make a cruize to the southward before engaging in the fishe'' ' to 
 the north of the Strait of Fuca. At a later date still, the pelagic hunters ascertaried, 
 as the result of their own experience, that the fur-seals might be fallowed with advantage 
 through the eastern passes of the Aleutian chain, and taken during the months of July 
 and August, and occasionally during the early part of September, or till such time as 
 stormy weather rendered further hunting impossible. 
 
 583. Thus, beginning as a purely local industry, in which the Indians of the west 
 coast of Vancouver Island, with those of the vicinity of Cape Flattery in the State 
 of Washington, were chiefly interested, the sea-sealing naturally developed and extended 
 with the increasing knowledge gained of the habits and haunts of the fur-seal, till 
 its operations covered almost the entire migration-range of the animal, and the number of 
 skins obtained became so considerable, that the sealing interests of the Alaska Commercial 
 Company (at that time the lessees of the Pribyloff and Commander Islands), and their 
 heretofore profitable monopoly of the fur-seal of the Korth Pacific, was notably affected. 
 Not until this occurred was any serious protest, or, in fact, any complaint whatever raised 
 against the practice and methods of pelagic sealing. On the contrary, in so far as it 
 became a matter of public knowledge, pelagic sealing was spoken of as a commendable 
 new industry, developing maritime enterprise, in which both citizens of the United States 
 and of Canada were engaged, and which afforded remunerative employment to them, as 
 well as to a large number of the Indian population of both countries. 
 
 From the commercial point of view, which is necessarily that of the lessees of 
 the islands, it is not only and perhaps not so much the fact that at sea a considerable 
 number of seals are killed, but the circumstance that this industry interferes with their 
 monopoly or practical monopoly of the market, which has frequently been admitted to be 
 the most valuable part of their franchise, and in the endeavour to maintain which they 
 have even purchased the greater part of the catch made at sea, particularly in the 
 year 1890. 
 
 584. With the altered conditions and extended range aasumed by pelagic hunting 
 
 • "A]uk*uidltiRetourcef,"p.493. 
 f " Monogrif h of North Amerieaa Pinnipedt," p. 335. 
 
 4 
 t 
 
'omm 
 
 I ^WllJIjy • 
 
 
 100 
 
 ill Ihe course of the few following years, certain chati^tt. ulso occurred in the inuuner in 
 which it was conducted. The Indian hunters becatiip ; c-custonied to ^o far from their 
 native villages, and to cngaf>;e tor the hunting of an riit'i\' -eaHon. The spear employed 
 tVom prc-historic times by the people of the Aht Stock wii^ ut first the only weapon used 
 in pelacic hunting. Tho captains of schooner's engagiiii; in the business discouraged the 
 employment of (ire-arms, under '.he belief that the result of their u>c would be to alarm the 
 sealh und reduce the chances of a good catch. This belief was doubtleij.-) in some measure 
 justified, but as White hunters also began to engage in the business, it became 
 impossible to prevent the use of such weapons ; the rifle was introduced, though 
 soon superseded by the shot-gun, which has now become the usual hunting weapon. 
 Most o( the Indians readily adopted this new and more effective mode oi' hunting, 
 and each year the number of these people employed, to!j;ether with that of the vessels 
 engaged in the industry, incrcasc'l. The number of Whites employed n» hunters varied, 
 but, as a rule, competent Indian lumtera have always been preferred when they could 
 be obtained. 
 
 585. The Indians themselves benefited lar^roly t'loin a pecuniary point of view, ani, 
 in ropse(|uence of the encoura'zemcnt offered by the pur-suit of the fur- seal, began them- 
 
 selves to own and navigate sealing-sehooners. 
 
 IV- 
 
 rliai)' 
 
 i 1 0!) (,tli:;r wav is the influenc;; 
 
 of the sealing industry toward the civilization ol the Indians rt.'ndered more apparent than 
 by the facts, that three fccaling-schooners .ire now actually o'.vned by tlie MaUah Indians 
 of Cape Flattery, while five are similarly owned by Indians of the cosist of Vancouver 
 Island, while in addition it is estimated that tlie payment to the Indians employed in 
 the British Columbian sealing fleet in 1890, calculated on the number of skins obtained, 
 was probably between 35,000 dollars and .'iO.OUO dollars. 
 
 586. Reverting to the question of the date of the first known practical attempts at 
 what is now classed as pelagic sealing proper, it appears, from information kindly supplied 
 by Mr. J. W. iVluckay, that this method of sealing was first attempted by Captain Hugh 
 Mackay, of the sloop " Ino," in the spring of 186G. Captain Mackay, however, soon 
 found that this sloop was too small to conveniently carry two or three Indian canoes, and 
 he accordingly built, for the purpose of sealing, the schooner " Favourite," 75 tons, which 
 was registered in Victoria on the 18th June, 1868. Little is known as to these first 
 sealing voyages, but, doubtless, as a consequence of their success or good promise, other 
 vessels were fitted out. 'I'hns, Judge J. G. Swan, of Port Townsend, in a letter on this 
 subject, quotes Captain McAhnond, of New Dungeiiess, Washington, as follows on the 
 matter: " The first schooner to take Indipiis tlint I know of was tlie ' Lottie,* in 1869, 
 from Neah Bay, believing that we were the pioneers. I afterwards understood that A 
 vessel from Victoria was also taking an Indian crew," The vessel from Victoria here 
 mentioned was evidently the " Surprise," of which Mr. Charles Spring writes : " The first 
 attempt at sealing, in a practical way, with schooners and Indian hunters, was made in or 
 about 1869 by Jas. Christienson in the schoomr ' Surprise,' cwned by the late Captain 
 William Spring, of V^ictoria, British Columbia." From other sources it was ascertained 
 that the Indian hunters employed on this and other pioneer sealing • schooners were 
 obtained at Pachena, on the south-west coast of Vancouver Island, near the entrance to 
 the Strait of Fuca. 
 
 587. The history of the progress and continued expansion oi the pelagic sealing 
 industry may be here briefly set out. In regard to that carried on from the British 
 Columbian coast, it has been particularly inquired into and recorded by Mr. A. R. Milne, 
 Collector of Customs at Victoria, upon whose investigations, checked and amplilied in so 
 far as has been possible, the subjoined summary is based.''' It has already been stated, 
 however, in another part of this report, that, for the earlier yeais of the development of 
 the business of sealing at sea, the data are very incomplete, as in these years it had 
 scarcely begun to receive any particular attention, and records were not systetnatically 
 kept of it by the Customs authorities, as has been required of them in later years. 
 
 588. From 1871 to 1878, it is known that three schooners were engaged more or less 
 continuously in the sealing business on the west coast of Vancouver Island, where, 
 however, they were also employed as traders. In 1879 to 18 ?1 four or live schooners 
 were employed in sealing along the same coast. In 1882, auxiliary steam-power was 
 added to two of the schooners, and eight vessels in all were employed in the industry. In 
 1883 nine, and in 1884 eleven, scliooners were employed, and all are said to have been 
 fairly successful. One of these vessels, the " Mary lillen,'' belonging to Victoria, outfitted 
 at San Francisco, and eventually continued her voyage into Behring Sea, which she 
 ejitered about the 15th June, and left about the end of August. This, so far as ascertained, 
 
 * Pariiafn«aUry Pa|)er [0.-6368], August 1891. 
 
101 
 
 was the first of the British Columhian scliooiiers to extend senliiic; operations to the waters 
 of Uehring Sea. It has not, however, been (lofiniloly ascertained tliat the " Mary 
 Ellen " WU9 ti\e only vessel to enler nelninu; Hea in this year. 
 
 589. The result of the venture of the " Mary Kilen " liaving been satisfactory, she, 
 and at least one other vessel, entered Behiin^ Sea in JHK.'i. Thirteen Hriti«h Columbian 
 schooners in all are known to have heen engaged in sealing in this year. 
 
 690. In lH8fi, eif^hteen schooners ensj^agcd in tiie scalinu; industry. 0:io of these 
 had heen brought round the Morn from the eastern coast of ( nnadn for tlie purpose. Two 
 were wrecked, but the remaining sixteen vessels entered IJehring Sea ; and in this year, 
 for the first time, exception was taken to sealini; in this part of tho ocean by the (iovern- 
 ment of the United States, and three of tho soalcrs, tiie "Carolena," " Onward," and 
 " Thornton," were seized. 
 
 501. In 1887, seventeen British Columbian schooners were engnj^ed in sealin;? ; fifteen 
 of these are believed to have continued their operations into Uehrin;^ Sea, six being 
 seized there by the United States' cutters " llush ' and " Hear." 
 
 i>92. Fn 1888, twenty-one vessels from Hritish Columbia composed the staling fleet, 
 and though the fishery was carried on in Bohring Bea in tho latter part of the season, n(» 
 seizures were nuulo by the I nited States. One schooner, however, the " Araunab," was 
 this year seized and confiscated by ihu Uussian (Government, having been detected in 
 scaling within the territorial waters of Copper Island,'* 
 
 503. In 1889, the sealing fleet consisted of twenty-two vessels, all of which are 
 believed to have entered Behring Sea. In this year lour of these vessels were seized, and 
 one was ordered out of th^' sea. 
 
 .'')94. In 180O, twcnly-nine Mrilish Columbian vessels were engaged in scaling, twenty- 
 three of which entered IJchring Scii. 
 
 595. In 1891, the sealing fket of Britisii Colu;iibia had increased to fifty vessels, and 
 most, if not all, of these cleared with tlic intention of entcriii { Hehring Sea. The 
 adoption of the vwdus vivoncli between Uvcat liritain and the United States, however, had 
 the ettect of turning back many of these vessels, while the patrolling of the sea and warning 
 of others, with other circumstances connected with the operations in this year, need not he 
 repeated here. 
 
 .590. As already noted, the first extension of the cruizes of the sealing-sehooners of 
 British Colundna was that along the eoast to the southward, and this began to be 
 practised as early as 1878 or lS79. Sealing operations were first extended into Behring 
 Sea by sealers from British Columbia in 1884, though one or more United States' 
 schooners had already at that date been for several years accustomed to frequent Behring 
 Sea for this purpose, and cargoes obtained by them were sold in Victoria in 1881 and 1883. 
 The practice grew up of making in the winter and early spiing a voyage from Victoria to 
 the southward, after which the vessels returned to Victoria and outfitted there for the northern 
 voyage. This was found, however, to be inconvenient, from the loss of time involved, as 
 well as froni the fact that crews often had to be re-engaged for the second trip. There, 
 fore, in 189 ', arrangements were made by the se;ders to rendezvous with a steamer at 
 some northern point in .June, to tranship their skins for conveyance to Victoria, completing 
 their outfit for hunting in Behring Sea at the same time. In 1890, Sand Point, in the 
 Shumigin Islands, was the place selected for the purpose, and in 1891 Alitak Bay, 
 Kadiak Island, was chosen. 
 
 507. The foregoing details respecting the growth of the pelagic sealing industry of 
 British Oolunibia have been obtained by special research and inquiry, but it has been 
 found to be practically impossible to procure, whether officially or otherwise, comparable 
 particulars of the pelagic sealing business conducted by United States' vessels. It is 
 known that vessels sailing from the New England States have been engaged in the capture 
 of the fur-seal since the latter jvirt of the last century, their operations being carried on 
 principally in the southern hemispher , .md the mode of killing the seals being that of a 
 promiscuous slaughter whenever these animals could be found on shore, carried out 
 by means of clubs or otherwise. This method of killing seals has, however, no 
 analogy with that of pelagic sealing as now understood. It is further known, 
 that in more recent years, and after the Governments of Russia, .Japan, and the 
 United States had provided regulations for the protection of the respective breeding 
 islands under their jurisdiction, vessels were dispatched by unscrupulous persons for 
 the purpose of raiding the rookeries upon these islands. The records preserved of the 
 raids themselves, which are treated in detail elsewhere, show that such illegal sealing has 
 been carried on, but, naturally enough, it is difiicult to obtain full particulars of its character 
 
 A 
 
 I ! 
 
 I 
 
 • Parlianienlury Paper [C— 60411, 1890. 
 
. •. I ' 
 
 13; 
 
 ;t ■ ir. 
 
 Hi 
 
 ■^M 
 
 109 
 
 or magnitude. This again, however, is quite distinct from the question of pelagic Healing 
 proper, the origin of wliich little if at all antedates tiie year 1860. Moreover, white this 
 raiding of the Vctrious breeding istunds appears to have been pinclised from year to year in 
 the case of United States' vessels, it has latterly been more and more replaced iiy the 
 legitimate pursuit of the fur-seal at sen. There was tlius almost an organic connection 
 between the two methods of sealing in the caso of vessels sailing from the United States, 
 that did not exist in the case of the sealing industry of UritiHh Columbia, which grew 
 up directly from the independent Indian sea-sealing, and hud not previously existed in 
 any other form. 
 
 608. A certain number of vessels have for many years taken clearances from the 
 Pacific ports of the United States for " hunting and fishing voyages ;" but while most of 
 those wnich have been engaged in any form of sealing have doubtless been included under 
 this general designation, it comprises as Mell vessels which may have been cngoged in 
 various forms of tisliing proper, and in the hunting of the sea-otter. Even in the last census 
 of the United States (1800) the vessels engaged in sealing arc not specially indicated, but 
 are included under the general designation of the " fur-seal and sea-otter fleet.*'* If siii;h 
 clearances were confined to a single port, local inquiries might w;lhout great difficulty result, 
 in the case at least of the later years, in eliminating vessels which were not engaged in 
 pelagic sealing, and in affording a reasonably exact statement of tlio operations of those of 
 the latter class, but the number of ports of clearance has unfortunately baffled inquiries 
 made in this direction. 
 
 500. It is certain, however, that the pelagic sealing industry has continued to 
 grow in the United States in a ratio corresponding to that of the same industry in Hriiish 
 Columbia. In 1889, the best estimate which Mr. Milne could quote of the number of 
 vessels engaged in it placed this at thirly-two.f The United States' Census Bulletin 
 relating to the same year gives tiie fur-sealing and sea-otter hunting vessels at 
 twenty. It is probable that though two or three of these vessels were chiefly 
 engaged in sea-otter hunting, even these occupied part of their time in sealing, while 
 it is known that most of the fleet wasi primorily engaged in sealing. In 1890, more 
 than fourteen vessels sailed from United States' ports for sealing, but the exact number has 
 not yet been ascertained. In 1891, the number had increased to about forty-two. 
 
 600. The estimated value of the British Columbian sealing fleet with its equipment, as 
 it loft port in 1801, was 373,000 dollars. That of the United States' fleet in the same 
 year exceeded 250,000 dollars. According to the United States' Census Bulletin already 
 cited, the value of the vessels engaged in the fur-seal and sea-otter industry in 1889 was 
 152,757 dollars. Dividing this amount by the tonnage, an average tonnage value for this 
 fleet is obtained of 160 dol. 54 c, while a similar calculation based on the figures for the 
 British Columbian fleet of 1891 gives a corresponding tonnage value of about 1 14 dollars. 
 
 "!.hj! 
 
 I'fi' 
 
 {K)— Methods. 
 
 601 . In what has already been given, the methods of pelagic or sea-scaling have been 
 indicated in a general way. These methods are essentially of a very simple character, 
 but the actual procedure followed in killing the seals may now be briefly alluded 
 to. The vessels employed range in size from 180 to 40 tons. Taking the sealing fleet of 
 British Columbia in 1891, the average number of Ciuoes or boats carried on each of the 
 small vessels (which are all or nearly all 8choone)--rigged) is about seven. The average 
 size of the vessels in 1891 was sixty-five to»&, rnd the average number of men (White 
 and Indians) employed on each was in the same year about twenty-two. 
 
 602. The effective hunting strength of each vessel depends on the number of canoes 
 or boats carried, for no advantage is gained by carrying large boats, a single hunter being 
 sufficient for each. Various plans are therefore adopted, to enable as large a number 
 of canoes or boats as possible to be stowed on the deck of the schooner. 
 
 603. It is necessary for success, not only that a sufficient number of seals should be 
 fallen in with, or, in other words, that an area of sea-surface rather plentifully sprinkled 
 with seals should be found, but also that the weather should be favourable. In stormy or 
 thick weather sealing is impossible, and the most the sealing master can attempt to do is 
 to stay with the seals. The circumstances being favourable, the boats or canoes are 
 launched and manned, and set out in different directions from the schooner in such a 
 way as to cover as great an area as possible. The schooner has only to keep to leeward 
 of the boats, so that these may the more easily rejoin her at the close of the day. 
 
 * 8m United Sutot' Cenini Bulletin, No. 123. 
 \ Parliamentary Paper ||0.— 68691. London, August |890, p. 862, 
 
^^tm 
 
 rm 
 
 my or 
 do is 
 es are 
 3uch a 
 jeward 
 
 G04. Seals thus met with upon the eca-Burfacn nro roughly clasted by the hunters as 
 "sleepers" and " trnvcllers," ami the former are of course the most easily approached. 
 Whether in ciinocs or bouts, paddles are employed in preference to oars, as they enable a 
 more nuiiicleBS approuch to the seals. When a seal is seen, the boat or canoe is quietly 
 but swiftly impelled toward it, till the hunter believes that he has arrived within sure 
 range, nhen he firis. If killed, as happens in the majority of cases, especially now that 
 the shot-gun has superseded the rifle, the seal may either remain floating upon the surface 
 or begin to sink slowly. In either case, the boat ur canoe is at once urged forward., "sd if 
 the carcass, which does iKtt differ much in specific {gravity from the water, is already puUly 
 submerged, it is at once secured with n 15.foot gaff, and hauled on board. If the seal 
 shoulu l)"|-i>en to be merely badly wounded, it cither struggles upon the surface until 
 gaffed, or, if retaining strcngtii to do so, dives. If quite lightly wounded, as of course 
 happens in some cases, it may eventually escape; but if severely wounded, it is probably 
 killed at the ne.\t rise alter n short submersion. 
 
 fiO.O. We are infornied that it has been learned by experient'; that seals may easily bo 
 1g t if shot in the neck, as in this case the muscular contraction jf the body often forces 
 most of the air from the lungs, and the carcass then may sink much more rapidly than 
 usual. 
 
 60U. This brief description refers to the killing of seals by shooting, which is now 
 the method most commonly practised. 
 
 (iUr. The spear is still often em|)loyed by the Indians, and when used it involves a closer 
 approach to the seal, before it can effectively be thrown. If cither of the two detachable 
 barbes enters the body the seal is never lost, and if neither strikes it, it escapes unhurt ; in 
 short, if the seal is speared, it is fcccured. 
 
 608. The dead seals arc draw n into the boat or canoe, and brought back at the close 
 of the hunt to the schooner, on hoard of which they are subsequently skinned, and the 
 skins laid down in dry salt for curing. It is said that in recent years considerable 
 improvement has been made in, and extra care given to, the preserving of the skins on 
 the schooners. This will no doubt have a favourable influence on the prices obtained for 
 the " pelagic skins." 
 
 609. The prosecution of this industry at sea requires all tiie courage and skill which 
 can be brought to bear on it. The canoes often find themselves far from the supporting 
 schooner, and should bad weather or one of the fiequent fogs of the northern part of the 
 west const set in, it may be difficult or impossible for them to regain her with case. 
 Several instances are known where Indian hunters out ofl' the west coast of Vancouver 
 Island have entirely lost the supjjorting schooner in fog-, and have only regained the 
 distant sliore after suffering great hardships. 
 
 610. The accusation of butchery hiid against those who take the seals on shore 
 cannot be brought against this pelagic method of killing the seal, which is really hunting 
 as distinguished from slaughter, and in which the animal has what may be described us a 
 lair sporting chance for its life. The little vessels employed in such work must be staunch and 
 well found, for they have not only to make long voyages, but nmst he able to keep the 
 sea in any weather, and it often ba|)i)ens that tliey have to lie-to lor days together in 
 storms, with all hands crowded in by no means comfortable or conunodious qunrters 
 below. 
 
 611. Thus, whatever argiiiuents may be advanced against some of the methods and 
 consequences of pelagic sealing, it is not possible to speak of these in terms such as those 
 employed by Liitkc, who visited the Pribyloff Islands as long ago as 1827, and who 
 records his impressions as follows : — 
 
 " II y a queiqiic chose dc revoltant dans cc carnage dc sang-froid de quelque millicrs 
 d'animaux sans defense. Les chasseurs, tout endureis qu'ils sont a ce i;vnrc de meurtres, 
 avouent que souvent leur main a peine a sc lever pour Irappcr uui creature innocento qui, 
 les pattes en Tair ct poussant des cris plaintifs, quelqueiois tout a fait semblables a ceux 
 d'uu enfant qui pleure, sembic implorer misciicordc."* 
 
 Gl'i. Free use has been made of the appellation "poachers" as applied to pelagic 
 scalers in general, and to the Canadian sealers in particular, in the course of discussions 
 arising in the Behring Sea controversy, with t!ie obvious purpose of prejudicing public 
 opinion. The use of this term may be justified in the case of raiders iq)on the brooding 
 islands, hut in such cases only, and, as has already been stated, no instance is actually 
 known in which Canadian sealing-vessels have been found raiding the I'ribyloff Islands. 
 It more nearly describes, however, the operations of the sealing fleet in the southern 
 hemisphere, which for many years has consisted almost solely of vessels sailing from the 
 
 [3()5J 
 
 • " Voyage autoui- da .MouJc,'' Tome i, p. 2G1. 
 
 1 
 if 1 
 
 ■ 
 
 I' 
 
 1: 
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 104 
 
 United States, and which as lately as 1880 numbered ten vessels, aggregating 1,277 tons, 
 and manned by 272 men.* The decreased importance of this fleet in still later years has 
 resulted only from the reduction in" number of seals brought about by its operations. 
 Sealing by these adventurers has been conducted entirely on land, on islands or coasts 
 either nominally or actually in the possession of various Powers, but in no instance 
 controlled by the United States, and in some cases in direct infraction of all local laws. 
 The killing of the seals has always and everywhere been carried out in the indiscriminate, 
 ruthless, and wasteful manner described in detail in several oi clie works elsewhere 
 cited in this Report, and in most cases a greater part of the catch has consisted of 
 females.! 
 
 (0.) — Proportion of Seals lost. 
 
 613. As to the proportion by number of seals which are lost after being killed or 
 mortally wounded, to those actually taken, a great variety of very wild statements have been 
 made, and it must be admitted that in so far as concerns mere assertion and reiteration of such 
 assertion by means of the press and in every other conceivable manner, the critics of 
 pelagic sealing have established an unchallenged supremacy over its defenders. If popular 
 opinion could be educated into the belief that the operations of the pelagic sealer are 
 wholly barbarous and scandalously destructive, by the means of unsupported assertion, 
 this s!-.ould have been fully itccomplished by this time. It is necessary, however, in order 
 to arrive at ns nearly as possible a true result, to weigh and criticize the evidence offered, 
 and to take into account the sources from which it comes. It is. further most important 
 ^to remark that actual numerical statements are far more trustworthy and more susceptible 
 of critical analysis than general assertions, which, however, have heretofore been thoso 
 most commonly employed as the basis of argument in this question. 
 
 614. Disregarding mere rhetorical statements made by irresponsible individuals, 
 or given forth without signature in the press, the following citations may be made as 
 representing the ]Hiblished evidence adduced in official reports in regard to the loss of seals 
 by the sea-sealers. It is wholly \ipon the evidence here cited or referred to that all 
 the statements as to great losses of seals in pelagic sealing have, up to this time, been 
 founded. 
 
 Captain C. A. Abbey, from June 1886 to tlie latter part of August in the same year 
 in command of the United States' Revenue Cutter " Richard Rush," in Behring Sea, says 
 of the pelagic sealers : " I should judge that they killed about three for every one 
 they got." J 
 
 Captain Shephard, in command of the same vessel in 1887 and 1888, says, on the 
 same subject: " I have no very accurate information on which to base an opinion, but I 
 should judge that they lost from 40 to 60 per cent, of them. 1 saw a good many shot 
 from the boats as I was approaching, and I think they lost two or three out of five or six 
 that I saw them shoot at."§ 
 
 Mr. W. B. Taylor, Agent of the United States Treasury Department on the PribylofF 
 Islands in 1881, says, in answer to a question as to the proportion of seals recovered by 
 pelagic sealers, " that he does not believe that more than one-fourth of the seals shot at 
 are got, the rest 8inking."|| This was before the year 1881, when but few vessels had as 
 yet engaged in the industry, and one only is actually known to have been in Behring Sea 
 in thin year. 
 
 Dr. H. 11. Mclntyre, Superintendent of the Pribyloff Islands for the lessees for a 
 number ot seasons, says : " I think not more than one-fifth of those shot are recovered. 
 Many ai-e badly wounded, and escape."^ 
 
 Mr. G. R. Tingle, at the time Government Agent in charge of the PribylofF Islands, 
 gave the following testimony : " The logs of marauding schooners have fallen into my 
 hands, and they bave convinced me that they do not secure niorc than one seal out 
 of every ten that they mortally wound and kill." He then | "oceeds to make some 
 calculations on the basis of this statement. At a later stage, and when more closely 
 pressed for details, he explained the allusion above made more clearly as follows: 
 '* I remember reading the log-book of the ' Angel Dolly,' which I captured. There 
 was an entry in that log-book which read as follows: 'Issued to-day to my boats 300 
 
 * " Fishery Industriei of the United Siatea," vol. ii, p. 419. 
 + Ibid., p. 431. 
 
 I " Fur-acal Fisheries of Alaskn," House of Itc^jriBentotivri', fiOth Congies', ?nj Seu'ion, Ueport No. 3883, 
 p 946. 
 
 § Ibid., p. 230. 
 
 II Ibid., p. Its. 
 
 <|| Ibid., pp. 164 and 170. 
 
105 
 
 rounds of ammunition, all expended, and one seaKskin;' .... another entry: 'Seven 
 seals shot from the deck, but only secured one.' "* 
 
 Mr. Tingle gives some further citations of a similar kind from the same log, which 
 may, however, be found at length in the "Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska." In it the 
 captain refers to the character and want of skill of his crew in language rather too forcible 
 for citation in this report.f 
 
 Mr. C. A. Williams, a member of the Alaska Commercial Company, in another part 
 the report of the investigation on the Fur-seal Fisheries, from which the above quotations 
 are made, refers again to the same log-book as the " best testimony we have " on the subject 
 of the proportion of seals lost by hunters at sea, and adds that the captain, in the log, 
 estimates that he got but one seal in seven shot at.$ 
 
 Mr. H. D. Wolfe, who described himself as "in the newspaper business," and stated 
 he had some familiarity with certain parts of Alaska, though claiming no experience in 
 sealing, gives testimony to the following effect : " I think the hunting of seals in the open 
 water is very injudicious, because the hunters will shoot, and out of every 100 seals they 
 
 shoot you will not get more than thirty If you don't hit a fur-seal or a hair-seal 
 
 right in the head, you arc not going to catch him ; he will sink.§ 
 
 615. Nothing more precise than the statements just quoted, every one of tliem made 
 by those presumably interested in, or engaged in, protecting the breeding islands, but 
 without personal experience in this matter, has been found as authority for tiic theory 
 which has been so diligently propagated, that excessive waste of seal life results from the 
 practice of pelagic sealing. 
 
 616. The following statements, called fortli by the publicity given to the above-men- 
 tioned theory, though for the most part made by persons directly interested in pelagic 
 sealing, are given over their signatures, and us the result of experience, extending in some 
 cases over many years, must be censidered as of a much higher order of accuracy than 
 those above cited : — 
 
 Captain J. D. Warren, one of the pioneers of pelagic sealing, and for over twenty 
 years personally engaged in the business, says : " Indians rarely lose a seal they btrike, and 
 
 if one escapes, it is always but slightly wounded My experience with White 
 
 hunters is not so extensive as with Indians, but from what I have seen while engaged in 
 sealing, I can say that not over 6 in 100 seals killed by White hunters are lost or escape. 
 .... Experienced hunters seldon lose a seal." II 
 
 617. Mr. W. Fewings, with three years' experience of seal-hunting on the Pacific 
 coast and Behring Sea, says : "The average number lost does not exceed 6 in 100, and 
 by Indians not 6 in 1,000."|| 
 
 618. Captain H, F. Sieward, who has been two years master of a sealer, employing in 
 one year Indian huntei-s and in another White hunters, says : " The Indians Iusq very 
 few seals, for if the spear strikes the seal is got, and if the spear misses, the seal of course 
 
 escapes unhurt The seals lost by White hunters, after hcini» shot or wounded, do 
 
 not, on the lower coast, exceed 6 in 100, and on the Alaskan coast and in Behring Sea, 
 not over 4 in 100. On sailing I generally take 10 per cent, additiunul nnimunilion for 
 waste shot — that is, if calculating on a catch of 3,000 seals, I would take ammunition for 
 3,300 shots. That was double the excels tiic hunters would consider necessary, arid I 
 never knew the percentage of wast'} shot to be used."^[ 
 
 619. Captain William O'Lcary. with four years' experience of sei'-linT;, ii: which he 
 sealed into Behring'sSea oni year with an Indian crew, and three with White crews, says: 
 " My experience with Indian hunters is that they lose none — at n^.ost, a few — of the seals 
 
 they spear The number :»i" seals lost by White hunters does not exceed 6 in lOU, 
 
 and many hunters lose much les?, than that number."** 
 
 Mr."/. Munsie, an owner ofscaling-schooners, in 18S6, and therefore long before the 
 question of losses by pelagic sealers had achieved the notoriety which it subsecjucntly has, 
 writes thus to the Ilonouiable G. E. Foster, Minister of Marine and Fisheries : " Allow 
 me to '■ , radict a statement made by Special Ajjent Tingle, of the United Slates' Treasury 
 Depau....:nt, in which he says that three-fourths of the seals shot in the water sink and arc 
 lost. From the experience of our old hunters, I maintain but a small peroeni ago is lost in 
 
 • "Fiir-senl Fisheries of Alafko,"' House of Rcprcsentativfa, 5Clh Congress, 2ml Session, Report No. 3883, 
 pp. 104 and 170. 
 
 t See " Further Correspondence relating lo Fur-seal Fisheries in Iteliring's Sea," Washington, 18C0, 
 pp. 37, 38, and 332. 
 
 X " Fur-seal Fisheries of Alakha," pp. 108 and 103. 
 
 § " Report of United SUtes' Senate Committee c- Kelntions with Canada, 1890," p. HO. 
 
 II Parlionientary Paper LC— 61?'], London, Aujjust 1890, p 355. 
 
 ^ Ibid., p. 330. 
 
 •• Ibid..p. 3C7! 
 
 f305] ' r 2 
 
 
 i: • 
 
 1^ 
 
 .::t; 
 
 I 
 
106 
 
 this way, probably not over 1 ia 5Q.. [ doubt if the loss is as great as that caused by the 
 rejection of skins after being clubbed by the Alaska Commercial Conripany on the islands, to 
 which reference is made in the tables of Elliott's Report."* 
 
 620. Mr. A. R. Milne, Collector of Customs at Victoria, who has had occasion to 
 make, for official purposes, a special study of the pelagic sealing industry, and to take much 
 sworn evidence from hunters and others engaged in sealing, in summing up his conclusions 
 on the point here in question, writes : " Many erroneous opinions have been given in the 
 American press, and by the paid officials of the Alaska Fur Company, as to the loss of seals 
 by wanton slaughter (as they term it) by our sealers. I have made due and diligent 
 inquiry as to the percentage of seals liable to be lost after being shot, and from what I 
 have gathered it amounts, at most, to only 6 per cent."t 
 
 621. Further evidence on this subject, derived from sworn statements obtained by 
 Mr. Milne, with special reference to the last two or three years, is printed in Appendix (H). 
 The following is an abstract of the general statements made : — 
 
 C. J. Kelly, with two years* experience of scaling, stated his belief that the average 
 number lost is less than 3 per cent. 
 
 Captain W. Petit, says that Whites do not lose more than 5 per cent., Indians 
 1 per cent. 
 
 Captain W. E. Baker, states that the proportion of seals lost was not more than 3 per 
 cent. 
 
 C. N. Cox, states that the Indians lose 1 per cent., the White hunters 4 or .'» per cent. 
 
 Captain T. M. Magnesen believes 3^ per cent, would be a fair average figure for 
 seals lost. 
 
 H. Crocker states the loss at 3 to 4 per cent. 
 
 George Roberts, with four years' experience, gives 3 to 5 per cent, as representing 
 the proportion lost. 
 
 R. Thompson, with two years' experience, also places the loss at 3 to 5 per cent. 
 
 A. Laing, with ten years' experience with Indian hunters, slates that they do not lose 
 more than 1 in 10. 
 
 Captain W. Cox, with four years' experience with Indian crews, states that there is 
 no loss of seals when Indians employ the spear. 
 
 622. From information obtained, by ourselves on the West Coast, the following brief 
 notes may be given : — 
 
 Martin Lundberg, with three other practical sealers, possessing no vested interest iii 
 sealing, and at the time employed as seamen, and no longer connected with the sealing 
 business, concurred in stating, as to the proportion of seals lost, that if a man should lose 
 two out of thirty killed he would be considered a poor hunter. 
 
 623. .Judge J. G. Swan, of Port Townsend, Washington, whose familiarity with the 
 sealing industry of the West Coast and particularly with the Indian interest in sealing, is 
 well known, went so far as to characterize many of the statements made as to great numbers 
 of seals being lost as " scandalous falsehoods." The same gentleman, in a communication 
 subsequently received on thi> point, wiites as follows: — ■ 
 
 " 1 have seen several Makah Indians who have been here, and they tell me that 
 Indians lose very few seals, whether they spear or shoot them, as they are always so near 
 the seal at such limes that they can recover them before they sink. Captain Lavender, 
 formerly of the schooner " Oscar and Hattie," who is a very fine shot, told me that he 
 secured ninely-five seals out of every hundred that he shot. He said that poor hunters, 
 of which he had several on his vessel, would fire away a deal of ammunition and not hit 
 anything, but would be sure to report on their return to the vessel that they had killed a 
 seal eacli time they fired, but that all thd seals sank except the few they brought on 
 board. Captain Lavender was of opinion that not over 7 per cent, of seals killed were lost." 
 
 024. On a consultation with the members of the Sealers' Association of Victoria, 
 comprising owners of sealing- vessels and sealing captains, they called special attention 
 and invited inquiry into the matter of the number lost. They explained that when the 
 seals sink after being killed, as they often do, they sink slowly " on a slant," so that it is 
 usually quite easy to gaff" them. They further aflirmed that the result of the sealing in 
 1801 was, like that in former years, to show that the loss from this cause averaged below 
 (3 per cent. 
 
 625. The captain of the "Eliza Edwards," interviewed at Vancouver, stated, as the 
 result of his experience, that sealing must be loarnt like any other business. That 
 "green hands" might lose as much as 25 per cent, of the seals shot, br ihat with 
 experienced hunters the loss is very small. It might possibly amount to 5 pe. cvat. 
 
 Farliamentary Pnper [C. — 6131], London, August 1890, p. 36. f Ibid, 
 
 .360. 
 
I 
 
 
 107 
 
 626. The information on tliis point, gathered from native (sources, has already been 
 referred to in connection with the description of the native modes of hunting, but may 
 here be recapitulated. 
 
 Aleut hunters, questioned nt UnalasUn, say tliat they never lose a seal if killed, 
 whether shot or speared. Indians of Sitka, when hunting fur- seals, state that they lose 
 sometimes one, sometimes two, out of ten sliot. Haida Indians, of Queen Charlotte Islands, 
 state that they very seldom lose seals sliot a(. 
 
 Mr. A. iVIackenzie, long fainilim- with the Haida Indians, says that a very small 
 proportion of the seals fired at by them are lost — " very seldom," " very few indeed." 
 " Some canoes do not lose a single seal tiic whole season." 
 
 Mr. R. H. Hall, of the Hudson's Hay Company, and e(iually familiar with the Haida 
 and other Indians of the coast, said that "an Indian kilHng or severely woundinj; a seal is 
 pretty safe to get it." 
 
 Mr. R. Cunningham, of Port Essington, believes that the Tshimsians may lose as 
 many as one in five seals shot, The Makah Indians, of Cape Flattery, informed us that 
 when they speared the seals they practically lost none, but that when shot, a few were lost. 
 In taking fifty seals they might lose one or two, but sometimes would lose none. 
 
 627. The statements given above are of course all of a general character, and open to 
 the objections which may be niged against such statements. Those referring to the native 
 loss in hunting, whether derived from the natives themselves or quoted from Messrs. 
 Mackenzie, Hall, and Cunningham, are entirely removed from any suspicion of self- 
 interest. It has been endeavoured, however, still further to elucidate the question here 
 considered by tabulating all the well-authenticated statements referring to the actual 
 numbers of fur-seals shot, and the proportion lost. These, it will be observed, record the 
 actual numerical loss of seals shot and not secured, by over twenty different hunters in 
 various years, the whole number of seals thns accounted for numbering nsarly 10,000. 
 Some of these statements have already been published, while others are those obtained in 
 the course of our own inquiries. The tables given below show the results of this method 
 of treatment, and arc believed to afford evidence of a very high class, directly referring 
 to the question under discussion : — 
 
 White Hunters. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Ve«»el. 
 
 Skirs 
 obtained. 
 
 Seals Lost. 
 
 1 Loss 
 j Per cent. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Remarki. 
 
 I. J. Wilson 
 
 "Triumph" 
 
 23 
 
 
 I 
 
 4-3 
 
 1889 
 
 First year of hunting. 
 
 2. "Hunter" 
 
 »t I* 
 
 fover) 60 
 (about) 400 
 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 1S89 
 
 
 3. W. Fewing 
 
 "Favouriti" 
 
 
 25 
 
 6-2 
 
 1887 
 
 Some only "shot at." Fint 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 year of hunting. 
 
 4. »* •» 
 
 "Viva" .. 
 
 (over) 500 
 
 (about) 
 
 30 
 
 6-0 
 
 1888 
 
 
 5. „ .. 
 
 " Triumph ■' 
 
 140 
 
 
 1 
 
 0-7 
 
 1889 
 
 
 6. Oacur Srarr 
 
 "Viva" .. 
 
 (over) 600 
 
 (about) 
 
 20 
 
 3-5 
 
 1888 
 
 
 7. welter House ,. 
 
 " Waltor L. Rich " .. 
 
 185 
 
 
 5 
 
 2-8 
 
 1889 
 
 First year of hunting; othar 
 hunters on schooners !o(t 
 about same proportion. 
 
 8. W. <> >^Ri-«? ,. 
 
 "Pathfinder" 
 
 44 
 
 
 1 
 
 2-3 
 
 1889 
 
 
 9. Pt,.i.Oilh«it 
 
 ,, . . 
 
 518 
 
 
 14 
 
 2-7 
 
 1887 
 
 First year of bunting. 
 
 10. , 
 
 J. 
 
 244 
 
 
 5 
 
 2-0 
 
 1883 
 
 
 n. ., 
 
 >. 
 
 454 
 
 
 16 
 
 3 5 
 
 1889 
 
 
 12. ieo.,', Uv*- 
 
 "Theresa" 
 
 159 
 
 (about) 
 
 7 
 
 4-4 
 
 1886 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 13. „ „ 
 
 "Pathfinder" 
 
 442 
 
 (about) 
 
 20 
 
 4-5 
 
 1886 
 
 
 M. „ 
 
 " Penelope " , , 
 
 618 
 
 
 31 
 
 5-0 
 
 1-87 
 
 
 Ij. 
 
 Viva" .. 
 
 734 
 
 
 37 
 
 50 
 
 1889 
 
 
 16. Thomn hoitj ,. 
 
 "Theresa" ami "Path- 
 finder " 
 
 397 
 
 (about) 
 
 20 
 
 5-4 
 
 1886 
 
 
 17. ,1 ,, .. 
 
 "Penelope" 
 
 510 
 
 (abont) 
 
 30 
 
 e-0 
 
 1887 
 
 
 18 
 
 "LilyL." ,. 
 
 316 
 
 
 12 
 
 3-7 
 
 1888 
 
 
 19. .. „ .. 
 
 "Viva" .. 
 
 587 
 
 
 27 
 
 4 4 
 
 1889 
 
 
 20. Albert Bertram , . 
 
 ".\nnleC. Moc.e ' .. 
 
 320 
 
 
 21 
 
 6-8 
 
 1889 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 21. UpUin Jacohy .. 
 
 I* 
 
 117 
 
 
 2 
 
 1-7 
 
 1888 
 
 
 22. 
 
 "Allie Alger" 
 
 613 
 
 
 21 
 
 3-4 
 
 1883 
 
 
 23. Martin Lu II Jberg.. 
 
 " 
 
 33 
 
 
 1 
 
 3-0 
 
 188 
 
 Quoted as an example of a good 
 day'a work. 
 
 24. Captain Spring ., 
 
 " Favourite " 
 
 (about) 180 
 
 
 1 
 
 0-5 
 
 1888 
 
 
 2: :4ptain McLean.. 
 
 » .. 
 
 90 
 
 (about) 
 
 5 
 
 5-5 
 
 1888 
 
 
 ;% . '. KpHpv 
 
 ,, 
 
 79 
 
 
 2 
 
 1-6 
 
 1891 
 
 
 pti-:n W. Baker. 
 
 ,, 
 
 55 
 
 
 1 
 
 1-8 
 
 1891 
 
 
 ij. '.Uitcr" 
 
 •• 
 
 498 
 
 
 17 
 
 3-4 
 
 1891 
 
 
 Alu'i 1' : \nt . . 
 
 "VayB-lle" 
 
 216 
 
 
 
 .. 
 
 
 
 .. ., 
 
 Toliil.. 
 
 205 
 
 
 7 
 
 3*- 4 
 
 1891 
 
 
 
 9,337 
 
 381 
 
 4-0 
 
 
 m- 
 
 
 Nos. 1 to 20, from signed sUlrments given in Parliamontary Paper [C. 6131], 1890. Nos. 21 and 22, from " Relations vrith 
 Canada," United Statei,' Senate, 51st Congress, 1st Session, Report 1530. Nos. 23 to 25 " 
 
 Nob. 20 to 28 from sworn statements nhtatned in 1892, 
 
 from evidence personally obtained. 
 
la '? ■ 
 
 'i4 
 
 .It 
 
 
 108 
 
 Indian HrNTEBS. 
 
 Nativo Hunters, 
 
 Tribe or Place. 
 
 Skina 
 Obtained. 
 
 Seals Lost. 
 
 Loss 
 Per cent. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 No. 1 
 
 Sitka 
 
 19 
 
 4 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 .. 2 
 
 Ilaida 
 
 21 
 
 
 
 ,, 
 
 I's'oo 
 
 
 „ 2 
 
 »» • • • • 
 
 39 
 
 3 
 
 8-0 
 
 1891 
 
 
 ., 3 
 
 
 37 
 
 
 
 .. 
 
 1890 
 
 
 „ 4 
 
 „ (on Adelc) . . 
 
 126 
 
 
 
 ,. 
 
 isno 
 
 
 „ 5 
 
 
 90 
 
 3 
 
 3-3 
 
 1939 
 
 
 „ 6 
 
 Hailtulc .. 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 25-0 
 
 1891 
 
 
 ., 7 
 
 Makab 
 
 50 
 
 1 , 2, or none 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 
 Koi, 1 to 7> ull from evidence personally obtained. 
 
 G28. A certain proportion of the seals shot of course escape, and in killing on 
 the islands each year, some are found with encysted shot in the skin or blubber. A few 
 ounces of shot thus obtained was shown to us on the Pribyloff Islands as that collected 
 from seals killed in 18'JO. This aggregated much less than ^ lb., but placing the amount 
 at 8 ozs., this would give, at 150 pellets to the lb., seventy-five shot gathered from 21,000 
 seals killed, or at the rate of one pellet to 280 seals. As in most cases several pellets might be 
 found in a single seal, while in other cases shot might be present but not found in skinning, 
 and cutting up the seal, the proportion thus stated probably more than represents the 
 ratio of seals so slightly wour'^c^ as to reach and live on the islands in apparent 
 health. 
 
 629. It appears to- have been \ nerally taken for granted, on a priori grounds, by 
 
 most of the apologists for the methv . of land killing, that the fur-seal does and must 
 sink immediately when shot at sea. Actual experience contradicts this assumption in the 
 manner and to the degree explained above, and it is, therefore, useless to enter at length 
 into the questiorj of the analogy of the fur-seal with other animals in this respect, which 
 has been advanced to show that the fur-seal should not float. Arguments of this kind 
 have been derived particularly from the circumstance that the various species of hair-seal 
 often sink when shot before they can be recovered. It must not be forgotten, however, 
 that the hair-seal belongs to an entirely different group of the Pinnipedia, and is 
 characterized not only by a much heavier osseous framework, but also by a smaller lung 
 capacity in proportion to its weight, "let even the hair-seal is often shot and secured at 
 sea, where its pursuit is made an industry, and it is only when exceptionally lean that it 
 sinks rapidly. 
 
 (330. The following notes bearing on this particular subject may be quoted from 
 Mr. J. A. Allen's "Monograph of North American Pinnipeds," which has already been 
 frequently referred to : — 
 
 " • Like other species of the seal family, the harbour seal is very tenacious of life, and 
 must be struck in a vital part by either ball or heavy shot, in order to kill it on the spot.' 
 Says Mr. Reeks : ' I have been often amused at published accounts of seals shot in the 
 Thames or elsewhere, but which • sank immediately.' What seal or other amphibious 
 animal would not do so if * tickled * with the greater part of, perhaps, an ounce of No. 5 
 shot? He adds that it is only in the spring of the year that this seal will 'float' when 
 killed in the water, but says that he has never .seen a seal 'so poor, which, iCk'Meddead on 
 the spot, would not have floated from five to ten seconds,' or long enough to give * ample 
 time for towing alongside,' supposing the animal to have been killed by shot, and the boat 
 to contain 'two hands.'" 
 
 Again, referring to the bearded seal, Mr. Allen quotes Kuinlien, as follows : — 
 
 "In July, during the moulting time, their stomachs contained nothing but stones, 
 some of them neaily of a quarter-pound weight. They seem to eat nothing during the 
 entire time of shedding — probably six weeks. Certain it is they lose all their blubber, and 
 by the middle of July have nothing but • whitc-hoise'— a tough, white, somewhat 
 cartilaginous substance, in place of blubber. At this season they sink when shot." 
 
 631. No loss occurs at sea from the taking of seals with "stagey" or unmerchantable 
 skins. All those familiar with pelagic sealing who were questioned upon this point agreed 
 as to the fact that " stagey " skins are practically never got at sea, not even in Behring 
 Sea at the season at which the seals upon the inlands are distinctly " stagey." The skins 
 taken in the earliest part of the sealing season, in December and January, are sometimes 
 rather inferioi*, but they do not fall into the general category of " stagey " skins. 
 
 632. It WQuld thus appear that the distinctly "stagey" or "shedding" condition of 
 the fur-seal supervenes after a sojonro nf some length on shore, and tbat8\ich sojourn results 
 
■■■i 
 
 109 
 
 in a general change of pelage which does not occur in the same marked way when the 
 animals remain at sea. The same circumstance has further some bearing on the question 
 of the possible excursions of the seals from tbe breeding islands, and on the inter* 
 changeability of the seals remaining on or about the islands with those of the general sea- 
 surface, which thus seems to be exceptional, during at least the later summer and 
 early autumn, which is the " stagey " season ashore. 
 
 (D.) — Composition of Catch. 
 
 633. By the pelagic sealers and by the Indian hunters along the coast, fur-seals of both 
 sexes are killed, and, indeed, it would be unreasonable, under the circumstances, to expect 
 that a distinction should be made in this respect, any more than that the angler should dis- 
 criminate betweei. the sexes of the fish he may hook. Even upon the breeding islands, it 
 is difficult for the most experienced natives to distinguish virgin females from young males 
 of correspondinjf size in the driven,* and in the autumn of 1891, we are informed by an eye- 
 witness, that in endeavouring to secure a female yearling seal alive for the zoological 
 collection at San Francisco, no less than seven male seals were successively captured by the 
 natives, who, judging from the general appearance of the animals, believed them to be 
 females, before one of the requisite sex was obtained 1 At sea, save in exceptional cases, 
 females can only be certainly detected by an examination of the body when it is brought 
 on board. The fur of the female is equally good with that of the male, and under the 
 conditions under which the hunting is carried on, there is room for no sentimental con- 
 siderations in favour of either sex. But it is unfortunately the case, that at certain 
 seasons considerable numbers of gravid females are thus killed, and this killing ia depre- 
 cated by the better classes of the pelagic sealers themselves, not alone on grounds of 
 humanity, but because they see clearly that it is unduly destructive to the industry in 
 which their fortunes are embarked. From communications held with pelagic sealers, there 
 can be no doubt that any equitable arrangement having for its object the minimizing of 
 this particular cause of loss would be favourably received by them. With the natives along 
 the coast it is somewhat different ; their traditional code of ethics admits of no period of 
 immunity for any wild animal, and the contingency of future decrease appears to them to 
 be too remote to be taken into their consideration. They are constitutionally observant, 
 and in no degree reticent about the killing of females with young, and the statements on 
 this subject obtained from them may be implicitly trusted. 
 
 634. On the question of the general composition of the pelagic catch in respect to sex 
 and age of seals killed, and the special abundance of various kinds of seals in certain parts of 
 the hunting area or at particular dates, evidence varying much as to numerical proportion 
 and often diametrically opposite in bearing may easily be obtained. It is only natural, and 
 is entirely in accord with what might be expected, that the proportions of seals by sexes 
 and ages should be found to differ very considerably in different instances, even in a single 
 year, in conformity with the dates or places in which the greater proportion of any 
 particular catch was secured, and the kind of seals in each case fallen in with. Some 
 landsmen arc found to be emphatically certain that nearly the whole of the pelagic catch 
 consists of females, but this does not accord with the testimony of those who are or have 
 been actually enf,';aged in sea-sealing ; and while it is not maintained that the evidence of such 
 practical sealers is entirely unlinctured by motives of personal interest, it must be evident 
 that these men know more on the subject than any others. Subjoined are quotations or 
 abstracts relating to the composition of the pelagic catch, obtained from what are believed 
 to be trustworthy sources, and in a number of cases derived from statemeHts made over 
 the signatures ot the individuals as taken under oath. The very fact that theae statements, 
 though taken at diflferent times, and while varying considerably from the point of view of 
 numerical proportions, tally very well in the main, one with another, is an inherent proof 
 of their credibility. 
 
 635. It must not be forgotten, however, in examining these statements, that the comple- 
 mentary information derived from the breeding islands shows that the persistent kilHng of 
 young males has led of late years to the existence of a very large surplus of females, and 
 that, therefore, the proportion of females to the whole numbers of seals, whether at sea or 
 ashore, is, at the present time, according to the information obtained by us, quite 
 abnormal. 
 
 The term " coast catch," often used in the following statements, must be understood to 
 mean the seals taken to the south of the Aleutian Islands, and, as a rule, to those taken 
 south of any part of the coast of Alaska. 
 
 " 
 
 ?ec " Bull. Mug. Cump. Zool," vol. ii, Part J, p. 103. 
 
 -V 
 
 t 
 
 : 
 
 I '■ 
 
 P. * 
 
 'i 
 
■HHHHWR 
 
 110 
 
 
 The evidence first quoted below h that obtained froni Indian hunters. 
 
 The Indians of Neah Bay, accustomed to hunt about Cape Flattery, in the Stale of 
 Washington, informed us that in the early part of the summer they olten found living 
 young in females killed, of which at that season there was a considerable proportion ; but 
 later in the summer no gravid females are found, most of the catch consisting of young 
 males or young females. Of the total catch, tl:ey thought that about one-twentieth 
 consisted of grey pups. In 1890 seals of this class were abundant, hut in 1891 very few. 
 
 636. At Nawitti, near the north end of Vancouver Island, the Indians find young in the 
 females killed in the early sunmier. These are quite strong, and if thrown into the water 
 swim well. One man kept such a young genl alive for six days. 
 
 637. At Bella-Bella, the Indians think that the larger proportion of the seals they kill 
 in the early part of the season are ienudes, and these aic often with young. Young taken 
 from females often live for three weeks or a n\onth. They diink water, but will not eat, 
 and so probably die of starvation. Some time in May tiie females disappear, and the 
 greater part of the catch then consists of young males, by which they mean males some- 
 what smaller than the full-grown female. 
 
 638. About the Queen Charlotte Islands, many of the eeals killed are females, and a 
 large proportion of these, iri the latter part of April and early part of May, are with 
 young. The Indians state that the young taken from the mother might live a couple of 
 hours, but they are invariably killed, as it is believed that if allowed to live the hunters 
 will be unlucky. A White hunter, who had been with the Indians here, stated that 
 he had tried to keep such young, which coidd, in some cases!, swim quite strongly, 
 but that the Indians had begged of him to kill them. Mr. A. Mackenzie, when bu\ing 
 skins for the Hudson's Day Company at Masset, refused to purchase the skins of 
 unborn pups on any terms; but after a fime the Indians found they could sell them to 
 the Chinese, working at salmon cainieries on the Skeena River. 
 
 639. About Bonilla Island, in the northern part of Hecate Strait, the seals obtained 
 in spring arc chiefly females, but after the 1st June these leave, and the catch is then 
 composed of non-breeding seals, supposed to be about three years old. The young are often 
 fully matured in the female, and Indians say that they will swim it' thrown into the water. 
 The people here have not the same superstition as those on the Queen Charlotte Islands, 
 and have sometimes kei)t the young seals alive for three weeks or a month. Mr. Lockerby. 
 connected with the Hudson's Bay Company at Port Simpson, stutes that the skins 
 purchased there are classed by size, not according to sex, but. so tar as he can judge, a large 
 part consists of young males, with a considerable proportion of grey jnips. 
 
 640. Indians hunting from Sitka, in South-eastern Alaska, often find living young 
 in females killed. These are skinned, and the skins possess some little value. 
 
 641. In the eastern part of the Aleutian Islands, so inconsiderable a number of seals 
 are killed in spring or summer, that v«..y few gra.id females can be included. 
 
 642. The following evidence on this ])articular subject is that contained in wiitten 
 statements as to the various places of sealing, made by some of the most experienced and 
 intelligent pelagic sealers : - 
 
 643. William Fewings says : " It is very seldom a female is killed in Behring Sea, 
 carrying her young with her, and out of 1,000 kMlcd on the coast earlier in the season, 
 
 less than one-third are females 
 
 their voiinij. 
 
 carrymg 
 
 644. Cajtlain J. D. Warren says : " Of the seals taken along the coast, about oae-half 
 are females, and (.f the females, not more than one-half arc with young. In Behring 
 Sea, not more than 1 in 100 of these taken by the hunters are females with young, 
 because as soon as the females carrying their voting get into the sea they go to the 
 breeding islands or rookeries, and in a few days^heir young are born. The cows remain 
 with their young till they arc quite able to take care of titcmsclvcs. I do not think that 
 of the seals taken by Indian and White luinters more ti)an 30 per ccnv. arc females 
 actually breeding-, or capable oi' breeding. 'Old bulls,' ' bachelor? ' 'two-year-old pups, 
 and ' barren cows ' make up {he great majority. Cows actually breeding are very 
 watchful, and while on their voyage northward are ever on the alert, so they arc difficult 
 to take. On the other band, the other classes above named nuike up the great class of 
 'sleepers,' from which fuhy 90 per cent, of the whole catch of hunters is derived. 1 
 never saw or heard of a ' cow ' having her young beside hcf in the water, either on the 
 coatt or in Behring Sea." 
 
 645. Captain William O'Leary says: " About half the seals taken along the coast are 
 cows, and jierhaps two-thirds oi the cows are with young. Putting a vessel's catch at 
 400, from 150 to 175 might be cows with young. In Behring Sea t lie average of cows 
 with young killed will not average 1 in 100, lor the reason that as soon as the cows 
 reach the sea they go to the breeding islands, where their young arc. born." 
 
mmm 
 
 ■!M^ 
 
 but 
 
 iie-half 
 
 khi'iiig 
 
 roung, 
 
 to tlie 
 
 etiiain 
 
 that 
 
 lemales 
 
 )U1)S, 
 
 very 
 
 itiicult 
 
 luss of 
 
 ■'cd. I 
 
 on the 
 
 ast are 
 atch at 
 f cows 
 c cows 
 
 111 
 
 George Howe sayt : " About one'third of the senls tftken on the coast are cows with 
 pup, or capable of being with pup. In Bebriog Sea I got four cows with pups Ini 
 them." (This was in a season's catch.) 
 
 Albert J. Bertram says : " 1 got during the season 320 seals On the coast 
 
 I got about twenty-five to thirty females with young in them, and in Behring Sea I got 
 six or seven. I neyer saw a cow with her pup alongside of her in the water." 
 
 646. In the sworn statements obtainea by Mr. Milne, and already refened to, frequent 
 reference is made to the composition of the catch, both along the coast and in Behring 
 Sea. From these statements the following abstracts have been made : — 
 
 C. J. Kelly, two years' experience in sealing, found the percentage of females to be 
 always less than that of males. 
 
 Captain W. Petit, who seems to have paid particular attention to this matter, says that 
 in 1891 of 765 seals killed, 18 were females carrying young— not quite 2^ per cent. 
 " About 10 per cent, every season are barren cows, and 12) per cent, grey pups (always 
 males). My catch was more than 75 per cent, males; more males were taken in 
 Behring Sea than in any former year." He further states that in 1886 he took off 
 Barclay Sound, in one day, 104 seals, of which 3 only were females. In 1887, on Portlock 
 Bank, 29 seals were taken in one day ; of these 2 were females. " More barren cows are 
 killed than those bearing young." 
 
 Captain W. £. Baker's proportion last year was 9 males to 1 female. The iier- 
 centage of barren females was considerable. 
 
 Captain C. N. Cox states that females are more abundant in Februaiy, March, and 
 .April than at any other time. Very few females with pup are taken in May. Bearing 
 cows are not got in Behring Sea after their young have been born. Of 848 seals taken 
 along the coast by him in 1891, 76 per cent, were males, 15 per cent, were breeding 
 females, and 10 per cent, barren females. In 1889, 90 per cent, of his catch consisted of 
 males. 
 
 Captain A. Rissit believes that more males than females are killed, and that more 
 females in proportion are taken in March and April than in other months. His catch in 
 1891 showed 76 to 80 per cent, of males. 
 
 Captain T. M. Magnesen states that females are most plentiful in February, March, 
 and April ; they about equal the males then. Near Behring Sea the proportion is about 
 80 males to 1 female. About half his catch last year was females, 12 or 14 per cent, 
 bearing females, the others barren. 
 
 U. Crocker, four years' experience, thinks females are most plentiful from February to 
 May ; 80 per cent, of the seals killed are males. 
 
 R. Thompson, two years' experience, says that 70 to 80 per cent, of the seals taken 
 are males. 
 
 Andrew Laing, ten years' experience, found in his coast catch that 3 in every 5 seals 
 were males ; in Behring Sea 4 in every 5 were males. The females include barren cows. 
 
 Captain W. Cox, four years' experience, states that females are most abundant in 
 February, March, and April ; in February and March there are as many females with 
 young as males. About 65 or 70 per cent, of the seals taken are males, 15 per cent, are 
 barren females, and about 1 5 per cent, bearing females. Of 2,434 seals taken by him in 
 Behring Sea, about 6 per cent, were females in milk. 
 
 Captain Charles Hackett, five years' experience, has observed no difference in the 
 proportion of females in different months. In 1890 about one-quarter of his catxsh 
 consisted of females ; in 1891, about one-half. In a catch of 1,555 seals in Behring Sea, 
 lie took only ten females with pup between the 15th July and the last of that month. Qot 
 quite a number of barren cows. 
 
 Captain C. McDougall, three years' experience, took 1,100 seals in Behring Sea, of 
 which 800 were males. The proportion of barren cows is about one to ten bearing cows 
 in Behring Sea. 
 
 Captain A. Douglas, seven years' experience, has not obtained more seals in one 
 month than in another. One or two females in pup are taken during the season in 
 Behring Sea. 
 
 Captain 8. S. McLean, seven years' experience, got more males than females along 
 the coast ; about half and half in Behring Sea. About 5 per cent, of the females taken 
 in Behring Sea are barren. My catch last year (1891) was made up of two parts males 
 and one females. 
 
 647. In conferences held with sealers, some additional particulars as to the proportion 
 of females taken were obtained, as follows :— 
 
 Captain Dod stated that he had taken over 600 seals in Behring Sea, of which less 
 than twenty carried young, and that the schooner "Viva" in 1890 took 2,000 seals in 
 [a06l Q 
 
 
 
 , 
 
 t i 
 
 ii 
 
 , 
 

 "^ ^ .^ . LV 'l*^iZ^ 
 
 ■ J '^JJ; 'tt^.T^'v 
 
 K^:*-: ■ 
 
 . . ,,, , ^Jq«is W? *f wiiqjl m^ iup«t, fibai}fjf(^t, fi9Ps|l^P« fli WW^i. Mi.HP^ 
 and arow TulUgrown animals. ,, y ,. .,; , , j 
 
 ;.. 0*9. 4 consultation ))e)c( vyjtjf i^ fiu|»^f qf r^B>^>f "^Mv« P^lMpf. M«ii> 91^ '*>>" 
 jj^tjculfir plMfltfliciM ?hp fqlioving g?nei»| stateflnpn*. vWcl^.it i^ Mieiwd« iy in ^atira 
 aeeordance witj) ^^e fffoti m fo faf i^ ^fise )ire |cpqw^ (^om pi;4«tici|l fxperieo.ce, «» no 
 ^(;ee pf ff)t|(;^pe waa ahpntn jn f>n|wem}g djrcict ciujefiiiopfj qn fiJH pwte ini^l^ S'- 
 
 lh"gfnW"y admitted toi^t a cppai(^pra|>)e pwpoition ef grfiyid ffffnfUesaH^Ioqnd Htfippg 
 ^ho seals taken in the «i|»]c|y p^4 of caph«r<aU^g sef^qi^. S^eO ani(na}8 i^peg^i^rally fallen in 
 with i?^ raqpo or lef^ ^Wum grpups, poe ^^a pf se<f-^uirC<tpe heiiig chaipact^ri^pd hy them, 
 another by young males or by yearhngs, a circumstance which may expiaiff t^p r^tper varied 
 
 prppqrtions by se:^ ^nd age pf seala comprise(V |n ih^ patph^i* pf different yes^ls. After 
 a|^pt ijxe 3(Hh May, or> at latest, the li^f jfune, veiy, (m fj^m^les ^ith young are 
 ev|!r^aiteji. * Tl^e prpgpant feroaleij ^hpn begin tq ffaHpcbup, «fnd tp trov^l fapt tqvard 
 
 i|^pt il^e 3(^h May* or* at latest, the 
 
 By|!r faftep/ tl^e prpgpant feroaleij^hen , ,, , . , 
 
 Behrmg Sea, fto ^hat m fi^vour^l^lp seating weather (or, in qt|]f r wprqa, cfiiips and hpttt 
 Windsj ^he sphponep capnot: keep up fvit|i. thetn. A^^vijpiijtmp, the catch f;qP(»i8t» 
 chj^y pf vpuiij^piaies or pf barrpp fpmales. -,.. , , 
 
 niQ. Behnng Sea is nqiif usua ty eptpred by the pe|agi« pealefs between the 
 20th June and the Ist July, and in Behring Sea the sf^poe copditiops hold. The 
 gravid females are well ahea^ of the sealers, yrbo have been wording up the West Coast, 
 and' go straight to the breeding islands. By the tjpie the sealers ^ch the sea, it is 
 pr^ctical|y only the young ptales and barren, or youpg ^nd ppp-bfe^ipg, fenii^les which 
 repiain disperaed ov^r tjie sea to be t^keq. \^t & later ^te ip the summer, a few females 
 iii mil^if, apd, therefore, presumably from the breeding places on the islands, are ppcasionally 
 kiiied, hut np large number, "this last fact is the only ope whicth has a direct beanng, or 
 e8t|ib|i8bes a (lii^ct coiineptipn, between the jBconqmy pf the ^reeding rookeries and the 
 hunting of legitimate pelagic sealers, as distinguished from raiders on the islan4s, in 
 Behring Sea. The killing of pnweaued pups upon the islands, together with other 
 ipatter? bearing on th^ possible excursions pf breeding feinales to sea, are fuUy noticed in 
 anotner part of this report, which should be referreii tp in this connection. 
 
 650. Statjpipents of the most contradictory kjpf| can be quoted on the subject of the 
 Composition oi the catch made by the pelagic sealers, poubtiess, this varies very much 
 in different cases and in different seasons, but a numbev of the statements met with are so 
 extreme from one point of view or the other, that they must bo supposed to have been 
 largely coloured by interest. The single fact, already referred to, that a certain number of 
 ihe young males killed upon the islands are found to contain pellets of shot, is sufficient to 
 show that the catch of the pelagic sealers and Indians is not practically altogether composed 
 of females, as some persons would have us believe. The foregoing paragraphs give a general 
 statement of the case, without taking such extreme views on either side into account. It 
 may be added, however, that the excessive killing of young males on the breeding islands 
 may probably, by changing the prpportic^n normally existinu; between the sexes, have had 
 tlieresqH of directly increasing t|)p nunil)pr of females found and killed at sea in jate 
 years. This point is elsewhere treated al greater length. 
 
 651. The get^eral copclus|qn to he derived from an examination of the statements above 
 noted is, that iii proportion to the number of skins obtained, that part of the pelagic catch 
 niade in the early part of the Reason, and to the south of the Aleutian Islands, is the most 
 damaging to seat life as a whp|e, while; th|^ skins ^aken aflte^ this date, whether without or 
 ^yit|)ip Behripg ^ea, are pbtaiQed up niiich less proportionate cost to seal li/e. 
 
 6oi\ With reference tp the' cq^p'ositiop of the catch of the pelagic sealers, a note may 
 be added respecting the relative amounts of those portions of the catch made to the south 
 and to the north ^^ ^be Alejatipn chain, kppwn as the "coast catch " and "Behring Sea 
 catch'' rjeispectlyely. Iliese ^iay be represented in tabular form as follows: — 
 
 ycnr. 
 
 18$6 
 
 Mi 
 
 1888 
 
 m 
 
 1891 
 
 
 Dtfliring ^ 
 Catch (Eottera 
 and Western). 
 
 800 
 12,423 
 11,764 
 16,653 
 
 1M»7 
 18,105 
 28,888 
 
 I (I I . | .".i'; l '■ 
 
 
wsm 
 
 i^smmm, 
 
 mmmm. 
 
 m 
 
 ..') 
 
 m 
 
 088; KfMimclk'llifai ta |i4« iivirtiM|i'i« «0 tte <«M|Mktttoli bf ih^oittiBea^'«hoi« 
 and at «ea;>b«iBd U|N« tbeMjMHs of >«kfti» ii» soyt«^ ft«tttriM In lioiWt)rivl)»iWthb 
 
 skids «i« pr^jpiim} Air the'iasrkttt. It ^li^even to b«>littrii«>fn ilU^/tfiat^^ 
 arrive utth^raotoritetflaMMil tta^ wwi f(^%l(^. and Ihieltifrte'iiMd'ab'nbt iWii«iN^HIV 
 implit tile aettial n>u)fe0 6f origin, but ratlMir thh kind «nd ^Uatity df lhe> Hrlbi < < 't"^ 
 
 It hi htfmverj aMdttJMl by tli« expeMii ttiat the diflbiMni lotialities j^tadi jft^ 
 difibrent skina^ VvbicA >i» MttbaMd. Thtn it is baid tbatif bfle^We UkfM imoWtt iii <* Akiki" 
 (aesamed to eottie frdWilie PHbylbif tidand^^ ^<i**'t:tiippelt*^ (H^nmed tb icobie f^ tb^ 
 Cdmtnander Istands) ttrb diftiinguithtkbl^^ in tbdt lih^ fbHni^r bate is i rttVe a long^ iSd 
 finer Air, that yet the'^iAs fi-om thfe two »burces aire ^tyftemirii^ idieb^l iii cidalti^. 
 Indeed, it wbbM appear tbit in many ontes iikins are dasiiM as <^Altoka ", beetlnse tbi^ 
 have longer ana flner'fbri and hot because oJF any knbwiv plab^ ofoir^n; Ah arale, tbe 
 " Alaska " skins have cbme for fifteen years past In mbbh better braer thih any otAerr. 
 They have been originally better skinned and Wter tared Ibr all through. 
 
 It appears that at the factory, as a matter of fkct> i;Wey bdh bhlbfljr t^) i^idi i,Vi 
 " north-west catch" skins by the obvious inirks of ahot or spiear; which bftten' redbbie the 
 market value of a skin by 26 br 80 per cenf. But there is nothing to ^floW thkt'iiw^ 
 skins wti« not taken close to or even upon iiie Pribylbff Islands. 
 
 It is also «asy, especially after the skinil are i^dy prepared, to recoj^nize the fbUr 
 teats of the female. But, more especially in the smaller skins, the niairks of Stsi ^^ 
 exir^Wiefly diffibult to trace. For instauco, in one par^el-eiicaniiiied' iti Londbbji W^ldh #lfi4 
 marked "faulty," all the skius, with the exception of th^eb; wefe ftmale, inld rribUt bV 
 t))ein° badly shot-marked. But the grbat majority were .yOiing feUlaks, givinj^ out little or 
 no evidence of having suckled any young. There was no Evidence to ^hbw Whether th'eie 
 seals were obtained at sea or on the rookeries by raids. 
 
 Tiie female skins were also to be distinguished by the superior fineness of the fur, 
 and by its being thinner on the " flanks" or under part than on the back. 
 
 (E,)—Fu(ure of the Industry. 
 
 654. As to the prol)abie future of pelagic sealing, which as at present practised has 
 not been in existence for much more than twenty years; — like any other industry depending 
 on the continued existence in suitable numbers of the animal upon which it is based, this 
 may easily be overdone. The regulations under which the slaughter of fur-seals on the 
 Pri'byloff Islands has been carried on for the past twenty years or more have on the average 
 been such as to require killing there to be pushed to and beyopd the ma?(inium figure whidl 
 the seal life frqquentiug these islands could afford, without ^bowing evidences of. 
 rapid decrease. The arrangements have been, in fapt^ so framed as to make the lessees of 
 the rribyloif Islands as far as possible the sole beneficiaries of the entire eastern side of the 
 North Pacific, under the belief, that by the possession of the breeding islands it was 
 possible to monopolize the industry. The methods upon the islands had themselves 
 resulted in decrease when tbe growth of the independent industry of pelagic sealing began 
 still farther to affect seal life, and, as elsewhere shown, co-operated in prod tcing a decrease 
 at a more rapid rate in late years. 
 
 655. The hypothetical question may here be put : If all killing should be stopped upon 
 the breeding islands, and the pelagic industry be left uutiammelied by regulations on the 
 high seas, what would be the ultimate effect on seal life ? Experience directly ootftined with 
 reference to tlie fur-seal is here entirely wanting. The history of all the depleted breeding 
 places of other parts of the world clearly points to a single cause of d^image, viz., unrestricted 
 and barbarous killing on shore upon the breeding grounds. Analogy with the history of 
 other maritime industries, such as those conducted for ordinary food fishes, becomes, how- 
 ever, in the case supposed, directly apposite. Employing such analogies, it may be a^rmed 
 that so long as the industry continues to be profitably, a grieatei- number of vesi^s will each 
 year be employed in it; but that before loog a point will be reached at which, iu conse- 
 quence of the greater competition, the ever-increasing;, wariness of the seal, and a reduction 
 in total numbers, — the profits will diminish, un remunerative voyages will frcque^itly be niade> 
 und a reaction will occur such as to allow a renewed increase of the animal, Such an 
 automatic principle of regulation appeal's to be necessarily inherent in the seal fishery as in 
 other fisheries, but just what the average annual ctttch might number when this particular 
 fishery reached its level of stability, it is of course impossible to say. It is not Uke'^y, 
 however, that it would show a continued decline so serious as ths^ wh^h has affec^ tlia 
 whale fishery, for this is due to special causes which are welt known ; and, uuder the 
 conditions which have been assumed for tl^o fur-Sfeal fishery, tbe br^ing places of 
 tbe animd would be contmuously exempted from attaek. 
 
 [805] Q3 
 
 i 
 
mm 
 
 % B 
 In 
 
 '''•'fl^H 
 
 ^ V 
 
 
 
 1 -x 
 
 666» QiM) of th<> mofi obvMHw anfl generallv iq)|dic9bie RMtbod* of oontrolling pelasie 
 |M<iUng WQttld be the gemimi adoption of rujiei Ngninst tbe en^lo^rmeot of speciiiHy 
 dilHrticliTt meUnoda, tnd eooh rules migbt be .•rran^ffd by iptentatioMl ooDMni^M 
 iqp|rfio«b¥ to certaio de6ned tnqti of tbe bigh neet, m. tbe manner which baa been 
 idvocated in connection with tbe sulaect of tbe " purae ",Mine in the mackerel fiabery of 
 the AUantic «x>att* Thus, tbe use of vessels with stenm power might be prevented, as well 
 as that of riflea, in shooting the aeals. Nets have scarcely been wted along the eutem part 
 of the North Pacific in tbe fiir-seal fishery, and it is improbable that they can be advan- 
 tf^eously employed anywhere beyond tbe three-mile limits The dnly known case in which 
 nels have actually as yet been employed occurred in 1888, when \%Jiton record that the Abaka 
 Ccmmercial Company fitted out two schooners, prirnlely ownfd, to net seals in the passes 
 leading from Bebring Sea through the Aleutian islfliids. O9C off these schooners is stated 
 to have obtained 700 grey pups which were sold to Aie Company at the rate of 
 2 dol. 30 c. per skin.f Netting, however, forms no part of legitimate pelagic sealing, and 
 might well be altogether probimted. 
 
 657. The use of tbe shot*gun for the purpose of killing seals at sea has now become 
 so nearly universal, that it is doubtful whether it can be changed without an undue inter- 
 ference with the now established industry. Tbe loss of seals thus shot is, as already shown, 
 small, and there is therefore no cogent reason why this practice should be discontinued. 
 All the evidence shows that the loss when seals are speared by the Indian hunters is 
 practically nil, but to restrict killing to spearing would necessarily be to preclude all but 
 akilled Indians from engaging in it. 
 
 658. Any such regulations applied to the use of specially destructive engines, would 
 have the efiiBCt, under the assumed conditions, of inci easing the aggregate number of seals 
 which would exist when what has been referred to the level of stability is reached. 
 
 IV.'-COMTKOL AKD MeTUODB Of SbALINO ON THE PftlBTLOFr ISLANDS, TUDIE 
 
 NaIURK AMD KkSULTS. 
 
 (A.) — Methods employed. 
 
 6&9. The system adopted for the regulation and working of the PribylofT Islands by 
 the United States' Government, when its control had Iccn established, and after the irregular 
 and excessive killing which at first followed on the withdrawal of the HuBsian authorities, 
 was substantially that which had gradually been introduced by the Russians, as the result 
 of their prolonged experience, but with one very important exception. This exception related 
 to the number of seals allowed to be killed annually. The number was at this time suddenly 
 and very largely increased, being in fact more than doubled, as is elsewhere pointed out in 
 detail ; and while the experience of many former years showed that the Russian system, with 
 a limited annual killing, might be maintained with a reasonable certainty of the continued 
 well-being of tbe breeding grounds, it had in fact, according to the best available informa^ 
 tion, resulted in a gradual and nearly steady increase in number of seals. The much larger 
 number permitted to be killed under the new regulations at once removed the new control 
 into the re^on of experiment. 
 
 660. Theoretically, and apart from this question of number and other matters 
 incidental to the actual working of tbe methods empicyed, these were exceedingly proper and 
 well conceived to insure a large continual annual output of tkins from the breeding islands, 
 always under the supposition that the lessees of these islands could huve no competitors in 
 the North Pacific. It was assumed that equal or proximately equal numbers of males and 
 females were born, that tbefe were subject to equal losses by death or accident, and that, 
 In consequence of tbe polygamous habits of the fur-seals, a large number of males of any 
 given merchantable age might be slaughtered each year without seriously, or at all, 
 interfering with the advantageous proportion of males remaining for breeding purposes. 
 
 661. The existence of the breeding rookeries as distinct from the hauling-grounds of 
 tbe young males, or hoUuschickie, was supposed to admit, and did in former yeais to a 
 great extent admit, of these young males being killed without disturbing the breeding 
 animals. Tbe young seals thus "hauling" apart from the actual breeding grounds were 
 ■unonnded by natives and driven off to some convenient place, where males of suitable 
 
 * 8te ** Rqwrt of D^partnmt of RthariM," Canada, 1890, p. 70, and Appwidis IX, o. 14. 
 t FlifUaalmtMf Faper [0.->«1811, Laadw, AogMt ISfO, f. 8M. 
 
 i n 
 
HA 
 
 sice were olabbad to demh, ted ftom wbloh the rajeoted Miinab «ei« aUowad to returi^ 
 to the Ma. TbemroMMS were skinoed on the kiiKng groundrthe ikins nited, and at a 
 later date bundled in paita and ihlpped, with tuoh duplication or ebeckiag of count at 
 might be soppoaed td afTord goarantkea id the agents of the Government and to the leiaeea 
 that the intereat» of both were fairly treated. 
 
 669. There can be no doubt that if the number peinUtted to be killed had been 
 fixed at an amount no low as to allow for exceptional and unavoidable natural cauaea of 
 interference with seal life, i..id if it had been rearranged each year in conformity 
 with the aacertained conditions, killing might have been continued without general 
 damagis to the seal life of the PribyloiF Islands, and very probably even with a continued 
 gradual increase in numbers of seala resorting to the islands up to aome unknown 
 maximum point. Such reaalts might have followed, notwithstanding the praetioal 
 imperfection which clearly attached in execOtion to these theoretically appropriate 
 methods, and in spite of the important chancre from natural conditions which any diaturbance 
 in ))roportion of sexes involved, if the demands made in the matter of annual take had 
 been moderate ; but wiien the number fixed for killing resulted, as has been shown, in an 
 average slaughter of over 103,000 seals, it bore eo large a proportion to the entire number 
 of animals resorting to the islands as to lead neceasarily in the long run to serious 
 diminution. This decrease continued, on the whole, in an increasing ratio, being doe not 
 only to the actual nuniber of seals slaughtered, but also to the numbers lost in varioua 
 ways incidental to the methods of control and modus operandi on the islands, which loss, 
 though formerly a matter of minor importance (because counted againata large annual 
 surplus), in the face of the greatly decreased numbers, became a very serious aadition to 
 the total of diminution. In short, from a transcendental point of view, the methods pro- 
 posed were appropriate and even perfect, but in practical execution, and as judged by the 
 results of a series of years, they proved to be faulty and injurious. 
 
 663. Summing up the records as to the number of seals killed on the Pribyloflf Islanda, 
 Professor J. A. Allen writes as follows : — 
 
 ** In this year (1822), it was ordered that young seals should be spared each year for 
 the purpose of keeping up the stock. This order was so honestly enforced, that in four 
 years the number of seals on St. Paul's Island increased tenfold. The number annually 
 taken these years was only 8,000 or 10,000. instead of 40,000 to 50,000, the number 
 formerly killed yearly. Subsequently, the killing was allowed to greatly I crease, which 
 prevented any augmentation in the number of seals. In 1834, the number allowed to be 
 killed on St. Paul's Island was reduced from 12,000 to 6,000. After this date the 
 conditions of increase were more carefully studied and more carefully regarded, so that 
 there was a gradual numerical increase from 183u to 1S57, when the rookeries are said to 
 linve become very nearly as large as now, the natives believing, however, that there has 
 been since the last-mentioned date a very gradual but steady increase."* 
 
 664. From ihe experiences thus recorded, it appears to be very clearly shown that in 
 the average of years the killing of 40,000 to d0,00u seals on St. Paul was more than this, 
 the principal seal-bearing island, could stand, while that practised during the later years of 
 the Russian control scarcely fall short of the figure at which all continued increase in 
 number of seals would cease. Since the operations of the Alaska Commercial Company 
 began, the number fixed tor killing on St. Paul Island has been very much higher than 
 any of the foregoing figures, it was originally fixed at 15,000 for St. Paul and 25,000 
 for St. Geoi-ge Island, but the law was changed in 1874, so that even a larger proportion 
 of the whole number might be taken on St. Paul's. 
 
 C65. Captain Bryant elsewhere writes : — 
 
 "During the administration of this able Governor (Shise:iok :,".), these nurseries 
 of the seals had been developed from almost nothing to the condition in which they were 
 at the transfer of the islands to the United States. For many years they were able to 
 kill only a small number, but the seaU gradually increased, so that they killed as many aa 
 40,000 in one year."t 
 
 f)66. When, therefore, following the extraordinary slaughter of 1868, it became lawful 
 to kill 100,000 seals each year, changes of a very marked kind might have been expected, 
 and, as elsewhere detailed, they soon began to be observed. 
 
 667. The incidental waste entailed in taking the annual quota of skins on the 
 Pribyloff Islands for the twenty years of the Alaska Commercial Company's lease is 
 acknowledged by the oihcial figures to have been slightly greater thau 7 per cent, of the 
 whole number of skins secured. This includes skins cut in skinning, ** stagey " skins of 
 seaU killed for food when not merchantable, and a number of young unweaned pups 
 
 
 ! 
 t ■ 
 
 1. i 
 
 .;• 
 
 •• 
 
 m 
 
 << MonogrAph of North Americaa Pinnipeds," p. 379. 
 
 t Ibid., p. 389. 
 
116 
 
 llUM (tt f| voMtdmHtoi HMMowMnrily) for iiative food. BmMm t\mt ittai aottoontad 
 ibk, bewi<«n lH«i« k MMninio MbVa UiM a iatgt proportk)!! of the imW #hioh imd bMn 
 Mil^ttd to ^ Kciissr Mvaw nrdfal of driving licfwr ttfttrwards reeoverod.* Again, the 
 dlitorfMHUia iMnabesd by varioitA taiuet incidentai to ttie habitation of the islands, (ogHher 
 with that, never whuMy obviated, whioli arose directly from the process of driving IVoin 
 tba vbiiiity df the breediili> groundii; led to vAriow obanges inintioal to the favourable 
 •f>BliatM|ti«a of aeal lift. 
 
 8d8. Buch caused begha to operate With mncli increased force when the general 
 ivdnetion boaiinic so ieoDiideraUle, tbifit hQ ever-growi^ ditHculty arose in collecting 
 lb* ftxed aniiual quota of ikins. Id addition', the ineflMient guarding oi the breeding 
 ialandi ftoMi raids made vt>6a their shores by marauders, due to tne absence of methods oi 
 pnilactipn And laxity ef tontrol of the natives, became terious evils. 
 
 669>. Sontb of tbo hiore. notable ill-eifeota which followed from the practical warliing 
 of the aystem of administhUioo tadopted, have already been referred to nt sufficient lengtlt, 
 {NirtiaiUirly in the paragraphs (f 308 et ae^.) treating of changes in habits of the fur-seal, 
 and those outUnidg the general decrease in numbers resorting to the Pribyloif Islands. A 
 fbw words thay liow be added, in greater detail, in relation to the evidence showing the date 
 of the conimcncement olf the decrease and its progress, and then on the defective methods, 
 viawtd aa aodhi which have been largely responsible for this result. 
 
 670. Statemedts have been made to the effect that during the lease of tlie Alaska 
 Coihittcrcial Com|iany, frauds were perpetrated in regard to the number of skins taken on 
 the islatjds and counted for taxation. No direct evidence of this seems to have been 
 produced, but at the official cbunting of the skins both on the islands and in San 
 FrandsoQ was done in bundles, each of which was supposed to consist of two skins, it k 
 obVtoUs that but fur ottserved diflTerenoe of size or weight, three or even four skins might 
 have been bundled and . corded together «nd counted as two. Spealdng of the mode of 
 •nuntei'ating the skin% WM\i saya : " The list of the Treasury Agent on tlie islands, 
 when the skins are first shipped [the shipment being made, as elsewhere stated, in 
 biindles], is the official indorsement of the Company's catch for the year ; but wlien the 
 ahip reacdies San Fiancisoo, these skins are all counted over anew [but again in bundles] 
 by another stisff of Gbverhment Agents."t 
 
 671. Betbning to the \vefgbt of the skins and bundles, he elsewhere writes : 'The 
 Average weight of a ^wo-year-old skin is &^ lbs. ; of a thi-ee-year-old skin, 7 lbs. ■ cf 
 a foU'.vyeartbld skin, 12 lbs.; so tliat as the major portion of the catch is two- o 
 year'Olds, these bundles of two skins each have au average weight of from 12 to lu lbs. 
 In this shape ^hey go into the hold of the Company's steamer at St. Paul, and are counted 
 out from it at San Francisco." t 
 
 672. An independent observer, Lieutenant Maynard, in his report written about the 
 same, time, says : " Finally, they are prepared for shipment by rolling them into compact 
 bundks, two skins each, which are secured with stout lashings. The largest of these 
 bundle I weigh 64 lbs., but the average weight is but 22 lbs. The smallest skins, those 
 taken irom seals two years old, weigh about 7 ibs. eacii, and the largest, from seals six 
 years old, about 30 lbs."§ 
 
 673. The weights given by Lieutenant Maynard for the skins of seals of various ages 
 are in erioor, but it would appear that in thus writing, tiiese weights had been deduced from 
 that of the bundles which he had seen, the weiglit of which certainly appears to require 
 some explanation. 
 
 (h.)— Decrease in NunAer of Seals, itn Origin and Progress. 
 
 674. With regard to the first of these ({uestions, that relating to the decrease of seal 
 ttfe on the Pribyloft Islands, what has nlicady been stated respecting the available 
 estimates of number of seals nt different dates will have shown that it is hopeless to 
 'obtain any satisfactory and connected idea of the state of the breeding islands from these 
 Alone. It is, in.fifict, laigely from collateral evidence, from facta incidentally placed on 
 record, of which the meaning now becon\es plain, from statements obtained by ourselves in 
 response to personal inquiry and other such sources, that a general history of the 
 condition ojf tne Pribyloff islands may be built up. 
 
 675. A gentleman long associated with the Company whose lease of the Pribyloff 
 Islands bits lately terminated, explained the matter to us in brief terms, by saying that 
 
 * See especially in Ihii connection Elliott'* Official Report for 1890. 
 t United States' Geniut Report, p. 169. t ^^^^-i P- '7' 
 
 S Uotite of Repretentatives, 44th Congme, lit Senioo, Ex. Doc. No, 4:), p. 9. 
 
■WT" 
 
 require 
 
 m 
 
 tbi» Company— ^f Hi^d a goot) ^hiqg " irf tho leaie s V Tbey gxA t]ie 
 bi^sinfss,, nnq jcept the (lecrfiiie dark." Without |n My ^'irlqflqiiiji 
 nttributing any auch settled pbltcv to the Cumpapy, ^ it {jfufajn t^aif ., 
 (lid not by any mean* convey a lull and correct •tatemeni of iiic ^i^t 
 progress of events on the |)reedlng islands. 
 
 
 tbnt tlie island* had never since been so well sipcHeq ^\\h %^\f' ||n%^ int^ ^<||tfi}L 
 they explained thai the >tb|-th-ea(it Point waf then complexly p^u'm^ iMf s^i Votii 
 to the nortli and soutli of Hutchinson Hill. Tolstoi wa§ \ti |ike ^ai^Mr^intlf^y OpY^ljl^, 
 uhilc the Ueef Pempsuhi was wholly occupied by cows Md •qaettraie ^ f bcve^lM 
 rookery, and th« kiliable seals tbiind foom to haul out bnjy ^ itf UIQer eo^, on ipi 
 snnds. At this lime, 3,000 to 4,000 hplluschickie plight ei^i(y oe c<;f|ie<|i)M| If) i tipglp 
 (Irivo from M|^r}|^ ^il|» tSfoutb-west Bay, or the h^uliog groancls M|fr|ift tp'|b|? ^^ 
 I'oint. 
 
 67 7< Mr. Daniel Webster, who has been almost cqptiouousiy po tba ^ri|)y)plf Islau^* 
 since 1808, most of the time upon St. Paul Island, apd plicae statefjieDia bpre eyj^c^ of 
 (<ntire honesty, gave evidence fully corroborative of'that abpyf^ quoieq. He expfi^sea 
 iiimself as confident that th^ seals were in greater itbup^aQM in ^po^ i^iaa thiBy |)au ever 
 been since. In that year of unrestricted slaughter, some T^tPpCI yp^ug Q|f>les were ki||c;q 
 on NoHli-east Point; by the single Company with whjch h(| wm coppeq|^, an^ f M)ipP^ 
 exhausting the supply. In 1874 and 1878, from 35,000 to |36|(p^ pKIRS W(;re i^^^p each 
 year from the same rookery without undue difficulty. Accbr^tpg to Mr. fbw|ef, yhe has 
 been famillnr with St. Paul Island since 1870, from 20,000 to 1^,000 skins !W<?re tftkejf 
 IVom North-cast Point in that and some subsequent years. By tp^ official ^gami, i) is 
 shown that 15,070 ski us were obtained here in 1869, and {^tOfj' |n )890.* fff. Fowler 
 expressed the belief that in 1891, if killing had not oeeb restricted* at leafit (Rouble tb^t 
 number might have been secured at North-east Point. 
 
 678. Returning, however, to the earlier ye;i' s of the Alaska pomniercid ppropdny's 
 lease, it is found that in 1874 Lieutenant Moynard, as the result pf bif ipqp|nes in tpat 
 year, expressed the belief, though not without reservation* that ^pe niitnoer p^seafa resofiing 
 to the islands had not decreased between 1872 and that time.* Captain Bryi^be notes p 
 slight improvement in this year as contrasted with the uafayourable cOnqitipns observed |n 
 I873.f It was not till 1875, however, that the annual slaughter required fo pcp^upe 
 100,000 marketable skins was first ofHcially reported as being top gfeai ifor ine well-being 
 of seal life. In this year Captiiin Bryant, as the result of seven years* exp^neppe of tlfQ 
 islands, wrote on this matter in some detail ; but, without q^otipg b|8 obseirvp^ipns at 
 length, it may be sulfieienb to cite the following, which expresses h|s pffpu oof^plusippa;— 
 
 " When the lease was put in practical operation in Is'Tl, there w^s a yery farge e^c^ss 
 of breeding males on hand ; since then this surplus has been diminished bv the dyipg out 
 of old seals faster than there has bten younger seals allowed to escape and grow up Jq J^U 
 their places, until the present stock is insutficient to meet the necessities of the iucreasipg 
 number of breeding females."* 
 
 679. Of the following year, Bryant says that " the decrease in number of breeding 
 males may be considered to' have reached its minimum [»/c1 in 1876. In 1877, '" '' 
 season I spent on the islands, there was an evident increase in the numbers of this class. , 
 In the same year, before a Committee ol Congress on the Alaska Commercial Company, 
 iiu repeats his statement as to the too heavy rate of killing, saying: "t thfnk that th<? 
 number of 100,000 was a little more than ought to have been bqjun w|tb> fJhlM if ^'^ 
 had begun it t)5,00p, there would have been no necessity &r 4|ji^|hii|)li)Ji. Pfi ihi^ qjthej: 
 hand, 1 think thtit within two years frotn now it might beippr^MHsil, P 
 
 680. I A 1876, a leligthened Inquiry was made by a CominUite? of Co^gri^f i|; pegaf() 
 to the opeMtiPnS bf, and certain charges made against, the AlasKa Ooipmei'^tu Cojjipffnf. 
 This Committee does hot seem to bavb had clearly before it th^ fact, thip W '' 
 number of seals killed under the lease considerably exceedbd Ipp,^^, P|^t |ne v^ew 
 
 e l^t 
 
 This Committee does hot seem to bavb had clearly before it th^ fact, thlip^h'o j^c^ual 
 number of seals killed under the lease considerably exceedbd |Pp>9^» P}^^ fN ^P^ 
 arrived at as to the killing of 100,000 seals annually, included in the onicial report ot ^|ie 
 
 * House of Kepreseiilatives, Ex. Doc. No. 43, 44111 Congresji, Ist Seiiion. 
 t "Monograph of Nortli AmeHcanllnnipedi." 
 
 i " Fur-«ea) Msheriek tit Alatka," House of Itepresentatlvei, Ex. Doo. Ifo. 83, 44th Congress 2nd Session, 
 pp. 176 and 177. 
 
 § Quoted by Allen, " Monograph of North American Pinnipeds," p. 399. 
 
 II House of Representatives, 44th Congress, Ist Session, Report N6. Q^B, p $9. , 
 
 t , 
 
 i, 
 
, JJg 
 
 invfstigation is plainly expressed as follows: "It is certain that to jrill more than this 
 number (100,000) would tend to a rapid decrease of the annjal supply, and end in the 
 extinction of the animals on these islands long before the expiration of the twenty years 
 that the lease had to run."* 
 
 681. From 1877 to 1887, such allusions as can be found to the general condition of 
 the seals upon t!ie Prlbyloff Islands in contemporary reports are almost uniformly of an 
 optimistic character ; and a perusal of these reports might well lead to the belief that a 
 continued and satisfactory increase in number was in progress, which, it truly representing 
 the facts, should have brought the rookerit s in this period of eleven years into a state of 
 unexampled prosperity, though the facts were in reality far different. 
 
 682. The only reference to any decline met with in these Reports — and that is an 
 incidental one-is due to Assistant Treasury Agent Wardman, who shows that there was a 
 decrease in the number of " kiHable" seals on St. George Island in 1882, as compared with 
 1881. His statement serves to prove, at least, that the practical limit of killables on 
 St. George had been reached in 1882, at a number of 21,000 or 22,000, and that the 
 balance of a quota of 25,000 accorded to that island had to be made up on St. Paul.f 
 
 683. Though not to be found in the contemporary Reports, the true history of these 
 years can now be very clearly understood, in a general way, as the i-esult of more recent 
 investigations and of our own inquiries. 
 
 6S4. Mr. Elliott's "Monograph" of the Pribyloff Islands is based on examinations carried 
 out in 1872-74, and his statements of fact clearly show that nearly half the breeding 
 rookeries and hauling grounds were at this period, and had been for at least ten years 
 previously, entirely exempt from " driving," and therefore constituted reserves of seal life, 
 and especially of young male seals. He writes :— 
 
 " As matters stand to-day, 100,000 seals alone on St. Paul can be taken and skinned 
 in less than forty working days, within a radius of 1^ miles from the village, and from the 
 salt-house on North'Cast Point ;$ hence tbe driving, with the exception of two experimental 
 drives which I witnessed in 1872, has never been made from longer distances than Tolstoi 
 to the eastward [westward], Lukannon to the northward, and Zoltoi to the southward of 
 the killing grounds at St. Paul village."^ 
 
 Whatever may have been the detailed history of the seal interests on St. Paul in the 
 intervening years, the fact that in 1879 it became necessary for the first time to extend 
 the area of driving so as to include Zapadnie and Polavina rookeries, or the hauling 
 grounds adjacent to them, shows conclusively that a great change for the worse had already 
 occurred at that date. This cannot be explained by any theory of the mere reduction in 
 number of redundant young males, for even if it be admitted that seals of this clasis were 
 to be found in excessive numbers after the slaughter of 1868 (which is not probable), the 
 normal ratio of such males resulting; from any logically permissible killing should have 
 been reached long before this time. 
 
 685. Many years ago, under the Russian regime, a small native settlement was 
 situated near the rookery ground of Polavina, and seals were regularly killed there. 
 Traces of this old settlement may still be seen, but it has probably been abandoned since 
 the time of the " Zapooska," or intermission of killing which took efiect in 1835, at 
 which time most of the " natives " were removed from the Pribyloff Islands. From 
 information gained on the islands, it appears that in or about the year 1879 the salt- house 
 now employed at Polavina was first built, and that driving has been annually practised 
 both from Polavina and Zapadnie ever since, but with much increasing persistency in later 
 years. 
 
 686. The time at which the decrease in killuble seals began to make itself actually 
 apparent in the acknowledged difficulty in obtuining (he annual quota of skins is thus 
 pretty definitely fixed by circumstances, but other corroborative information with a similar 
 meaning is now not wanting. Colonel J. Murray, Assistant Treasury Agent, in his Report 
 for 1890, writes: "The whole truth must, nevertheless, tie told, and that is, that the seals 
 have been steadily decreasing since 18S0."|| The cider and more experienced natives, 
 converged with on St. Paul Island, after describing the great abundance of seals at the time 
 the United States first took possession of the islands, stated that the decrease became very 
 marked in 1882 or 1883; arriving at these dales by counting back from the actual 
 year. 
 
 p. S9. 
 
 * HouM of ReprewnUtivei, 44th Congreu, lit Seiaion, Report No. 683, p. 11. 
 t '* Fnr-iml Fisherivi of Alaska," Houie of IteprMenUtive*, 60th Congrtit, 99 
 
 99Dd S«iiioD, Ikport No. 3883 
 
 t The Ualiet are not ennDSored in Iko original. 
 
 I Unitrd Stalei' Ceniut Report, p. 7>. 
 
 U Sennle, Ex. Doe. No. 49, Slit Congrfia, 2nd Senlon, p. 8. 
 
119 
 
 fVv ;i 
 
 - 687. One accessory cause of the decrease so plainly shown at this particular time, is 
 perhaps to be traced in the great mortality of youn<;, due to unfavourable weather in 
 1876, which would naturally be making itself apparent on the hauling grounds in 1879 or 
 
 1880. (§817.) 
 
 688. It is thus' made evident that the decrease of young wiles, constituting the 
 killable class, had reached such proportions as to hamper the lessees in taking their 
 permitted number of skins, and to disquiet the natives, before the pelagic sealing industry 
 had attained any considerable development, and sanri? years belore it could, under any 
 valid hypothesis, be supposed to be accountable for any such result. Although three or four 
 schooners were tentatively engaged in ])elagic- sealing off the coast of British Columbia in 
 the years 1879-83, till the year I8b3 the 'ilect did not include nine schooners in all, and 
 the first of these schooners did not enter Behring Sea until 1884. 
 
 689. The United States' sealing fleet, in the corresponding years, was of similar small 
 dimensions, and, though one vessel is known to itave sealed in Behring Sea as early as 
 
 1881, the aggregate pelagic catch was, coraparativel/ speaking, so small in these years, 
 that it may safely be left out of consideration. 
 
 690. Of these persons questioned by us, almost all who possessed a familiarity with 
 the PribyloiF Islands, including several who hod prbviously been connected with the 
 Alaska Commercial Company, were, in 1891, found ready to admit that in 1885 and 1886 the 
 decrease in the number of seals to be found on the islands, and particularly that of killable 
 seals, had become very striking. It was not, however, till 18S8, that the existing state of 
 affairs found some recognition in the official reports, when Dr. H. H. Mclntyre, then 
 agent for the lessees on the islands, admitted to the Congressiooiil Committee on the 
 Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska that the seals had decreased since 1882, and that it had 
 become difficult to obtain the full quota of marketable skins, adding : " There are at 
 present, in my opinion, too few bull seals to keep the rookeries up to their best con- 
 dition."* 
 
 691. In the years 18S6, 1887, and 1888, the annual pelagic catch in Behring Sea 
 probably did not exceed 17,000, being thus less' than one-fifth of the slaughter upon 
 tlie islands ; and even if it be admitted, for the sake of argument, that the killing of this 
 nun\ber at sea was more injurious than that of a like number on shore, such alleged 
 injurious ert'tct could scarcely have br^un to make itself apparent on ttie rookeries (or 
 three or four years aAer it took place. 
 
 6j2. The conditions obtaining oc the Pribyl(<ff Islands in the last three years huve 
 been so fully referred to in the present report, and in various reports made by the officers 
 in charge, that they scarcely require detailed recapitulation in this particular connection. 
 In 1889, Mr. C. J. Goft' reported an alarming shrinkage in ihc rookeries and hauling 
 grounds; and though the full <|uota was obtained, this was only done by lengthening the 
 killing season to the end of July, and greatly lowering the standard size of seals killed. 
 In 1890, being the first year of the North American Conunercial Company's lease of the 
 islands, the number to be killed, in view doubtless of Mr. Goti's previous report, which has 
 not been published, was reduced to 60,000. But killing was stopped by Mr. Goff, in 
 charge of the islands, at the usual date of the 20th July, at a time when, in consequence 
 of the scarcity of killable seals, only about one-third of that number had been secured. 
 In the same year Mr. Elliott re-examined the islands, and though his report has like- 
 wise remained unpiiblisheJ, a summary of his conclusions has appeared, from which 
 citations have alreitciy been made. He states clearly that the injury to the rookeries, he 
 now believes, " set in from the beginning, twenty years ago, an k'v the present system. "f 
 
 693. In 1891, the result of our own examinations, as x.^U ns the evidence collected 
 by us from all available sources, lead us to believe thai ni\e at least of the breeding 
 rookeries are in a better rondition than in the previous year, while in none of them is any 
 further deterioration noticeable — a circumstance whidi fully justifies the action taken in 
 restricting the catch in 1890, and clearly indicates that tlie rookeries, however reduced in 
 numbers, possess an abundance of recuperative energy. 
 
 
 
 '■ 
 i. 
 
 [i 
 
 , \ - 
 
 ! 
 
 ;•■ I-.' 
 
 3883 
 
 (C.) — Standard Weiyhls of Skins taken, 
 
 694. Clo&cly connected with the foregoing notes, and of interest in showing that the 
 required number of young male seals has not been killed of late years upon these islands 
 ^Nithout great detrin^ent to their ^eal life, is the fact that the standard of weight of skins 
 
 * lloiuo orR<|>r«s«ntativ«>r. SOlli CoiicreM, 2ii(1 Scekion, iltport No. 3883, pp. IIG to 119. 
 t I'arliiiir.cntaiy I'.iner PC— 61(8], t.oivloii, 1S91, p. 67. 
 [306] ) 1 - J g 
 
120 
 
 i 1 
 
 i; 
 
 ^ 
 
 has been from time to time lowered so as to enable younger animals to be taken, and that 
 even many yearlings were included in 1889. 
 
 695. In 1890, the Government tax was suddenly raised from 2 dol. 25 c. to 
 10 dol. 25 c. the skin under a new lease, and it became at once no longer proKtabic to 
 take very small skins. It was in part in consequence of this, and in |virt as a direct result 
 of the complete sweep of the killable seals ntade in 1889, the last year of the expired 
 lease, that the e.\tremely unfavourable showing in 1800 was due. Continuous killing had 
 left very few young seals to come , forward to properly killable ages in 1800; and thus 
 Mr. Goff notes that, of the seals returning to tiie islands in that year (besides those 
 actually on the breeding rookeries), nearly all were the young of the preceding year. 
 
 696. This lowering of the standard weight of skins appears to have commenced as 
 early as 18S3; for, in 1888, Dr. H. H. Mclntyre says: "In 1883 the sizes decreased, 
 and have constantly decreased ever since. Last year they sent an urgent appeal to take 
 larger skins, as the sizes were running down ; but we were unable to respond, and during 
 the present year the catch averages still smaller in size." * 
 
 097. From information obtained from trustworthy sources on the PribylofF Islands, it 
 appears that the reduction in the standard weight of accepted skins was well known and 
 recognixed there in 1880 and 1887; and that from 1888, inclusive, many .').lb. skins 
 were taken, and all 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year old seals were accounted marketable; whiie in 
 1889 about 40,000 very small skins were taken to complete the quota, averaging probably 
 about 4 lbs., and in somo cases running down even to 3^ lbs. 
 
 6?)8. Thus, ari'v-ng at this conclusion from the known weight of skins of seals of 
 various ages, it appears that, in 1889, even yearling seals were killed in large numbers. 
 One noteworthy esult of such killing re(|uires special mention, i.e , that in consequence 
 of the recognized great difficulty (amounting in most cases to absolute impossibility) of 
 distinguishing virgin females fiom young males of corresponding size, it is quite certain 
 that large numbei-s of females as well as males must have fallen under the club in these 
 years of reduced standards, and that the protection supposed to be aftbrded to females 
 by the methods employed on the islands was, in consequence, necessarily rendered largely 
 fictitious. 
 
 699. Referring specially to the catch of 1890, Mr Goff writes: " riiere have been 
 no 2-year.olds of an average size turned away this season; they were all immediately 
 clubbed to swell the season's catch. "t 
 
 700. Thus, even excluding the extreme case aft'oidsd by the year 1889, it is apparent 
 that all male seals except yearlings and full-grown seacatchie, together with many 
 virgin females, have, on the breeding islands, been considered fair game by the sealers 
 for several years past, and, with this circumstance in mind, the cause of the dearth of 
 males upon the rookeries is not far to seek. Not contcn*. with taking the young males 
 at the year, or within the period of two year? in wliich the skins are most valuable, the 
 killing was carried back into the more nuuierous ranks of the very young animals upon 
 which the su|)ply of suitable skins or future yea's depended, while, at the same time, 
 other nmles, which had escaped previous shiufjhter, and become too old to afford first- 
 class skins, were not allowed to take their phces upon the breeding grounds, but were 
 also killed to increase the catch. 
 
 701. The facts above cited afford a connected train of evi'lence, showing the gradual 
 reduction and deterioration in condition of seal-life upon the Pribylott' Islands, altogether 
 apart from the estimates of the total number of seals made at various times, and as we 
 believe of a more trustworthy character than these. 
 
 702. As to the comparative conditions in tiic years 1890 or 1801 with that of the 
 early years of the United States' control of the islands, no accurate information can be 
 given. The result of our investigations and study of" the subject in all its bearings 
 leads tis, however, to believe that the aggregate numbers given for these earlier years have 
 been greatly in excess of the facts, and that while the latest estimates published may not 
 ho too small, the total amount of shrinkage has been very greatly exaggerated by means of 
 comparisons instituted between these and the excessive estimates of earlier times. Because 
 of this wiint of trustworthiness in the first estimates, therefore, any present estimates of a 
 general character, however Crtrefully made, and though interesting in themselves, cannot 
 be accepted as criteria of value in relati(m to the question of the actual amount of decrease, 
 
 703. The ease with which fictitious reports may be built u|) on imperfect or ill-con- 
 sidered ex parte evidence is illustrated by a remark made by Elliott, who writes : " I noticed 
 in this connection a very queer similarity between the sealers on St. Paul and our farmers 
 
 • '• I'iir-»Ml Fislierifg oC Alnska," Home of Reincscntativc!!, 50lli ("oiigiesK, 2(id 8.»sii"«, l(('|Ki't No. £8S1, 
 )•. UN 
 
 t S''iiHte, I-jX. Duo, No. 40, /ilit Congregs, 'im\ Hestioii, |). .'i. 
 
121 
 
 at home ; they, just as the season opeiivS, invariably prophesy a bad year for seals and a 
 scant supply ; then, when the season closes, they will gravely tell you that there nover 
 were so many seals on the island b .rorc. I was greeted in this manner by the agents of 
 the Company and the Government in 1872, .igain in 1873, and a^ain in 1874. I did not 
 get up to the grounds in ]87<3 soon enough to hear the usual s|H-ing crooking of disaster; 
 hut arrived, however, in time to hear the regular cry of, ' Never was so many seals here 
 before!'"* 
 
 u ; 
 
 {D.]— Driving of Seals. 
 
 704. One of the most important points connected with the method of taking fur-seaU 
 on the Pribyloff Islands, is that of the driving from the various hauling ground?) to the 
 killing grounds. However safeguarded or regulated, the method of driving fur-seals 
 overland for considerable distances must be both a cruel and destructive one. Active and 
 graceful as a tish in the water, the fur-seal is at best clumsy and awkward in its movements 
 on land, and though it is surprising to note at how good a pace it can, when forced to do 
 so, travel among the rocks or over the sand, it is also quite evident that this is done at the 
 expense only of great efli'ort and much vital activity, as well as at serious risk of physical 
 injury. A short shutHing run is succeeded by a period of rest, and when undisturbed, all 
 movements on shore are carried out with the utmost deliberation and frequent stoppages. 
 Hut when a herd of seals, half crazed with fright, is driven for a distance of a mile or more 
 from the hauling ground to some killing place, already pestdential with the deeaying 
 carcasses of seals ])reviously killed, it unavoidably, and however frequently the animals 
 may be allowed to rest, entails much suffering. When the weather is at all warm, or when 
 the seals are pressed in driving, individuals frequently drop out and die of exhaustion, 
 others again are smothered by the crowding together of the frightened herd, and it is not 
 infrequent to find some severely wounded by bites ruthlessly inflicted by their companions 
 when in a high state of nervous tension. It appears also, from information obtained 
 on this subject, that in warm weather seals, during a drive, occasionally pass into a state 
 of violent spasmodic activity, which is aimU isly maintained till death ensue ;. Under such 
 circumstances, drives have not infrequently had to be abandoned. 
 
 «05. On St. Paul Island, the longest drives now practised are those from Polavina to 
 the vicinity of the salt-house near Rocky Point, and fron) Tols'.oi to the village killing 
 grounds. These are about equal in length, and each not much less than two miles. On 
 St. George, the longest diives are from the Great Eastern Rooktry and from Starry Arteel 
 Rookery to the village killing grounds, each being n' )Ut three miles in length, the 
 time occupied in driving being from four to six hours, . urding to the wcatlier. Under 
 the Russian regime much longer drives were n)ade, and in tlie cmlailnuiit of these a very 
 considerable improvement has been efi'ected, but the essentially injurious features of the 
 drive remain* the same. 
 
 706. Oji Behring Island, of the Conmiander group, the drives are sliort, the longest 
 being about one and a-half miles, from the Soutli Rookery. On Copper Island, on the 
 contrary, the drives generally extend across the island, and are from three to four miles 
 long, very rough, and crossing one or more intervening steep rid§es. These drives must 
 be much more trying to tiic seals than any now made upon the Pribylofl' Islands, and 
 are, in fact, only rendered possible by extreme ciuition on the part of the drivers, and by 
 the expenditure of much time. 
 
 707. If it were possible to drive only those seals which it is intended to kill, little 
 exception could be taken to the method of driving in the absence of any better method, but 
 the mingling of seals of varied ages ui)on the hauUng grounds Iroin which the drivis ire 
 taken, even under the original and more favourable conditions of former years, renders it 
 necessary to drive to the killing place many seals either too young or too old to be killed. 
 It is sometimes possible to "cut out" from the diives many of these unnecessary 
 individuals en route, and great care is exercised in this respect on the Commander Islands, 
 though little appears to have been practised on the Prihyloll' Islands. 
 
 708. It admits of no dispute tlint a very considerable inijiairinent of the vital energy 
 of seals thus driven, and eventually turned away from tiie killing grounds, occurs, alto^a-thcr 
 apart from the certainty that a proportion of such seals receive actual physical injuries of one 
 kind or another, but this appeareil to lu;vc been recognized on the Pribyloff Islands only 
 within the past two or three years. The circumstance which has called particular 
 attent.on to this source of injury to seal life is the greatly increased proportion of ineligible 
 
 ' : 
 
 [''H)5] 
 
 United Stales' Ceniut Ke|ioi't, p. 169. 
 
 K 2 
 
jj v.iiiu 1^ :lj<;c 
 
 122 
 
 ■! 
 
 which have now to be driven up in company with the diminishing quota of 
 " killables." It is unnecessary to quote authorities at length on this subject, but n single 
 citation from Mr. Goff's Report of 1890 will be sufficient to show its general character. 
 Mr. Goff writes : — 
 
 "We opened the season by a drive from Reef rookery, and turned away over 
 83^ per cent, when we should have turned away about 1.5 per cent, of the seals driven, 
 and we closed the season by turning away 86 per cent., a fact which proves to every 
 impartial mind that we were redriving the yearlings, and considering the number of skins 
 obtained, that it was impossible to secure the number allowed by the lease, that we were 
 merely torturing the young seals, injuring the future life and vitality of the breeding 
 rookeries, to the detriment of the lessees, natives, and Government."* 
 
 709. In other words, many of the seals turned from the killing ground on one 
 occasion, return eventually to the liauling-grounds, and may thus be driven and redriven 
 throughout the entire killing season, if they do not meanwhile succumb under the strain. 
 
 710. Owing to the restriction imposed on the killing of seals in 1891, we were 
 ourselves able to witness the effect of two small drives only, one on St. George, the other 
 on St. Paul. Both these drives were made from the grounds nearest to the village killing 
 places, and were therefore short. Theweather was favourably cool, and the actual driving 
 from the rookeries to the vicinity of the killing ground was accomplished with all requisite 
 care and deliberation. Notwithstanding this, the seals were in both cases evidently very much 
 exhausled and completely witless from fear. The animals let go from the killing grounds 
 at St. George set out, when released, in small groups towards the shore, not far off, but 
 from weakness were unable to go more than u few yards at a time ; while some of them, 
 notwithstanding their terror, were unable to keep up with the rest, and simply lay helpless 
 upon the ground. On drawing the attention of one of the gentlemen superintending the 
 killing to this, he remarked that it was nothing unusual, that, in fact, they not infrequently 
 remained thus in the immediate vicinity of the killing ground for several days before 
 recovering. 
 
 711. Much the same observations were made in the case of a drive on St. Paul 
 Island, but it was noticed here that 100 or 200 of those set free, after slowly making their 
 way for 500 or 600 feet, remained in an exhausted condition upon the grassy bank over- 
 looking the northern end of Zoltoi sands, and, on the evening of the following day, many of 
 them were still lying together at the same place without having made any effort to reach 
 the sea, which was not over 200 feet distant. 
 
 71V. Incidental proof of the disastrous effects of driving may be seen along any of the 
 routes ordinarily taken in the significant frequency of skeletons and bones around each 
 rough and rocky place that has to be passed over in the course of the drive. It is of course 
 difficult, if not impossible, to say with certainty in individual cases, to what extent this 
 ordeal of driving may prove permanently detrimental to the animals driven. It may, how- 
 ever, be worth noting that Veninminov, as long ago as 1 842, quoted the natives as authority 
 for the statement that the seals thus spared "are truly of little use for breeding, lying about 
 as if outcasts or disfranchised."t 
 
 713. Elliott, in his published summary of his investigation on the islands in 1890, 
 gives various reasons for arriving at a similar belief, and sums these up as follows: — 
 
 " Therefore, it now appears plain to me that those young fur-seals which may happen 
 to survive this terrible strain of seven years of driving overland are rendered by this act of 
 driving wholly worthless for breeding purposes ; tliey never go to the breeding grounds 
 :\nd take up stations there, being wholly demoralized in spirit and in body. With this 
 knowledge, then, the full effect of the driving becomes apparent, and that result of slowly 
 but surely robbing the rookeries of a full and sustained supply of fresh young male blood 
 demanded by nature imperatively for their support up to the standard of full expansion. "^I 
 
 Captain lavender. Assistant Treasury Agent, in his Report for the same year, and 
 speaking particularly of St. George Island, adopts a similar view on the matter, saying : — 
 
 " All the male seals driven should he killed, as it is my opinion that not over one-half 
 ever go back upon the rookeries again."§ 
 
 714. Mr. Elliott, in the publication which has just been quoted, further summarizes 
 his ideas as to the causes of the present reduced condition of Pribyloft' Island rookeries in 
 the two following paragraphs : — 
 
 " 1 . From over-driving without heeding its warning first begun in 1 879, dropped then 
 until 18S2, then suddenly renewed again with increased energy from year to year, until the 
 end is abruptly reached this season of 1890. 
 
 * Senate, Ex. Doc. No, 49, il'l Coiigreir, 'h\d SeBsiun, p. 4. 
 t Trankhitioii l)V liliiolt in Unitet! Stitek' Crn^us Iteport, p. HI. 
 I Pb'lianiriitary Fappr [C— 6368 J, .lime I8UI, p. 57. H Ibi<l , 
 
 p. 21. 
 
rl then 
 til tlie 
 
 123 
 
 " 2. From the shooting of fur-seals (chiefly females) in the open waters of the North 
 Pacific Ocean and Behring Sea begun as a business in 1886, and continued to date>^^. 
 
 715. It will be observed, however, that, even according to this statement, the over- 
 driving began, in consequence of marked diminution, some seven years before it is alleged 
 that pelagic sealing " began as a business." 
 
 716. As already indicated, all the evils incident to 'driving' in any form became 
 greatly intensified when, with a diminished number of killable seals, the attempt is still 
 continued to obtain a large yearly number of skins. This occurs not only l)ecause of the 
 driving and redriving above referred to, but also in consequence of the fact, that under 
 sucli circumstances the remaining killables lie very close to the breeding rookeries, 
 so that it is no longer possible to make drives without disturbing the rookeries 
 themselves. Thus, it has occurred that, in late years, considerable and increasing numbers 
 of breeding females have been driven to the killing grounds with the killables, though when 
 recognized there in the process of selecting for killing, they have been released. The 
 probable special effect of such treatment of females, as well as the fact that in the 
 disturbances caused upon the breeding rookeries, a certain number of the young are 
 almost certain to be killed, have been already noted. 
 
 717. Speaking of the years 1872-74, and in connection with the driving of seals, even 
 at that time, Klliott makes the following remarks : " It is quite impossible, however, to get 
 them all of one age without an extraordinary amount of stir and bustle, which the 
 Aleuts do not like to precipitate ; hence the drive will be found to consist usually of a 
 bare majority of three- and four-year-olds, the rest beins two-year-olds principally, and a 
 very few, at wide intervals, five-year-olds, the yearling seldom ever getting mixed up."t 
 
 718. Referring particularly to his experience in 18'J9, Captain Hryaiit writes: " At the 
 close of this period the great body of yearling s.>al8 arrive. These, mixing with the 
 younger class of males, spread over the uplands and greatly increase the proportion of 
 prime skins, but also greatly increase the difficulty of killing properly. Up to this time, 
 there having been no females with the seals driven up for killing, it was only necessary to 
 distinguish ages ; this the difl'erence in size enables them to do very easily. Now, 
 however, nearly one-half arc females, and the slight difference between these and the 
 younger males renders it necessary for the head man to see every seal killed, and only a 
 stron? interest in the preservation of the stock can insure the proper care." + 
 
 719. The meaning of these remarks and their bearing on the possibility of restricting 
 the killing on the islands to males, becomes clear when it is remembered that the external 
 genital organs of the male do not become distinctly obvious till about the third year of its 
 age,§ and particularly so when it is remembered that even as long ago as 1872-74 the 
 " major portion of the catch " consisted of two- and three-year-old seals, || while at other 
 times even yearlings have been killed. 
 
 720. In addition to the injury caused by the physical strain of driving, its 
 probable effect on the mental organization of a naturally timid and somewhat intelligent 
 animal like the fur-seal must be great. The killing grounds themselves are always 
 strewn with the carcasses of former victims in various stages of decomposition, and even in 
 the small drive witnessed by us on St. George Island, the various " pods " of seals, 
 including both those turned away and those killed, were actually driven over and among 
 numbers of putrid bodies, by which the whole atmosphere in the vicinity was inl'cctcd. It 
 is believed, in fact, that this special feature of the driving is responsible to a large 
 extent for the increasing disinclination of the seals to remain upon the breeding islands, 
 a new but not unnatural tendency specially noticed and reported on in regard to the 
 Commander Islands, and evidently still further operative on the Pribylott" Islands. 
 
 721. Ueviewing, then, the subject of driving as a whole, and without laying stress 
 on the more extreme statements which have been made as to its deleterious ett'ects, it 
 is quite evident that even if a small measure of the injury referred to this cause actually 
 happens, the proportion of loss of seals to the whole number of skins obtained on the 
 Pribylotf Islands, due to this one cause, must very considerably add to the waste 
 of abotit 7 per cent,, which is admitted by the official figures. Ttie aggregate loss 
 incurred is thus the result of various causes, which together involve the killing of many 
 seals which ought not to be killed, and it is evident that the methods of driving and 
 killing on the Pribyloff' Islands, as now practised, are susceptible of very threat improve- 
 ment. 
 
 • I'arliainciitiiiy I'lipcr [C— CJtd], Jmiu ISOI, \>. jO. 
 
 f I'nilefl Sink's' CVn-iis l(('|i()rt, p. 7i. 
 
 I " Bull, Mils. Conip. /ool,," vol ii. Part 1, p. lU.'i. 
 
 S " Fishery Industriei o' tin- Uuileil Stalcj," vol. i, p. IW. U I'liitcd Sialrs' CViisih llijiort, p. 7". 
 
 
 r^' 
 
 ■ 
 
 tc' 
 
 
 i ■ 
 
124 
 
 (E.) — Protection of Rookeries from Dhturbance. 
 
 722. Revei-ting to the general question of the uiana^t^ement of the seal industry of the 
 Pribyloff Islands, it is conceded by every one that the most important single mutter is the 
 safeguarding of the breeding rookeries from disturbance of nil kinds. Generally speaking, 
 the system adopted on the islands has this end in view, but in 'addition to the specific 
 disturbance caused in the ways already mentioned, other and uncalled for effects of the 
 sanrie kind have been and are produced in consequence of a certain want of discipline and 
 vigilance. Chief among these is the raiding upon the shores of the islands, which might 
 and should be stopped by efficient protection. This is referred to at greater length 
 below. Some of the means adopted in the government and preservation of the Com- 
 mander Islands have already been alluded to, and nothing is more obvious to any one 
 comparing the conditions on the Pribyloff and Conmiander Islands than the greater 
 efficiency of the general control of the latter. This is particularly notable in the superior 
 discipline maintained among the natives, who, as a direct corollary of their favoured 
 position as participants in the proceeds of the islands, are understood to be entirely at the 
 service and under the orders of the Superintendent on the islands. The appearance of 
 vessels in the otting is reported to hcud-quarters with the utmost promptitude, as noted 
 in the case of our own arrival both on Copper and Behring Islands. The seals are more 
 carefully assorted before being driven to the killing grounds than on the Pribyloff 
 Islands, and the killing of young seals for native food has been prohibited now for seventeen 
 years. A tine of !00 roubles is exacted in the case of each female accidentally killed, with 
 other such similar precautions. The methods taken to prevent the disturbance of seals 
 upon the rookeries by sn»oke have already been alluded to. 
 
 (F.) — Native Interests on the Islands. 
 
 728. The condition (»f the Aleuts of the Pribyloff Islands has undoubtedly been much 
 improved by their connection with the sealing industry, but it is difficult to see on what 
 grounds the special advantages of a material kind afforded to these particular people as 
 distinguished from others of the same race, and partly at the expense of interference with 
 the rights of hunting of those inhabiting the Aleutian Islands, can be advanced as a valid 
 argument in favour of the perpetuation of a commercial monopoly of fur-sealing. The Aleuts 
 on the Pribyloff Islands are not natives of these island? in any true sense, but were bivught 
 thither by the Russians for their own convenience, and to afford the labour necessary for 
 sealing. The actual circumstances of their existence on the islands ai-e unfavourable to their 
 vitality, as evidenced by the fact that the death rate is higher than the birth rate, so that 
 if additions had not been made from time to time from the Aleutian Islands, in conformity 
 with the requirements of the lessees, the number now remaining would be insignificiint. 
 These people are, moreover, now in the majority of cases half-breeds, with often a notable 
 preponderance of "white blood." As it is, the entire population of the Pribyloff Islands, 
 according to the Census of 1890, aniounts to but 303 persons, and therefore the question 
 of their disposition and maintenance cannot be regarded as a very embarrassing one, or one 
 which should be allowed to enter seriously into discussions as to the means appropriate 
 for the pi'eservation of the fur-seal, or into the important questions connected therewith. 
 
 724. It is also clear that the so-called natives of the islands, though under ordinary 
 circumstances provided for in certain respects by the lessees according to legai arrange- 
 ment, have in past times not always been among the first objects of their sohcitude. 
 Many allegations as to the ill-treatment of tlie natives are to be found in the Congressional 
 Reports on the Alaska Commercial Company and on the Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, while 
 a general indictment of the treatment of the natives by the Company by A. P. Swineford, 
 Governor of Alaska, is made so lately as in his Report for the year 1887.* 
 
 726, A single instance, to which it happened that our attention was drawn, may 
 be cited for the pumosc of showing that the natives, even in recent years, received no 
 more than strictly commercial" treatment. This refers to the allowance of coal made 
 to them. The fuel to be obtained on the islands is confined to small quantities of drift- 
 wood, supplemented by seal blubber, or oil from seals or sea-lions, and naturally proves 
 insufficient for the requirements of a long and inclement winter. It was therefore 
 stipulated in the original lease that sixty cords of fire-wood should be furnished annually 
 for the natives on the two islands. For this, 60 tons of coal was afterwards substituted, 
 and the annual allowance for St. Paul Island was fixed at 40 tons. The supply thus 
 
 * Page 31, etteq. 
 
'^jwjwwjiePBjBaB! 
 
 furnished, bcin]^ at the rate of about 1 ton per family each year, was naturally, and even 
 with such small local additions as could be made, insufficient, and when exhausted the 
 jjcople often found it necessary to purchase more coal from the Company, of which the 
 price was fixed at 30 dollars (6/.) per tun ! 
 
 720. This particular abuse has fortunately been remedied under the present lease 
 for in 1890 the amount of coal for St. Paul was increased to 50 tons, aad in 1891 the 
 Government stipuhited that 100 tons should be provided for the same island, where there 
 are now only thirty-ei^jht fainiiieii. The more liberal provision thus made, however, tends 
 to show very clearly hovr- insufficient that previously accorded arstually was. 
 
 
 •V 
 
 (G.)— K«jV/». 
 
 727. In forming an adequate estimate of the number of seals killed from time to time 
 in the North Pacific Ocean, and especially on the Pribylotf Islands, it is necessary to take 
 into consideration the numbers taken by "raids," an absolutely illegal form of seal killing, 
 which has for years past been in active operation. 
 
 728. This form of sealing has distinct historical connection with the original seal 
 hunting of the South i^eas in the latter years of the last and the earlier yia.s of the 
 present centuries. There seal hunting is and was conducted entirely by the crews of vessels 
 liinded on various islands or reefs where seals were to be found, the seals being shot or 
 clubbed on shore, and the skins shipped away in the vessels. 
 
 75i9, Such a form of sealing was-obviously the most destructive that could be devised. 
 The seals are easily berded together on shore by very iew men, and can be driven slowly 
 inland, and there guarded until, if need be, every single one of those thus herded is killed. 
 But in the process of herding them together on the beaches thousands upon thousands of 
 seals around are and must be stampeded, and in their wild rush to the sea not only do 
 they do themselves much physical injury, but they overrun the smaller seals, and especially 
 (ho pups, that chance to lie in tiieir patli. We have our.selves sclmi the evil after* 
 effects of such rushes in the corpsis of pups lying thick along such tracks. Moreover, 
 ill ihi? form of Killing it is usually tiie plan to pay no regard whatever to sex, age, or 
 condition, and certainly females arc not spared. 
 
 /•^(\ Id addition to tl:is, the raiding schooners make an abundant catch along the 
 rookery fronts, wlieie thousands of seals, and especially ot tiemales in inilk, iiabilually 
 disport themselves, and even j)lay Jiround any passing boat. The consequent shooting 
 by ti:e raiders greatly disturbs, scares, and scatters the fumales and males on the breeding 
 luokerics close by. There thus seems to be no limit to the nu;nbers of females and other 
 seals that may be easily taken or destroyed by schooners cruizing close in shore. 
 
 731. Raiding is a purely piratical and illegal form of sealing when carried on along 
 chores over which Governments have extended their sovereignty, and particularly where 
 regulations have been established for the preservation of the fur-seal. 
 
 732. At the present tinie, this illegal and destructive practice is carried on in various 
 parts of the South Seas — for instance, in a paper by Mr. T. R. Chapman on "The Outlying 
 Islands south of New Zealand," contained in the transactions of the New Zealand Institute 
 for 1890, though it is stated that the fur-seal is now very scarce on these islands ; the 
 operations of seal poachers are leferred to in connection with the Auckland Islands, 
 Campbell Lsland, Antipodes Island, and the Hounty Islands. Tlie naiie "ixjacher" is 
 here applied to sealers killing on the islands, in contravention of tlic laws of New Zealand. 
 Some of the men thus referred to come from New Zealand itself, but the only vessel 
 specifically alkuicd to in IHSJ) is the "Sarah A. Hunt,'' a seal-poacher from America 
 (p. 512). 
 
 733. Again, in the Straits of Magellan, the British Vice-Consul at Sandy Point 
 reports in April lb89, that the United States' schooners pay no attention to tlie inter- 
 diction on sealing enacted by the Chilean Government. Indeed, the frequent presence ol 
 sealing-vessels, most of them hailing from ports in the New England States of North 
 America, is a matter of much concern to the different Governments now endeavouring to 
 preserve the seals in these waters. 
 
 7M4. There has been wholesale and most destructivs raiding on Robben Island, atid 
 other islands in the Ukotsk and Japanese Seas; and there have been persistent and 
 more or less successful raids made on the rookeries both of the Commander and Pribylotf 
 groups. 
 
 735. In recent times, in the North Pacific Ocean, the greatest instance of tlie revival 
 of this form of seal hunting occurred during the inteival of the transference of the 
 PribylofT Islands fron) Russian to American control.^ Soine vessels equipped for the 
 
 { ' 
 
 II 
 
126 
 
 purpose at once visited these celebrated . islands and landed sealing parties. Various 
 Companies of United States' sealers occupied the islands in 1868, chief among them bands of 
 Connecticut sealers, all of whom entered into armed combination to drive olf the sealers 
 under Pfliigel, who had come up from the Sandwich Islands to raid. I'he general result 
 was that at least 75,000 skins were secured in 1867, 242,000 in. 18C8, and 87,000 ia 
 1869, or a total of move than 400,000 skins in these three years. 
 
 786. It is necessary for our present purpose to review the details only of raids made 
 or attempted on the Prihyloff Islands since the United States' Government leased these 
 islands to the Alaska Commercial Company, and this Company took formal possession 
 under established Reji;ulaliuns ia 1870. 
 
 737. The cxistine; records are irregular, often insufficient, and frequently consist of 
 mere allusions or indirect testimony. It is, therefore, probable that but a small proportion 
 of the whole number of raids have actually been recorded, but the notices, such as they 
 are, amply indicate what has been doing. In September 1870, the Secretary of the 
 Treasury "gave written authority to the Company to use fire-arms in protecting the 
 rookeries against marauders. 
 
 738. Between 1871 and 1880 several actual raids were reported, one of the earliest 
 being one by the " Cygnet," of San Francisco, caught on the 80tli August, 1874, shooting 
 seals close to Otter Island, and which raided the rookeries at Zapadnie, St. George Island, 
 on the 1st September, 1874, and again in 187.'>. In July 1 875, the " San Diego " was 
 seized oft' St. Paul Island witli 1,660 skms taken on Otter Island. On the 21st June, 
 1876, the "Cygnet" and the "Ocean Spray" raided the same rookery. 
 
 739. In 1877, the " Industry" was reported as"hovering around St. Paul Island, and 
 a raid was made on Otter Island. 
 
 739.* In the same year, the revenue-cruizer "Corwin" was instructed specially to 
 look after the seol fisheries. In the Report of her Captain for 1879 occur the following 
 remarks : — 
 
 "In 1877, our first year in these waters, there was a vessel (the schooner 'Industry') 
 about the islands late in Septeniber, which, without doubt, intended to take seals. She 
 touched at St. Gtorge under the plea that she was short of water, but hearing that the 
 'Rush' was still about the islands, left very abruptly without waiting to water ship. 
 I would respectfully state that, in my opinion, it is only necessary that a revenue-vessel 
 should be known to be in these waters during the season for the protection of the islands, 
 that it is not necessary to locate an officer and men from the vessel on Otter Island, and 
 that now — there being two special agents during the season on each island — an occasional 
 visit by them in their boat from St. Paul to Otter Island would be sufficient." 
 
 740. In 1879, the revemie-cruizer "Rush" received her orders "to cruize in the 
 waters of Alaska and among the islands of the Aleutian Archipelago . . . , with a 
 view to protecting the seal-fisheries and sea-otter hunting grounds." 
 
 The Captain reported "that in ,)unc 1879 he landed 3 tons of coal on Otter Island, 
 and left Lieutenant Wyckoff and two men on St. Paul with instructions to proceed to 
 Otter Island as soon as the Company could furnish him with two men and a whale-boat, 
 this same arrangement having been made every year." 
 
 He added that in the end of September (1879), "Lieutenant Wyckoff Kports that 
 (|uite a number of seal would haul ashore at Otter Island during the summer. They were 
 not inclined to stop there, but probably would if there was no one living on the island. 
 He had seen four or five pups which were born there, but later in the season quite a 
 number of young cows came there with the male seals." 
 
 74!l. In 1880, the Captain of the revenue-cruizer "Corwin" reports that he visited 
 St. Paul on the 1 8th September : — 
 
 "Special Aijcnt II. G. Otis informed me that he had visited Otter Island several 
 times during the summer, and that no vessels nor unauthorized parties had been seen 
 anywhere in the vicinity of the seal islands." 
 
 742. In 1880, Mr. Webster, according to his own statement to us, found clubs, 
 hauliiig- hooks, and dead seals on the Great Eastern Rookery, St. George Island, all left 
 there by raiders. 
 
 743. In 1880, the Captain of the revenue-cruizer "Corwin " reported to the Secretary 
 of the Treasury his seizure of the schooner "Leo" in the Arctic for whiskey selling to the 
 Eskimo, adding, "There were also found on board the 'Leo' several persons . . . : five 
 were natives of Kodiak, employed, probably, for the purpose of taking seals aro'ind the 
 seal islands in the fall." 
 
 744. In 1881, the Captain of the revenue-cruizer "Corwin " reported that on the 
 23rd May, at St. Paul Island, " Colonel H. G. Otis, the Special Treasury Agent in chai^, 
 came on board, and, after a consultation with him, it was decided unnecessary to detail an 
 
irP^i^^^W^^^^^;'.*^-; •> '■'■' '< 
 
 m. 
 
 in the 
 with a 
 
 clubs, 
 all left 
 
 oil the 
 chai^, 
 etail an 
 
 197 
 
 officer for duity on Otter Uknd, b% it was believed that tin )ice un St. Patil hland would 
 be ample to protect both islands." 
 
 • 745. In the same report the Captain states that, on the 19th June, 1881, he over- 
 hauled the schooner " Flying Mist " at St. Michael's, and found 25 gallons of whiskey on 
 
 board, " also complete outfit for taking seals, seal clubs for killing them, and salt 
 
 fur preserving their skins, and was apparently on a predatory cruize arouud the seal islands 
 later in the season." 
 
 746. The Captain of the "Corwin" also reports that the Special Treasury Agent oa 
 St. Paul wrote to him that, "on the night of the 8th June (1881) a schooner, supposed 
 from her suspicious movements to be on a predutory mission in these waters, was sighted 
 off the east side of the island bearing in a northerly direction, and next morning at 
 2 o'clock she was discovered by the look-out at East Point standing close in shore. 
 Later in the morning, after the men on shore conmienced moving about, she stood out to 
 sea." On this the Captain remarks: "As parties on board the 'Flying Mist' acknow* 
 ledged to ha;iring been in the vicinity of the seal islands, she was undoubtedly the vessel 
 referred to by Colonel Otis, and our suspicions as to her intentions were confirmed. She 
 had probably been frightened off by seeing men on shore, and would return later in the 
 season when the nights were longer, and endeavour to take seals during the night, and stand 
 off shore before daylieht." Mr. Wardman reports that he noted raids on St George 
 Island in 1881, the nrst being on the 2nd September: "A gap was created in the 
 rookeiy which was not filled that year." Mr. C. A. Williams reported that vessels 
 hunted often around Otter Island, where, in 1881, sixty carcasses were found at one 
 time. 
 
 747. Special Agent D. B, Taylor slates that vessels have been poaching around the 
 islands for years, landing under cover of fog, and that no protection is afforded against 
 their poaching right on the rookeries. He adds that, in 1881, the Company was power- 
 less to protect the seals against marauders ; but that, if a harbour were built and a steam- 
 launch stationed at each island, the protection would be ample. He states that vessels 
 visit the islands, and kill in all 10,000 to 15,000 seals each year.* Treasury Agent 
 Gliddon, there from 1882.^85, reports that the trouble consists in the marauding which 
 takes place every moonlight night. 
 
 748. In 1834, the "Alexander" was captured by the Treasury Agent George 
 Wardman off Starry Arteel rookery, St. George Island, but he reported " he had to 
 release her because he could not hold her, being unable to navigate, and there being no 
 harbour at St. George, permitted of no other course under the circumstances." 
 
 In the same year the " Adele " was captured and sent to San Francisco. 
 
 749. The Captain of the "Corwin" sending in, for 1885, his "general report of 
 
 operations of vessel for the protection of the seal fisheries and sea-olter grounds," 
 states: — 
 
 " Mr. Tingle, the Government Special Agent, with a representative of the Alaska 
 Commercial Company, came on board (11th September, 1885), and both stated that, 
 during the absence of the " Corwin " in the Arctic, vessels hod been cruizing in sight of 
 the islands for the purpose of killing seals ; but anticipating the " Corwin's" return and 
 the heavy weather incident to the lateness of the season, none hr.d been seen within three 
 weeks of that time. These gentlemen estimated that about 16,000 seals bad been killed 
 by the marauding vessels." ' 
 
 750. The Captain proceeds : " In previous Reports I have called the attention of 
 the Department to the importance of greater protection to seal life in Alaskan waters, and 
 especially in the vicinity of the Pribyloff Islands. Last year (1884) the schooner ' Adelo' 
 was seized by an officer connected with this vessel for unlawfully killing seals, and delivered 
 by him to the United States' authorities at San Francisco. Instead of being prosecuted, 
 as provided by section 1066 of the Revised Statutes, she was subsequv^ntly released on 
 technical informalities. 
 
 " The same vessel has pursued her illegal occupation during the past summer, and 
 her release from justice has very generally led to the belief that the seizure of the ' Adele' 
 was an act unwarranted by law. 
 
 " Other vessels had previously been seized tor i!>e same offence, but in no instance 
 has punishment been Inflicted. The Department can readily see what the result will be 
 if this state of affairs bi- allowed to continue. 
 
 " During the year, quite a number of vessels have raided Alaskan waters for seal and 
 
 other fur-bearing animals. 
 
 • • f • f • 
 
 1,3051 
 
 * Houie of Iteprcsenlalive* Report, No. 3888, SOlh C6ag>-CH, 3nd Seirion, p. 58. 
 
 S 
 
 *# 
 
 I ■■ . 
 
 :.:^:'' 
 
 
 ! 
 
 H 
 
 'J 
 
 ' ; 
 
128 
 
 ' i; v<< Rumours are current here that the Aitierioan ComuI nt Viotoria bds ioforiti^ 
 people that they are not prohibited by law fram sealing in Alaska or other waters, provided 
 they kebp more than thrfee lieagues Arotu the shore . '. . . ; all in direct violation Of the 
 Rogvlationa," &c. , ' ; 
 
 ' - The Report for 1886 concludes with the urgent recomiucndntion ','that a reyenuer 
 cutter be sent to cruize in the vicinity pf the Pribyloff Islands and Aleutian group during 
 the sealing season. One vcfisel cannot protect the islands and visit the Arctic Ooeeo 
 i>esides . . ^ . While the cutter is absent in the Arctic, much damage can be done by 
 marauding vessels to the seal islands." 
 
 751. In 1860, Mr. Webster, the Company's agent, with the aid of Lieutenant Lutze 
 and his two men left as guard on Otter Island,' captured three schooners, one the " Adelc." 
 ■In the same year, -Mr. Webster found that the schooners left boats ashore, and the men 
 actually camped in Pirate's Cove, St. George Island, for the purpose of taking seals along 
 tlie shore. Many vessels were seen frequently hovering around the islands. 
 
 752. In 1886, Starry Arteel rookery was raided, and many hundred seals taken. 
 Mr. Moi^an found the carcasses of 800 female seals on the shore, oi well as the cargtt<- 
 hooks used for hnuling them. The raiders actually camped on the beach and werq seen 
 -there by the natives, but it was not discoverad to what vessel they belonged. 
 
 Mr. Tingle,. before tlie House of Representatives' Committee, stated that the '.'San 
 Diego " captured by the "Corwin " in 18S(i had on board 17.5 skins of seals that bad been 
 •clubbed, and some ^kins of pups, showing that d raid had been nuide on St. .GleOrge Island. 
 We also. have sWorn testimony that in 1866 and. 1887 the " Lookout ". raided on thb 
 islands. The "C. S. Fowler" is also mentioned as a known raider. . • . i 
 
 . 753. In 1887, Mr. W^ebster saw as many as from four .to eight schooners in sight, and 
 ^hovering around from 3 to 6 miles off. " Many a night has he walked round with 
 his riQe, and seen their boats out shooting seal. One night in 1887, in a thick fog, boats 
 were shooting away so close to shore as to scare all the seals on the beach." , , ,:,{ 
 
 At St. Paul Ishihd op the 18th, 31st, and 25th July, a schooner was seen shooting 
 seals close along the shore off the North-east rookery. . On the 28th July a. schooner 
 Appeared close to Otter Ishind, the crew ashore killing seals. She proved to be the 
 " Angel Dolly," afterwards captured, because her Captain und one of the citw wejre 
 Bcuidentally wounded. On the 4th August a steam schooner was reported off. North-east 
 Point, and was fired at by the watchmen. She was captured by the .revenu9<<;utter 
 " Rush," and proved to be the " Kate Anna." 
 
 In August the Starry Arteel rookery was raided, but nothing was .known of .th0 
 occurrence until some time afterwards. Mr. Webster found all the unmistakable signs of 
 what had been dpne, either at night or in a fog, but unknown to the authorities. . 
 
 Mr. 'Jingle, Treasury Agent on St. Paul Island in 1887, reported a schooner lying off 
 the Reef Rookery killing seals, and she was represented' to have taken altogether 
 4,800 seals. In his report for 1887, ho strOngly urged that a 20-ton steam-yacht, armed 
 with one gun, should be provided to chase and board the schooners sealing along the 
 islands. . He writes : " Wiiile the ' Rush ' was busy taking care of marauders round 
 St. George, those schooners were killing seals near $t. Paul," being frequently in sight, 
 but beyond the reach of the Treasury Agent. 
 
 754. In 1888, many vessels were seen hovering around the islands. One schooner 
 anchored in broad daylight in S.W. Bay, St. Paul Island, and boldly sent several boatp 
 ashorie. 
 
 755. In 1889 there are several records, especially around St. George Island, of 
 schooners coming along shore, and of strange men being seen on the beachds in 
 September and October. On the 21st November^ a schooner, supposed to be the " Angel 
 Dolly," anchored half-a-mile from the aliore, and sent four men ashore who killed sieals. 
 On the .22nd November at Zapadnie, St. George, the authorities discovered that threp 
 separate landings had been made, and found two clubs, seven dead female seals and, one 
 bull wounded, with buckshot. In the autumn the " Allie Algar" raided on St. George, and 
 procured more than 800 skins. A report in tlie "New York Herald " states that certain 
 members of a schooner's crew boasted that in this year fifteen men, had in five hours of ope 
 night killed . 1,000 seals on St. George. Practical sealers, giving evidence under oath, 
 testified that to their.certain. knowledge in the year 1889 and 1890 raids were made; on the 
 islands by the "George R. White," the " Daniel Webster," the "Mollie Adams," ond tl^e 
 ;».'.Adel€.'V, . . .. .,., .. ' ,. - 
 
 756. In 1890, off t* e North-east rookery, St. Paul Island, oh the I.f)th ftnd Iftth June, 
 there were two schooners hovering,- with boats it>ut. From the 1st to the 4th July 
 the whaling barque "Lydia" was cruizing along close in shore. Mr. Tingle, the 
 Cotnpany's agent, saw a Mat in 9 fog sealing wi^iii 900 yards of the beach ; he fired at 
 
120 
 
 It with bis Hile ; an iiuseen vessel ut once began to blow her fof(-|iorn, the understood 
 signal of recall to all boats out. 
 
 ' On the 28th August a schooner anchored dose to North-east Point, fftist, day 
 the revenue*cruizer " Rush " boarded her. She proved to be the " Kate Anna," but 
 hiid no skins on board. For the next eight days a soitooner was reported off the same 
 rookery, anchoring close in, lowering her boats, und continually shooting seaU within balf-a- 
 utile of the shore. Nothing appears to have been done to stop her, although Colonel 
 Murray afterwards reported that there were any numbrr of dead pups found nt n later date 
 along the beach. In August the schooner " Adele" was boarded and captured, all her 
 crew being ashore raiding. She was brought into the bay. 
 
 The schooner " 0. D. Rand " was taken by the crnizer *' Rush," in North-east Bay. 
 Her Scotch captain, declaring himself to be a member of the Salvation Aniiy, protested he 
 was not and could not be sealing, because it was Sunday. The only evidence given by tb9 
 watchmen on shore was that they "had seen a boat." The schooner was released. .j 
 
 In September 1890 a large while schooner sailed into North-east rookery to land a 
 party. The Aleut watchmen fired four shots from Martini-Henry's across her bow. She 
 retuined about 100 shots and sailed away. 
 
 757. In the same year, on St. George Island, numerous raids or attempts 'vere re* 
 ported. Four distinct attempts were made at Zapadnie rookery. The *■* Helen Blum " and 
 " Unga " failed to secure any seals. The " Flying Dutchman " [" Adele "] secured many 
 skins, and it is actually refiorted that she would have made a great haul but that her crew 
 at the critical moment obtoined access to liquor. One schooner was surprised in the act, 
 and departed leaving 100 females killed on the beach, the skins of which were taken and 
 salted by Mr. Webster, on behalf of the Company, as we were informed by Captain 
 Lavender. On the 17th September no less than three schooners were in the oiling, and 
 one attempted a landing, but retired when fired at by the watchmen. In the same year, it 
 was also reported that one cf the district salt-houses had been broken open by the crew of 
 a vessel, and all the salted skins carried off. 
 
 758. Colonel Murray, the cautious Treasury Agent on St. George, informed us that 
 he had examined the traces remaining of many raids that had taken place, unknown to the 
 authoiities. On one'occasicm he had seen the fresh blood-stained tracks down which the 
 carcasses had been hauled to the boats ; on another, he and his companion, on a fairly dark 
 night, had como across thirteen dead seals, clubbed the night before. They had fired 
 twenty-five shots to warn ofP the raiders, and had noticed, incidentally, that these shots did 
 not in the least disturb the seals around. 
 
 769. In 1891, we found all the resident officials and natives persistent ip their 
 complaints of raids, and their reports of schooners hovering around the shores with intent 
 to raid, and of that being reported especially on foggy days. When we first arrived at 
 St. Paul Island, on the morning of Monday, the 27tb July, the Treasury Agent, Colonel 
 Murray, came off at once in a boat, and besought us to proceed without delay to the North- 
 east rookery, as shots had been heard there repeatedly on the previous day, and at night 
 close along the shore. Major Williams, the Chief Treasury Agent, and Mr. Redpatb, 
 the manager for the Company, had driven over 12 miles to North-east rookery to see what 
 could be done. When we went to the Company's house, Mr. Tingle, the general superin- 
 tendent of the Company, was perpetually working the telephone to North-east rookery and 
 reporting that schooners were there. The vivid impression produced on us at the time 
 was that whatever the actual amount of raiding in progress, both Government and 
 Company were absolutely without proper means to stop it. On the 29th July we saw a 
 brigantine sail boldly right past the settlement, but there were no means at hand either to 
 detain or even to identify her. 
 
 In the late autumn the revenue-cruizer " Bear " remained near the islands for thirty- 
 six days, and then proceeded td coal at Ounalaska ; the day after she left the islands a 
 steam sloop raided the Great Eastern rookery on St. George Island. 
 
 760. Corroborative evidence has been afforded in 1891 by the newspaper corre- 
 spondents who visited Behring Sea. According to their accounts, Captain Alexander 
 Carlson, of San Francisco, had been a persistent raider since 1884. Captain Hansen, in 
 the" Flying Dutchman " [" Adele,"] perpetrated many raids, until his vessel was wrecked 
 last year. In 1891 he wished to obtain a coasting clearance for the *' Borealis," but his 
 dpenly-avowed intention to raid led the Collector of Customs at Victoria to refuse him a 
 clearance to Behring Sea, and he went off to Okotsk Soa. Captain Downs, of the 
 *' Hattie Gage," made a sworn affidavit that his mate Adams, who superseded him when 
 he Was forcibly put ashore^ on the Shumagin Islands, was proceeding:to make raids 
 dn the Pribyloff Islands, and that in 1800 the Captain of the " Hattie Gage" had been 
 
 [306] 
 
 B 2 
 
-.^A^fui^q^i^pij 
 
 ■fviP^i"' VjTi 
 
 130 
 
 relieved of the coniniond because ho refused to make raids ashore. Captain Reilly, of the 
 " Otto," said that if he liad liis owner's permissiun he would willingly make raids. 
 
 761. It will thus be seen that raiding on the Pribyloff Islands has been carried 
 on persistently at least since 18G8, and that from that date the authorities have knowta 
 of the raids, and from the earliest time urgently demanded precautions in prevention. i 
 
 762. The evils of raiding are very great. It is bv fur the most destructive form 
 of sealinff, combining nil the disadvantages and none of the advantages of the other forms. 
 The killmg is chiefly of breeding fcniiiles, as the raiders cannot penetrate far enough 
 inland to obtain tlie young bachelors or immature female seals. Thus, the skins they 
 obtain arc those of females which are either still with pup or are suckling tlieir young. 
 Moreover, the process implies disturbance of the breeding rookeries ; the scaring of the 
 seals during their breeding time, male, female, and young ; and the stampeding of whoI< 
 rookeries, whereby, without doubt, there ensues that great killing of helpless pups which 
 we have already reported we observed in certain rookeries. 
 
 763. We ourselves noticed the great ease with which, under present arrangements, 
 raids might be successfully carried out, and nothing whatever be known to the residents 
 at the moment, while aflrr diflcovery depended merely on accident. Even on the 
 rookeries immediately under the settlements no look-out is kept. For instance, we 
 steamed into the anchorage of the settlement at St. Paul, close past the Zapadnie and 
 Tolstoi rookeries, one bright moonlight night (14th September), and moved early the next 
 morning by daylight round the Oorbotch and Reef rookeries to the other landing, without 
 our presence. becoming known in any way at the settlement. On the outlying rookeries 
 no watch whatever is present, except at North-east Point on St. Paul Island and 
 Zapadnie on St. George Island. All the other rookeries on both islands are, as a rule, 
 absolutely without any watch or guard. On North-cast and Zapadnie rookeries the guard 
 consists of two or three native Aleuts who have rifles, but are instructed not to fire at 
 men. Moreover, we are by no means assured that bribery by money or drink has not been 
 actually practised over some of these distant guards. 
 
 Evidence was afforded of numerous instances of the signs of recent raids being dis- 
 covered, although as to the actual occurrence nothing whatever was known to those iii 
 authority at the time, and we are not at all surprised to see that in recent years the 
 reports that schooners are hovering off the island, anchoring close in, and sending boats 
 ashore, are rapidly growing in frequency. As the prospects of a heavy catch ashore or 
 along the rookery fronts are great, so is the temptation great, especially as chances of 
 detection are few and innocuous, and chances of capture most remote under the present 
 system. 
 
 In short, under present regulations and arrangements, there is no difficulty or danger 
 whatever to vessels raiding along shore any night, cr in any of the frequent fogs at several 
 of the best rookeries, except when a revenue-cruizer chances to be close by, an occasional 
 occurrence well known to every marauding schooner. Moreover, the United States' 
 crui^rs never interfere with "whalers," some of which undoubtedly, at all events, 
 report the movements of the cruizers, forming as it were both watch-houses and store* 
 houses for the raiders, even when they do not themselves engage in actual raiding. 
 
 7(i4. It is, perhaps, needless to reassert that this form of taking seals is entirely 
 illegitimate, and although it is a very severe and disastrous drain en setil life, it is, never* 
 theless, uite for which the national government and the administration are entirely and 
 solely responsible. Tlius, tiie British men-of-war which in 1891 entered Behring Sea for 
 the purpose of assisting in stopping sealing at sea were expressly and properly precluded 
 from taking any step within the ordinary jurisdictional limits around coasts and islands. 
 
 76.5. It may be pointed out that in no case yet has it been shown .. proved that any 
 British vessel ever engaged in raiding on the Pribyloff Islands. 
 
 766. There is no valid reason whatever why the local authorities should not be 
 provided with ample means fur stopping raids. It should be remembered also that the 
 San Francisco sealers have asserted that the possibility of raiding, a most profitable 
 operation, encourages sealers of a certain class to tit out sealing-schooners and enter 
 Behring Sea, and it the local authorities made raiding the great risk that it should be, 
 they would take one practical t'xp towards reducing the number of vessels whioli engage 
 in tiiis illegitimate and most destructive methods of sealing. 
 
 767. WSiile we were visiting the Commander Islands in 1891, we paid special 
 attention to the nieans adopted for preventing raids. The Russian authorities acknow- 
 ledged that the danger was great. At one time, sixteen Cossack soldiers were stationed on 
 each island authorized to fire on all raiders, and at the present time this force consists of 
 thirty-six armed native watchmen under four Cossacks. The Company's trading steftmer 
 
"flpp 
 
 wrfw 
 
 m/m^f' 
 
 'W 
 
 181 
 
 waa Hpeoially autliori/.ed to sci/e sclioouorii wiien hIic hud the proper Government officials 
 oil boHfd, and now n gun-boat is dctuiled to crui/.c round the iilanda during the sealing 
 seaaon. We found the systctn of watching and reporting by the Alcuta tn bo in admirable 
 order. When we Hrst arrived, wo found even the maatheads of the "Pornoiae" and the 
 " Danube " had been reported as having been seen above the fog on the otner aide of the 
 island, and on Copper Island our presence in n bay r(t one end of the island had Iteen at 
 once reported by apecial meKsengcr to the settlement seventeen milea diatant. 
 
 76S. Among measures to this end most frequently advocated ia (hat of having a 
 revcnue-cruizer permanently stationed at the PribylofT Islanda throughout the months of 
 June, July, August, and September. But we found, in 1801, that the revenue>cruizers 
 were ofteo far distant from the seal islands, perhaps in Iliuliuk Harbour, waiting for mails 
 or coals, or awuy cruizing arouiu! Nunivak or St. Matthew Island, or on duty as 
 St. Michael's or other distant points. We also noticed that, in the frequent fogs and 
 the dark loom of the land, schooners can very easily elude even the sharpest look-out 
 from seaward. In our opinion, the most effectual, as well as the most economical, method 
 of guarding against raids would be to hnve an armed police force with details permanently 
 on guard near each rookery, and with specific orders to fire on oil persona landing or 
 taking seals. The rookeries are limited in number, and moderately well defined in area, 
 and could easily be thus defended with effect. « 
 
 769. Wo would also point out that, in so fur as disturbance of seals is concerned, it 
 would be well if greater restriction was placed on the number of persons allowed to visit 
 the rookeries and the outlying islands. We found that Walrus Island waa regarded 
 practically as a shooting resort for all Government officials and all officers of Government 
 ships. Again, when on the 4th August wo went in a 8team*launeh from St. Paul 
 anchorage quietly to note whether there were any seals on Otter Island a revenue-cruizer 
 happened to come in, and while we were proceeding dead-slow along the shore carefully 
 looking for seals she landed a boat's crew, and the officers at once began with shot-guns 
 and revolvers shooting at the foxes and sea-fowl on shore. 'J'his appears to be a common 
 practice in nil years, and is quite sutHcient of itself to scare all seals from these particular 
 islands. We might here also mention that the day before we paid oikr first visit to the 
 North-east Rookery (on the 5th August), American officers had been driving up and 
 shooting sea-lions there for scientific purposes. 
 
 770. In regard to the practical effect of these raids on the total catch of seals, 
 it would appear that, from the r.nnual recorded totals of the American catch landed from 
 schooners, very material deductions must be made and transferred to the annual total catch 
 on the Pribyloff Islands as being the result of operations on and around the rookeries on 
 the 'Pribyloff Islanda, and forming, therefore, properly speaking, no part of the pelagic 
 catch, it is not possible, owing to the scantiness of records kept on the islands, to 
 Estimate precisely the total numbers of seals thus killed. It is certain, however, that raids 
 constitute a very material drain on the seal life of the Pribyloff Islands, probably 
 amounting in some years to many thousand seals ; that the practice involves the barbarous 
 slaughter of very large numbers of females and pups of immature growth ; and that it is 
 an evil for which the remedy is extremely simple and easy of application, consisting 
 merely of the most rudimentary police arrangements for insuring the execution of the 
 local laws. 
 
 K- 
 
 ! ■ 
 
 V. — Number of Fur-Sbals Killed tfon tbb Pkibtlopf Islands. 
 
 771. While the foregoing account of the methods of Control and the manner in which 
 seal killing has been and is conducted on the Pribyloff Islands shows that the official 
 returns cannot absolutely represent the whole annual slaughter, these returns are of 
 great interest for the purpose of instituting general comparisons as between the amount of 
 the killing in various years, and particularly in their bearing on the fact of the unpre- 
 cedented character of the draft which has been continuously made on the seal life nf the 
 islands since they passed under the control of the United States, which has already been 
 referred to at length. Much cart has Seen given to the compilation of the subjoined 
 table, which, it will be remarked, does not represent either the number of accepted skins 
 actually got in each year or the shipments of such skins actually made, but is intended 
 to show, as far as the returns admit, the whole number of seals killed according to the 
 official count. The unrecorded causes of loss and waste would, of course, add considerably 
 to the figures actually given : — ,, 
 
132 
 
 Table showing the Number of Fur-seals killed on the Pribyloff Islands in each year, 
 
 from 1817 to 1891. 
 
 
 Number of 
 
 Number r.f 
 
 
 Number of 
 
 Number of 
 
 Ycnr. 
 
 Stnls 
 
 Pup« 
 
 Ye»r. 
 
 Senh 
 
 Pups 
 
 
 killed. 
 
 killed. 
 
 
 killed. 
 
 killed. 
 
 1817 
 
 60,188 
 
 
 1856 
 
 8.585 
 
 
 1818 
 
 69,856 
 
 
 1866 
 
 23,560 
 
 
 1819 
 
 62,225 
 
 
 1857 
 
 21,082 
 
 
 ir,20 
 
 50,220 
 
 
 1858 
 
 31,810 
 
 
 1821 
 
 44,095 
 
 
 1959 
 
 32,000 
 
 
 1822 
 
 36,469 
 
 
 1860 
 
 21,590 
 
 
 1823 
 
 29,878 
 
 
 1861 
 
 29,699 
 
 
 1824 
 
 25,400 
 
 
 1862 
 
 34,294 
 
 
 1825 
 
 30,100 
 
 
 1863 
 
 25,000! 
 
 
 1826 
 
 23.250 
 
 Includes 
 
 1864 
 
 26,000 ? 
 
 
 1827. 
 
 19,700 
 
 1865 
 
 40,000 ? 
 
 
 1828 
 
 23,228 
 
 pupR. 
 
 1866 
 
 42,000? 
 
 
 1829 
 
 20,811 
 
 
 1867 
 
 75,000 
 
 
 1830 
 
 18,034 
 
 
 1868 
 
 242,000* 
 
 
 1831 
 
 16',034 
 
 
 1869 
 
 87,000 
 
 
 1833 
 
 16,44'? 
 
 
 1870 
 
 23,773 
 
 
 1833 
 
 IC,412 
 
 
 1871 
 
 97,002 
 
 ^ 
 
 1834 
 
 16,751 
 
 
 1872 
 
 101,698 
 
 
 1835 
 
 6,580 
 
 
 1873 
 
 101,555 
 
 
 1836 
 
 6,590 
 
 
 1874 
 
 107,932 
 
 
 1837 
 
 6,802 
 
 
 1876 
 
 101,249 
 
 
 1838 
 
 6,000 
 
 
 1876 
 
 89,478 
 
 
 1839 
 
 6.000 
 
 
 1877 
 
 77.95(1 
 
 Average 
 annual killing 
 
 of about 
 * 4,600 pups 
 
 1840 
 1841 
 
 8,000 
 8,000 
 
 
 1878 
 1879 
 
 101,394 
 106,908 
 
 1842 
 1843 
 
 10,370 
 11.240 
 
 
 1880 
 1881 
 
 100,634 
 101,734 
 
 1844 
 
 11,924 
 
 
 1882 
 
 101,736 
 
 not 
 included. 
 
 1845 
 
 13,637 
 
 
 1883 
 
 77,063 
 
 1846 
 
 15,070 
 
 
 1884 
 
 101,013 
 
 
 1847 
 
 17.703 
 
 
 1886 
 
 101,509 
 
 
 1848 
 
 14,650 
 
 
 1886 
 
 100,772 
 
 
 1849 
 
 21,450 
 
 
 1887 
 
 100,795 
 
 
 1860 
 
 6,770 
 
 
 1888 
 
 100,450 
 
 
 1851 
 
 6,564 
 
 
 1889 
 
 100,135 
 
 
 1852 
 
 6,726 
 
 
 1890 
 
 20,995 
 
 Not including 
 
 1853 
 
 18,035 
 
 i 
 
 
 pups 
 
 1854 
 
 20.146 
 
 ! 1891 
 
 12,071 
 
 • • 
 
 Approximate, probably 270,000 if St. George Island be included. 
 
 Total Shipments of Sl<ins (by periods) made by (he Russian American Company and the 
 
 succeeding Alaska Commercial Company. 
 
 Includrs »ome (kins iVom the Commander Islands and elsewhci e— Skiiis. 
 
 ]tu»sion>Americon Com))anv (and Antecedent United American Company), 
 
 1799 to 1821 (both inclusive), 23 yenrs.. .. .. .. 1,232,374 
 
 (Elliott, Census Report, p. 70.) 
 Itussian-Amerioau Company (second period), 1882 to 1841 (boUi inclusive), 
 
 aOyenis .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 458,602 
 
 (Bancroft, p. 563, from Techminoff; Elliott, Census Kcport, 
 p. 70.) ■ 
 Russian-American Company (third period), 1842 to 1861 (both inclusive), 
 
 20years .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 338,600 
 
 (Bancroft, p. 582, from Techminoff.) 
 Pribyloff Iilands alone— 
 
 Interregniun (1862 to 1867), being yean between last term of Russian* 
 
 American Company and period of United States' control (about) . . 242,204 
 
 (See Table of annuo! killing.) * 
 
 In 1868 there were taken about .. ,. ,, ,. .. 340,000 
 
 (Elliott, Census Report, p. 70.) 
 In 1869 there were taken about .. .. ,, ,. .. 87,0C0 
 
 (Elliott, Census Report, p. 70.) 
 Alaska Commercial Compaiiy, 1870 to 1880 (both ineluiive), 20 yrars . . 1,840,364 
 
 (I'orlianiciitorv rnpcr 'V, 6868], p. 45.) 
 
 'Total, 'V90 to 1889 (91 yean) .. .. .. 4,439,184 
 
 Average annual shipment of skins . . .. ., ,. ,, 48,783 
 
'iW*!i"J«5i.'M-'s.W4MS 
 
 W^ 
 
 MMPM 
 
 189 
 
 Sources of Information Utilized in the above Ta'-les. 
 
 773. 1786. Shelikoff (quoted by Baacroft, vol. xxxiii, p T92) states tliat 40,000 
 skins were secured ia the first year of hunting. 
 
 773. 1787 to 1806. Taking Resanoff's estimate of total killing of seals on Pribyloff 
 Islands to 1806 at 1,000,000, the annual killing durins; this period seems to have averaged 
 about 50,000, though known to have been irregular from year to year. 
 
 774. 1807 to 1816. In 1817 Veniaminov's account of number of seals killed on 
 Pribyloff Islands begins. No exact data have been found for the years between 1806 and 
 that date, but from the fi<;ures qnoted in Bancroft's History (vol. xxxiii, p. 418) from 
 Materialui Istor Russ, a rough approximation may b3 arrived at of annual kilhngs in 
 Behring Sea from 1 745 to 1822, a period extending from the beginning of sealing for 
 seventy-six years. The total number of skins obtained in this period was, according' to 
 tiie above figures, 2,324,36 4. Deducting from this Veniaminov's figures for seals killed on 
 the Pribyloff Islands from 1817 to 18'/2 (both inclusive), the number remaining for the 
 years 1746 to 1816 (both inclusive) is 2,056,880, or an average of 28,970 per annum. 
 This of course includes skins taker on the Commander Islands, with some obtained 
 from natives in trade elsewhere. It also includes the years 1745 to 1785 antecedent 
 to the discovery of the Pribyloff Islands, during wiiich it is known that more than 
 1^3,000 fur-seal skins were obtained, chieHy from the Commander Islands (Bancroft, 
 pp. 111-191). It, however, does not include seals killed for food on the Pribyloff 
 Islands, and of which the skins were not kept. It thus appears probable that, allowing 
 the differences in opposite senses to off°set each other, the total average annual killing oo 
 the Pribyloft' Islands from 1807 to 1816 (both inclusive) was not far from 30,000. 
 
 Another approximate value for the killings in the«e years may be obtained from 
 Techminoff 's figures, which are official, and are quoted by Elliott. 
 
 Techminoft' gives the total shipments for the years 1708 to 1821 (both inclusive) as 
 I, '232,374,* Elliott states that about 5,000 of this amount each year came from the 
 Commander Islands. Deducting these and also the skins accounted for by Veniaminov 
 for 1817 to 1821 (both inclusive), the ave>'nge annual product in skins from the Pribyloff 
 Islands is found to be 44,40S. The period thus accounted for includes only nine years 
 antecedent to the pferiod beginning with 1807, which it is wished to bridge. It is probably 
 nearer the fact for these year-> than the foregoing estimate, with which it, however, agi-ees 
 fairly well. It also tallic:: well with the earlier years of Veniaminov's table. TechminofTs 
 figures do not include seals killed for food ur otherwise of which the skins were not kept, but 
 it is scarcely probable, even including these, that the average annual killing on the Pribyloff 
 Islands for the yer^rs in question reached 50,000. It may reasonably be assumed to have 
 been between 45,000 and 50,000, or, say, 47,500. As in the years before 1807, the number 
 killed from year to year is, however, known to have been irregular. 
 
 775. 1817 to 1837. The figures for these years are Veniaminov's, as ascertained by 
 Mr. Elliott from an inspection of Shisenckoff's journal, and includes pups in the numbers 
 given for 1835-36. It may, therefore, probably be assumed that pups are included 
 throughout. 
 
 776. 1838 to 1860. The figures for these years are taken from the Correspondence 
 relating to Fur-seal Fisheries, printed in Washington in 1890. 
 
 777. 1861. Bancroft's total for years 1842-61 (both inclusive) is 338,600. The 
 total for years 1842-00 (both inclusive) is .'108,901. This being deducted from total for 
 1842-61 gives the number of seals taken in IStil. 
 
 778. 1862. Elliott (p. 165) gives the total catch for 184>J-62 (both inclusive) as 
 372,804. Bancroft's total for 1842-61, 335,600, being deducted from this sum gives the 
 number of seals taken in 1862. 
 
 779. 1862 to 1867. Both inclusive, being years of interregnum between last term of 
 Russian American Company and United States' control of Pribyloff Islands, have been 
 filled hypothet'cally by blliott, who explains that, guided by inform:>tion obtained from the 
 natives, he has proportioned the number of skins in tho salt-iiouses on the islands in 1867 
 (40,000 to 48,000) back to the latest figures given by Techminoff (1861). Tho figures 
 for these years are therefore far from satisfactory. A more complete examination of the 
 subject has enabled moderately exact figures to be obtained for 1861 and 1862, as 
 explained above, while Bryant gives the num')erfor 1867 as 75,000 (Alhn, " Monograph of 
 North America Pinnepcdia," p. .180) ; hut for tho years l«r>3 to 1S6'5 Klliott's approximate 
 estimates nnist still be taken. It is to be presumed that these figures represent only 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 ■■i 1 
 
 
 * l).-iiicrori, however, givPK th'> figures tor 1799 to I8'il (both ineluiivc) a« 1,767,340 (p. 4IS). ftnd no 
 ex|ilaniMion \\m Iwrii found of litis diiorepnncy. 
 
Kf?^:»»Trr-fi*-^.'jf-.-;fTrr:E»iP7*?f': >•"■ ■'^^ v.* 
 
 tu 
 
 n 
 
 II arketable 8kin«, not iDcIuding pup skins and other rejected skins. As confirmatory of 
 the approximate correctness of these estimates, Dall may be quoted. Writing in 1668 
 (Alaska and its Resources, p. 496), he says that of late years the Russians had not been 
 allowed to take more than 60,000 annually. Bryant, quoted by Allen, referring to this 
 Same period, says that for many previous years the Russians took but lew seals, but the 
 number has increased, so that in one year 40,000 were taken. (Monograph of North 
 America Pinnepedia, p. 389.) 
 
 780. 1868 and 1869. The tiguies for these years are those given in Elliott's Census 
 Report, p. 70, and are doubtless the most trustworthy that can be procured. 
 
 781. 1870. The fi^rurc for this year includes pups, 4,000, and a large number of 
 rejected skins. (Ex. Doc. No. 83, 44th Congress, 1st Session, p. 63.) 
 
 ^871 to 1889. The figures for these years were taken from Correspondence relating to 
 Behring's &ea.seal Fisheries, Parliamentary Papej [C. 6368], pp. 44-47, and include 
 all seals, other than pups, killed for any purpose. From 1870 to 1889 (both inclusive), 
 92,864 pups were killed for food, an' average annual killing of 4,643. 
 
 yi. — ulstobicaii notks on the condition of tub rcu-seaii bookekies of tue 
 Pribyloff Islands in Various Years.* 
 
 Pribylotf discovered the islands now known b 
 
 31,100 fur-seal 
 
 J his name in June of 
 skins. It is elsewhere 
 
 782. 1786. 
 this year. He returned to the Asiatic coast with 
 
 recoraed that about 40,000 furscal skins in all were taken on the islands in this year. 
 (Bancroft's works, vol. xxxiii, pp. 18.5, 102, 193.) 
 
 In the first years (nfter the discovery of the islands), the seals in St. George 
 Island were only five or six times less than those on St. Paul, i.e., equal to one-sixth or 
 one-seventh of those on St. Paul. (Veniaminov, quoted by Elliott in Census Report, 
 p. 147.) 
 
 From 1786 to 1797 or 1799, several Companies were engaged in taking seals, without 
 count or list. Veniaminov estimates that 50,000 to 60,000 skins were obtained annually 
 on St. Paul and 40,(XX) to 50,000 on St. George. He characterizes this as " horrible 
 killing." (Quoted by Elliott. Census Report, pp. 70, 140, and 147.) 
 
 783. 1799. The islands canic under the control of tlie United American Company, 
 which was organized at Irkutsk in August 1798. 
 
 784. 1800. First year of control oi Russian American Company, an out-growth of 
 the last, organized in 1799. 
 
 785. 1603. Uaranoff ordered Banner to go to the Pribyloff Islands, which " had not 
 been visited for many years" (by traders), and where a vast number of skins must have 
 been accumulated by the natives. (Bancroft, p. 417.) 
 
 786. 1804. Between lEOl and 180-1, the Russian Anieiican Conipiuiy are said to have 
 accumulated about 800,000 ekins, many of which rotted for want of care. (Bancroft, 
 p. 477.) 
 
 787. 1805. Veniaminov states that no core as to tlic preservation of seal life on (he 
 islands was exercised till this year. (Census Report, p. 141.) 
 
 1806. Resanoff visited St. Paul Island in July. He found that a very wasteful killing 
 of seals had been in progress, that 80,000 had been killed for their flesh alone, while over 
 1,000,000 in all had been killed up to date. He was informed that the seals had decreased 
 90 per cent, in number since (he earlier years, and concluded that if the slaughter was not 
 reduced a few years would witness exlirpation. He ordered the killing to be stopped ; 
 but from the season of his visit it is cer(ain that some seals had been killed in 1806 before 
 his arrival. (Bancroft, pp. 445, 446.) 
 
 788. 1806-1807. Following Resanofl's order, no seals were killed on the Pribyloff 
 Islands during these years (with the nrobubic exception above noted), llearly all the 
 natives were removed to Unalaska. (Census Report, p. 140.) 
 
 789. 1808. Killing was recommended on St. George and in 1810 also on St. Paul, 
 but not till 1812 did it amount to half (he number killed in former years. Females as 
 well as males were taken. Killing without proper supervision continued from this time 
 till 1822. (Veniaminov, quoted by Elliott. Census Report, p. 140.) 
 
 790. 1817. The fu^seals on St. George were estimated to amount to a quarter of 
 those on St. Paul; seals on the latter island having decreased more in proportion. 
 (Veniaminov, quoted by Elliott. Census Report, p. 147.) 
 
 * Notti given below wliicii have not Lveii ileri«<-(l from publitlied rp|iortt and do«uin«nU, but have t>««n 
 obtained ■* a renult of our own inquiriM , are incloied in braeiieti, thus [ ]. 
 
e on the 
 
 'ribyloff 
 all the 
 
 hMd b«n 
 
 185 
 
 791. 1817 to 1837. A gradual diminution of seal life on the islands stated to have 
 been in progress iu these years, visible in each year, but not always equal, according to 
 Veniamiuov. This is also indicated by Veniaminov's quoted figures of annual catch. 
 (Census Report, pp. 143, 147.) 
 
 792. 1820. Veniaminov characterizes the annual killing of £0,000 seals, which 
 occuired at about this date, as excessive and leading to dimunition. (Census Report, 
 p. 147.) 
 
 793. 1822. First year of second term of Russian American Company. MoordyveflT 
 ordered the killing to be limited, so that instead of 40,0(X) or .*)0,000 not more than 8,000 
 or 10,000 were taken. (This appears to refer to St. Paul Island only.) (Census Report, 
 p. 140.) 
 
 794. 1822 to 1S24. Period of rest or restricted killing on St. Paul. (Veniaminov, 
 quoted by Elliott. Census Report, p. 142.) 
 
 79d. 1824. Stated that between 1822>1824 the seals on the islands were estimated to 
 have doubled in number. (Keport upon the Condition of AfiFairs in Alaska, p. 107.) 
 
 796. 1826-1827. Both years inclusive. Period of rest or restricted killing on 
 St. George Island. (Veniaminov, quoted by Elliott. Census Report, p. HI.) 
 
 797. 1826. Veniaminov states that the seals on St. George equalled about one-sixth 
 those o'l c't. Paul.thoseonSt. George having increased more in proportion since 1817. Also, 
 that ChestyokhofT, estimating that the seals had doubled in number as a result of restrictive 
 measures, ordered 40,000 to be killed annually. But with all possible effort this number 
 could not be obtained. Greater caution in killing females, Sic, was ordered, but the 
 number of seals on the islands nevertheless remained stationary, or continued to decrease. 
 (Veniaminov, quoted by Elliott. Census Report, pp. 140, 147.) 
 
 798. 1832. Veniaminov incidentally states that in this year an excessive number of 
 females were observed on the islands without young. (Quoted by Elliott. Census Report, 
 p. 141.) 
 
 799. 1834. The number of seals to be taken at St. Paul was largely reduced, the 
 killing beiug limited to about 4,000 instead of about 12,000. (Veniaminov, quoted 
 by Elliott. Census Report, p. 142.) From Veniaminov's table the reduction ordered in 
 1834 took effect only in lS3fi. Thit rest or "zapooska" continued on St. Paul 
 Island during 1835, 1836, and 1837. 
 
 800. 1835. [R. Astouionoff, a native on St. Paul Island, informed us that he 
 remembered being at North-east Point in this year, when the Russians allowed only seven 
 seals a-day to be killed there for food.] 
 
 1836. Elliott, from information received from natives on the Pribylotf Islands, 
 states that the winter of 1835-30 was exceedingly severe. Great quantities of ice 
 surrounded the islands, and remained heaped on the shores till August 1836. A great 
 mortality of seals resulted, so that, according to native count, only 4,100 seals of all 
 classes, exclusive of pups, remained on the rookeries of St. Paul. (Census Report, 
 p. 49.) Mr. Elliott has informed us that, according to a journal by the Rev. K. 
 Shisenekoftj only 100 holluschickii- were obtained in 1830, the remainder of the catch 
 for this year being pups, llryant, also nccoiding to native evidence, gives t'le date of 
 tiiis destruction of seals as 1842, (Allen, Monograph of North Amerioim Pinnipeds, 
 p. 388.) 
 
 801. 184i?. First year of third term of Russian American Company. Bancroft 
 states that a system of "altcrnatioii " in iuititing grounds was adopted, which, in the ease 
 of the Pribylott' Islands, led to great increase of numbers of seals. (IJancrolt's Works, 
 vol. xxxiii, p. .')82.) 
 
 80:?. 1842 to I8GI (ineluhiveV The Russian American Company's shipments showed 
 a heavy decrease in fur-seal (and other) skins, as compared with the preceding period of 
 twenty years. This is mainly attributed to the encroaehment ol" (oreij'n traders — 
 particularly American whalers. (Hancroft's Works, vol. xxxiii, p. .OSi.) 
 
 803. 1845. The great importance of never disturbing the breeding seals was first 
 recognized iu this year. (Census Report, p. 1 13.) 
 
 804. 1847. Up to this date males and (eiiiales had been killed indiserimina'.ely fur 
 >ikins; thereafter only males were killed. (Census Report, p. W.) 
 
 80.'). 1862 to 1867 (both inelusive). Interreunum on Pribyloff Islunds lollowing tiic 
 eloBc of the Russian American Company's third term. 
 
 806. 1862. Teehmainoff says, referring to this year: "In earlier times more (seal- 
 skins) were taken than in the later ; at present there are taken from the Island of 
 St. Paul 1 0,000 annually, without diminishing the number fur future killing ; onSt. Gearge, 
 (i.OOO." (Quoted by Elliott. Census Report, p. 163.) 
 
 807. 1867. Bryant apeaks of the judicious administration and gradual increase 
 1305J T 
 
 11' 
 
 V 
 
186 
 
 of seal life on the islands under the Russian rule for many years previous io this date. 
 In the spring of 1867, however, the Russians, knowing that the islands were about to be 
 surrendered to the United States, took a much increased number of seals, amounting to 
 TijjOOO. (Monograph of North American Pinnipeds, p. 389.) 
 
 808. 1868. Following the cession of Alaska to the United States in 1867 a period 
 of lawlessness ensued on the Pribyloff Islands, and in 1868 s fery great number of seals 
 was killed. The number su killed in this year is estimated at 242,000 by Elliott ; at 250,000 
 by Bryant. Rival Companies were at work, and the killing appenrs to have gone 
 on without count, list, or supervision. In the autumn of this year, however. Congress 
 passed a special Resolution, prohibiting the killing of seals until further action of 
 Congress. (Census Report, p. 25.) Bryant states that, previous to 1868, the 
 selection of seals killed had, under the Russian regime, been \e(t to the natives, and 
 that most of those killed were under 3 years of age, including many yearlings. The 
 killing being from this more numerous class plenty of males were left to reach maturity, 
 and the rookeries were well supplied with active males. The males of ullages not engaged 
 in actual breeding were about equal in number to the combined totals of beachmasters 
 and females so engaged. Of these excluded males about 30 per cent, were virile, and 
 there was thus one efficient male to every three or four females, or about three times 
 as many as actually required. As a consequence, all females were served before the 
 10th August. (Monograph of North American Pinnipeds, pp. 390, 398, &c.) 
 
 [Messrs. D. Webster and T. F. Morgan were on the island in this year. They 
 informed us that the seals were clubbed then as now, fire-arms being used only in self- 
 defence among the rival sealers. The killing was directed to young males, but about 
 40,000 females were killed inadvertently. The limit to the number killed was reached 
 only when salt was exhausted. Seals were more abundant at this time than ever since. 
 It also appears that the numbers above quoted as representing seals killed in this year do 
 not include St. George Island, where some 30,000 skins are supposed to have been 
 taken.] 
 
 ^!00. 1869. Practically indiscriminate killing appears to have continued in this year, 
 though it is stated that seals were taken only for the subsistence of the natives, and under 
 direction of the Treasury Department. (Census Report, p. 25.) The gentlemen in charge 
 do not seem to have known the number of seals actually killed. Agent Wicker stated that 
 150,000 skins had been taken on the two islands. Bryant states that this was impossible, 
 as when he left the islands in August only 10,000 skins had been obtained. Mclntyre 
 says that, under the orders given by him, 42,317 seals were to be killed for food on the 
 two islands. Major-General Tliornns afterwards ordered that as many ?eals as should be 
 required for native food be killed. (United States' Senate, F.x. Doc. No. 32, Jilst Congress, 
 2nd Session, pp. 24, 37.) 
 
 In consequence of this slaughter in 18G8-69, seals arc reported to have " disappeared 
 rapidly from the Pribyloff Islands, but two or three years later began to return in vast 
 numbers " (Bancroft's works, vol. xxxiii, p. 038). Coincidently with this, Bryant states 
 that fur-seals were very abundant along the coasts of Oregon, Washington Territory, and 
 British Columbia as compared with former years (Monograph of North American 
 Pinnipeds, p. 332). Bryant estimated the total numi)er of seals on the islands at this 
 date at 3,230,000. (Monograph of North A'nerican Pinnipeds, pp. 390, 392.) 
 
 Mclntyre, Government Agent, after stating that for some years succeeding the 
 discovery of the Pribyloff Islands 100,000 skins were annually taken by the Russians. 
 adds, " But this it seems was too large a number, for the decrease in the yearly return was 
 constant until 1812, when they had become nearly extinct. In 1858, 31,800 were taken, 
 which was tBe largest catch in any one year until 1807, when, as I am informed, 80,000 
 or 100,000 were secured. From the most careful computation 1 have bei-n able to make, 
 I am of the opinion that no more than 100,000 can be taken annually without incurring 
 the risk of ogain diminishing the yearly production." (United States' Senate, Ex. Doc. 
 No. 32, 4 1st Congress, 2nd Session.) 
 
 The Alaska Commercial Company was incorporated in this year. 
 
 810. 1870. The general conditions of seal life on the islands remained as described 
 above (under 1868), according to Bryant. 
 
 An Act was passed by Congress providing that seals should be killed on the Pribyloff 
 Islunds only during the months of June, July, September, and October, that killing should 
 be confined to males, and th»t the number killed for skins in each year should not exceed 
 75,000 on St. Paul and 25,000 on St. George. Respecting the number thus fixed, Dall 
 says : " It is probable that 100,000 might be safely killed," but suggests that the number 
 should be increased or diminished as experience proved to l)e necessary. (Alaska and 
 its Resources, pp. 496, 497.) 
 
187 
 
 lescribed 
 
 Tins was the Alaska Commercial Company's first year of lease of the islands, but no 
 full control was achieved till 1871. Bryant states that in this year the natives, to 
 purchase supplies and for their own food, killed 85,000, mostly !• and 2-year-old seals. 
 (Monograph of North American Pinnipeds, p. 398.) 
 
 The killing as per official Return made up in 1871, however, shows a total of 23,773, 
 from which 9,088 skins in all were saved, the remainder being pups and other seals killed 
 for food. ([Jouse of Representatives, Ex. Doc. No. 83, 44tb Congress, 1st Session.) 
 
 811. 1 87 1. It was discovered that the skins of 3-, 4-, and .^-year-old seals were 
 most in demand, and the killing was changed to suit this demand ; but no material change 
 was ubsei'ved in the habits of the seals. (Monograph of North American Pinnipeds, 
 p. 302.) Bryant elsewhere says that a careful comparison of this year with 18G0 and 1870 
 shows a decrease of 10 per cent, in females. (Ex. Doc. No. 83, 44th Congress, 1st Session, 
 p. 65.) 
 
 812. 1872. The killing was directed as far as possible to seals from 4 to 6 years old, 
 and some of 7 years old were killed. This, taken in conjunction with the killing of 1871, 
 diminished the number of "reserves" or virile males not actually on the breeding 
 grounds, but doing duty along the shores. The number of females was increasing 
 5 per cent, annually. (Bryant in Monograph of North American Pinnipeds.) 
 
 Lieutenant Maynard, accepting the method of estimatins; the seals advocated by 
 Elliott, makes the whole number in this year nearly 6,000,000. (House of Represen- 
 tatives, E^. Doc. No. 43, 44th Congress, Ist Session, p. 5.) Elliott estimated that the 
 seals on St. George Island were only one-eighteenth of the whole number, or, as compared 
 with those on St. Paul, as 1 to 17. (Census Report, p. 157.) 
 
 [Mr. Dirks stated to us that in this year it seemed as if the killing of 100,000 seals 
 annually could not injuriously affect the rookeries.] 
 
 In this year. Captain Lewis, of the Hudson's Bay Company, reported very great and 
 entirely unprecedented number of seals off Vancouver Island and the entrance to Fuca 
 Strait, chiefly grey pups and yearlings. (Elliott. Census Report, p. 166.) This appears to 
 have been in connection with the change in habits observed on the rookeries in the 
 following summer. 
 
 813. 1873. It was now found that the 3-year-old seals afforded the best marketable 
 skins, and the killing was directed to those. The " reserves " became reduced to half their 
 former number, and each beachmaster had on the average fifteen females. When the 
 rookeries broke up at the close of the breeding season, the females lingered instead of 
 leaving them as before, in September and October a few young were born, showing that 
 some females had not been served at the proper time in 1872. The females were still 
 increasing 5 per cent, annually in number. (Bryant in Monograph of North American 
 Pinnipeds.) 
 
 814. 1S74. The condition of seal life remained about the same as in 1873. The 
 "reserves" were in about the same numbers, but contained more young as compared with 
 fully mature males. The females appeared in similar number, and, un the whole, there was 
 an evident improvement in the condition of the rookeries. (Bryant in Monograph of 
 North American Pinnipeds.) 
 
 An Act of Congress, approved March 1874, authorised the Secretary of tiie Treasury 
 to rearrange the proportion ol catch to be taken from St. Paul and St. George re>ipectively, 
 and to designate the months of killing. Under this provision, the time of killing 
 was extended to include the first half of the month of August. (Hnncroft's Works, 
 vol. xxxiii, p. 638.) 
 
 815. In 1874, Lieutenant W. Moynard, U.S.N. , investigated the conditions of seal 
 life un the Pribyloff Islands as Special Government Agent. He recommended that 
 enlarged copies of maps of the breeding grounds should be furnished to the agents 
 in charge of the islands, who should be required to compare these each year with 
 the respective breeding rookeries. "This, if carefully done, will nfibrd data, af\er 
 a time, by which the fisheries can be regulated with comparative certainty." Hcspecting 
 the number of seals killed, he says: "Since 1870 there have been killed un both islands, 
 in round numbers, 112,000 young male seals each year. Whether this slaughter has 
 prevented the seals from increasing in number or not, and, if so, to what extent, can only 
 be deduced from their past history, which, unfortunately, is imperfectly known." He 
 is inclined to think that no decrease had occurred between 1872 and 1874, but r^ites that the 
 period was too short to decide whether the killing was excessive. He adds : " The number 
 now killed annually is entirely experimental, and wc have nothing to start from as 
 a basis." Maynard further states that the nuuiuer of bulla in this year was not more than 
 one-tenth that of the females. (House of Representatives, En. Doc. No. 43, 44th 
 Congress, Ist Session, pp. 5, 6.) 
 
 [805J T 2 
 
 ^- 
 
 i,V 
 
 ■ 
 
.J^,^-.J...J: 
 
 188 
 
 [Mr. D. Webster states that the skins taken in 1874 and 1875 ranged in weight from 
 6 lbs. to 11 lbs.] 
 
 Elliott believes that the number of seals did not matcrinlly alter in the twelve or 
 fifteen years previous to 1874. He estinmted the number of breeding seals on the islands 
 at 3,193,4*J0, the whole number of seals on the islands at 4,700,000. (Census Report, 
 pp. 57-67.) 
 
 816. 1875. The killing was this year confined to seals less than 5 years old, and 
 more 2-ycar-olds were taken than in any year since 1870. This left a large number of 
 males to mature. Many young were, however, born as late as August. (Bryant in 
 Monograph of North American Pinnipeds.) In his official Report for this year, Bryant 
 protests against the killing of pups for food, characterizing it as "a great waste," and 
 adding, " I can find no precedent for this previous to the transfer of the island to 
 the United States, only that the former Russian Fur Company Allowed, as an extr;i 
 indulgence to the natives, after the close of the season's sealing, to take .'500 of these young 
 seals for feasting." (House of Representatives, Ex. Doc. No. 83, 44th Congress, 
 2nd Session, p. 174.) 
 
 Bryant also states in the same Report (p. 17.5) that a residence of seven snccessi\'e 
 seasons on the islands had convinced him that the killing of 100,000 annually did 
 not leave a sufficient number of males to mature for the wants of the increase in the 
 number of females. He explains his reasons for this in some detail. 
 
 817. 1876. No marked change in the conditions this year, but many females landed to 
 bring forth their young after the 20th July. A heavy gale with snow occurred on 
 the 30th October, driving seals into the water, fron which only a small number returned, 
 many f 'ps being lost. Bryant anticipates that the result of this loss will appear in 1880, 
 when th> pups should reach maturity. The decrease ia breeding males, consequent 
 on excessive slaughter of 1S68 and 1869, was in this year greatest. (Bryant in 
 Monograph of North American Pinnipeds, p. 399.) 
 
 Bryant again states that he believes the number 100,000 fixed for killing to have 
 been too high, and that in his report he had recommended that it be reduced by 15,000. 
 (House of Representatives, Ex. Doc. No. 023, 44th Congress, Ist Session, Report on 
 Alaska Commercial Company, p. 90.) 
 
 John F. Miller, President of Board of Directors of Alaska Commercial Company, 
 says : " Our agents report a very considerable increase in the number of females since 
 1871. We cannot tell that there is much increase in the number of males." (Report 
 on the Alaska Commercial Company, p. 41.) 
 
 818. 1877. Bryant states that this year there was an evident increase in the number 
 of breeding males. He estimates that there were about 1,800,000 breeding seals on the 
 islands, as against 1,130,000 in 1869. (.VIonograph of North American Pinnipeds, p. 410.) 
 
 819. 1878. [Mr. D. Webster informed us that he did not observe much decrease in 
 the number of seals till this year.] 
 
 820. 1879. [From evidence obtained by us, it appears that in this year it became 
 necessary to extend the area of driving for the first time, so as to include Polovinci 
 and Tolstoi rookeries, and that the salt-house near Polovina was built at or about thii> 
 time.] 
 
 821. 1880. The tumber of seals on the PribylofT Islands is said to have been 
 greater than ever be Tore, the increase being particularly observable in young seals. 
 (Cruise of the "Corvvn" in 1880, p. 5.').) Colonel J. Murray dates the beginning of a 
 steady decrease of sea's from this year. (Senate, Ex. Doc. No. 49, 5l8t Congress, 2nd 
 Session.) 
 
 822. 1881. Elliott, in his report printed in this year, strongly protests against the 
 unnecessary slaughter o pups for food purposes. He states in the same report that the 
 breeding rookeries havt been gradually increasing since 1857. (Census Report, pp. 119, 
 170.) 
 
 W. B. Taylor, Assistant Agent of Treasury Department on St. Paul in 1881, says 
 that according to information received from those wlio had been a number of years on 
 the Island of St. George, there were as many seals there us ever. (Ex. Doc. No. 3883; 
 .^Oih Congress, 2nd Session, Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, p. 44.) 
 
 823. 1882. Dr. II. H. Mclntyre, after June 1870 Superintendent of the Seal Fisheries 
 of Alaska ibr the lessees, states that since 1S70 the number of seals on the Pribyloft' 
 Islands had increased every year. (Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, p. 116.) Speaking 
 in 138S (see under, 1888), he, however, places the beginning of decrease in this year. 
 The saire gentleman reports that at this time the desired number of large skins could 
 no longer be obtained. (Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, p. 118.) 
 
 Mr. G. Wardman's statement, however, respecting the number of •' killables " on 
 
139 
 
 St George Island indicates a decrease in the number of this class as between 1881 and 
 1882. (JFur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, p. 39.) 
 
 [Natives on St. Paul Island informed us that they noticed seals to be markedly 
 reduced in number in this yoar.] 
 
 824. 1883. Jacob H. Mouilon, Special Agent of the Treasury Department on the 
 Pribyloff Islands from 1877 to 1S86, says that between 1877 and this year there was, 
 he thinks, an increase in the number of seals on the Pribyloff Islands. (Kur«^eal 
 Fisheries of Alaska, p. 255.) 
 
 825. 1884. [Mr. T. F. Morgan informed us that from 1874 to 1884 he thought the 
 seals increased. He noticed u decrease in 1884, accompanied with an irregularity in 
 habits.] 
 
 826. 1885. Jacob H. Moulton states that between 1883 and this year there was ne 
 increase of seals on the islands. (Fur-seal Fisheries cf Alaska, p. 255.) 
 
 II. A. Gliddon, Agent of the Treasury Department on the Pribyloff Islands from 
 1882 to 1885, says that from 1882 to 1885 no change in the number of seals on 
 St. Paul was noticed, but they vary in different yeare, especially on St. George. 
 (Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, p. 27.) 
 
 827. ]886. George R. Tingle, Treasury Agent on the Pribyloff Islands, states that 
 a frequent inspection of the rookeries on the islands showed a decided increase in the 
 number of cows, with an ample supply of bulls. (" Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska," p. 174.) 
 
 828. 1886-87. George K. Tingle, using Elliott's method of estimating the seals, 
 makes the number en the Pribyloff' Islands 6,357,750. He states, however, that he considers 
 this result too great by about one-fourth, which reduces his estimate to about 4,768,300. 
 (Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, p. 177.) 
 
 [From information obtained on the islands, it appears that the reduction in average 
 weight of skins taken was well recognized in these two years.] 
 
 829. 1887. [Mr. T. F. Morgan told us that he noticed a marked decrease in this year. 
 In this or the preceding year, according to Mr. J.C. Redpatb.the standard weight of skins 
 was lowered to enable the Company to complete its quota.] 
 
 830. 1888. Dr. H. H. Mclntyre, Superintendent for Alaska Commercial Company 
 at the time on the islands, states that the number of seals has decreased since 1882; that 
 the rookeries do not produce enough to bear the killing of " 100,000 by marauders 
 in addition to the I00,0li0 killed lawfully." He recommends that the permission 
 accorded to natives of killing seal pups for food should be rescinded, and, speaking 
 particularly of 1888, says: "There are at present, in my opinion, too few bull seals to 
 keep the rookeries up to their best condition." 
 
 He adds, further, that the size of skins ruled still smaller than in 1883. (Fur-seal 
 Fisheries of Alaska, pp. il6, 117, 127, 132.) 
 
 In the srme year T. F. Morgan, in the employment of the Alaska Commercial Com* 
 pany, says that there had been a large increase in the number of seals on the islands since 
 1868, and also since 1874. The breeding rookeries occupied more territory. 
 
 S. M. Biiynitsky, Special Treasury Agent on Pribyloff Islands in 1870, states that 
 there may be 3,000,000 or 7,000,000 seals on the islands ; no estimate can be made within 
 1,000,000 or so of the actual number. 
 
 George Wardman, Treasury Agent on Pribyloff Islands from 1881 to 1885, estimates 
 that the seals on St. George numbered 166,000 at mosr. He thinks that the number of 
 seals has been over-estimated. (Fur-seal Fisheries of Alaska, pp. 12, 39, 69.) 
 
 [In this year, according to Mr. D. Webster, the standard weight of skins was lowered 
 from 6 lbs. to 5 lbs. and to 4^ lbs., because of scarcity of 6-lb. skins. Thus, all males 
 from 2 to 5 years old became, and thereafter continued to be, accounted killable.] 
 
 831. 1889. Last year of lease of Alaska Commercial Company. 
 
 [To complete the catch in this year, we ascertained that some 40,000 very small skins 
 were taken, including even yearlings.] 
 
 632. 1890. First year of control of North American Commercial Company, under 
 new lease. 
 
 Colonel J. Murray, First Assistant Giovernment Agent, reports that the seals on the 
 Pribyloff Islands have been stcedily decreasing since 1880, and attributes this to the 
 excessive slaughter of males 2 to 5 years old. 
 
 Mr. Gott' states that no 2-year-old seals brought to the killing grounds were turned 
 away in this year. (Senate, Ex. Doc. No. 49, 51st Congress, 2nd Session.) 
 
 Elliott estimates the number of seals on the islands in this year at 959,393. He 
 attributes the decrease in number of seals to : — 
 
 1. Over-driving on the islands, begun in 1879| dropped tilt 1882, and then suddenly 
 renewed and continued to date. 
 
 '■ :! 
 
 > ■■> '- 
 
 , 
 
 ^ 
 
140 
 
 2. To pelagic sealing, which, according to him, was begun as a business in 1836, and 
 carried on to date. (Parliamentary Paper London, Juno 1891, p. 53.) 
 
 The bearing females on the rookeries are estimated at 350,000, but it is stated that 
 there are also 250,000 not bearing, and not served in 1869 or 1890, owing to dearth of 
 virile males. He states that the condition of seal life on the islands is like that which 
 occurred in 1834 under the Russian regime. 
 
 George R. Tingle, now in charge of the islands for the North American Commercial 
 Company, states that late in this season there wus a marked increase in the arrival of seals 
 on the islands. (Ex. Doc. No. 49, fiist Congress, 3nd Session, Exhibit P.) 
 
 A. W. Lavender, Assistant Treasury Agent, notes that large bchools of killer whales 
 were about the islands in October, destroying great numbers of pups. (Ex. Due. No. 49, 
 5 1 St Congress, 2nd Session.) 
 
 833. 1891. [The result of our investigations and evidence obtained elsewhere 
 detailed shows that the rookeries were this season in better condition than in 1890.] 
 
 J.VI 
 
 YII. — TuK Fur-seal Fishery ix the Southern Hemisphere. 
 
 ' ■; •-834. In dealing with -the question of the preservation of the 'valuable fur-seal in- the 
 J^wth Pacific Ocean, it in dwirable to utilize all the experience that may be obtained in 
 regard to the treatment of thi fur-seal in other parts of the world, -and the records of 
 these seal fisheries are peculiar »y abundant. 
 
 835. There are several varietiesof seal which have been taken- in large nntabers south 
 W ibe Eqvator which yield that parlieular «loBeifuv so valued in commeroo; The three 
 >ohief varietkw laM-Bettpeotively known asithe Otona> :i4H«h-a2t» (3sO<arta'F«/A/anrft«c, 
 Arctocephalus Augtralis, Arctocephaliu' FaHdandiott8)i of the South' American coasts-; 
 •the Oiaria PwiUa {ssAretocephalua Antarcticua) of the South African coasts; and the 
 AQtaria Fostm>(:ssAr€toc^^lug-eiHereuat Euotaria einerea) of the ' Australasian coasts. 
 •-Butirthere isimuob variety lin nomenclature, ever since tJie'fur-seal on Amsterdatn Island 
 were described as the Phoca Urtinu» in 1770> Professor Flower, the Director of the 
 'Natural History Department of the British Musenm, has kindly sent us a Memorandum 
 . (Appendix D), descriptive of those differentiations. The southern fur-seals differ 
 specifically, and according to some naturalists generically, from those in the Northern 
 Hemisphere. The fur-seal north of the Equator differs in structural character, and 
 especially in the form of the fore part of the skull, from all seals found south of the 
 •Equator. 
 
 836. But their habits and manner of lifo are practically identical, and there arc 
 certain conditions common to the presence of all these varieties. For breeding purposes 
 they need rocks in close proximity to the sea, where fogs are frequent. For feeding 
 purposes they require a wide range of ocean, yielding small fish, and squid. For 
 temperature, they prefer tempcrntc and even sub-tropical latituiles, and rarely- if 
 ever approach the zone of ice. Ever since the first navigators from Europe entered 
 those seas the fur-seal was found all over the great Southern Ocean in very great 
 abundance from the Galapagos Islands, under the Equator, in the Pacific, the lidands of 
 St. Paul and Amsterdam in the Indian Ocean, and along the shores of Africa and 
 .-America to the southward of the parallel oi 20^ south latitude in the Atlantic away 
 
 south to the groups of islands in 00° and 63° south latitude. But their continued 
 existence in such habitats depends on their not being destroyed or disturbed by man, 
 murrains, or predacious animals. 
 
 837. In the North Atlantic at the present day there exists no known species of the 
 iiiv>seal, although fossil remains indicate their existence in the tertiary period. 
 
 838. Extensive scaling operations were conducted in the South Seas aiiout the dose 
 of the last century and the first part of the present century. For all this period there 
 are extant many of the actual logs and journals of those engaged in the pursuit. 
 
 These " scalers " of the South Seas boiled for the most part from British ports or 
 ifi'om' those on the east coast of NortU> America, and very considerable jirofits accrued, 
 although the ifi:ork was of a particularly arduous and venturesome character. 
 V SS9. It is noteworthy, however, that South Sea sealing, as a great industry, 
 undoubtedly had its origin in the closing of the fur trade of Uie North Pacific to 
 Dnglisb- traidcra and. sealers when the Russians iMrcvailed on China, at that time the one 
 chief market for such furs, to close her ports absolutely against all furs brought across 
 
J:A'-h 
 
 141 
 
 man, 
 
 ustry, 
 ific to 
 
 the Pacific from tlio islands and coasts of North America, the monopoly of the whole 
 trade hoing accorded to the Russians at their great mart « i Kiatcha, on the Amoor. 
 Englishmen had become convinced of the great value of (he China fur trade, and this 
 policy of restriction en the part of the Russians at onec turned maritime enterprise to 
 the South Seas for the neccsMary supply of furs, and in a very few years made secure the 
 footing of the English and Americans in the China and other markets. 
 
 840. At A very early period, the English were already endeavouring to collect fur-seal 
 skins for the China market in tlie seas known to their regular East India traders. Thus, 
 in February 1773, when the vessels conveying Lord Macartney to China called at the 
 Islands of Amsterdam and St. Paul, in the Southern Indian Ocean, in latitude 39" south, 
 they found a scaling party there engaged in carrying out a contract to supply 26,000 
 skins of the Phoca Ursina for the Canton market. The description sent hoaie was an 
 follows : — 
 
 " The seals are found hero in greater numbers in the summer than in the winter 
 .... In the summer months they come ashore, sometimes in droves of 800 to 4,000 
 at a time, uut of which about 100 are destroyed, that number being about as many as 
 
 five men can peg down to dry in the course of the day In general they are not 
 
 shy Most of those that come ashore are females, in the proportion of thirty to 
 
 one male. Whether in these animals nature has fixed on such apparent disproportion 
 between the sexes, or whether, while the females have occasion to seek the shore, the 
 males continue in the deep, has not hitherto been observed by observations here."* 
 
 In 1789 the Island of Amsterdam was visited by Captain Cox, of the "Mercury," 
 who reported as follows : " On our first landing we found the shore covered with such a 
 multitude of seals that we were obliged to disperse them before we could get out of the 
 boat We procured here 1,000 skins of very superior quality."! 
 
 841 . The seal-skin for long found its chief market in China and Russia, where it became 
 n coveted and fashionable fur, but its gradual introduction into Europe and America dates 
 from the time when South Sea sealing was first taken in hand as a regular industry. It 
 has been calculated that from first to last not less than 17,000,000 skins were thus placed 
 in the market, and without doubt it was the threatened failure of this enormous supply 
 from the south which about the year 1840 led the Russians, British, and Americans to 
 pay .special attention to the supply of fur-seals known to exist in the North Pacific 
 Ocean. 
 
 842. The conditions in the South Seas differed categorically from those now prevailing 
 in the North Pacific. The various islands resorted to as breeding places by the fur-seal 
 were not only absolutely uninhabited by man, but were also at the time in the political 
 category of "no-man's-land." As a consequence there was no possibility of instituting 
 any regulation of methods of slaughter, restrictions of numbers or kinds taken, or any 
 limitation of place or season. 
 
 843. There were practically no natives (as on the west coast of North America) to lead 
 the way in pelagic sealing. The method of slaughter universally adopted was precisely 
 that of the White raiders of the North Pacific. No labour or efl'ort was wasted in any 
 endeavours to capture or kill the seal at sea. The simple method was invariably adopted 
 of establishing parties of men on all likely beaclics.camped in wooden huts or under 
 canvas, and engaged in slaughtering and skinning all the seals that landed, without 
 distinction of age, size, or sex. Captain Wedclel pithily writes of the killing in 
 the South Shetlands in 1821-2-': "Whenever a seal reaches the beach, of whatever 
 denomination, he was immediately killed and his skin taken ; and by this means, at the 
 end of the second year, the animals became nearly extinct. A vessel of from 200 to 
 400 tons brought out from the home port the men and camping equipment. She would 
 land parties on various beaches, and then would be herself safely moored in some handy 
 harbour. Boats, and even It nders of 30 and 40 tons, would travel between this vessel 
 and the various islands until the season's fishery was over. Occasionally the work 
 of destruction was more expeditiously performed when the barge or brig carrying such 
 landing parties came upon a large rookery already w<.'ll filled out with seals, for then the 
 whole work of the cruize would be accomplished in a few days." Such sealing parties 
 were found at work by several exploring expeditions, as, for instance, by Her Majesty's 
 ships " Erebus" and " Terror." 
 
 844. The more detailed records of these South Sea adventurers yield many points of 
 interest, and it may he well to quote from the earlier descriptions of the fur-seal 
 as indicating how rapidly so valuable a fur secured the notice of the early adventurers, 
 and how speedily their successors brought about the commercial extermination of the seal. 
 
 * G. W. Clark on Eared Seali — " Proceedingi of th« ZoolopiMl Society of London, 18' 5," p. 662. 
 
 t Ibid., f. 661. 
 
142 
 
 845. In the sixteenth century, Sir Frances Drake, the first Englishman who penetrated 
 to the South Seas, frequently reports the presence and comments on the peculiarities of 
 seals. These formed indeed a chief source for the supply of fresh meat. On his great 
 voyage of circumnavigation in 1577-78, seals were taken in the Hio de la Plata, and again 
 in latitude 47° 30', at an anchorage eventually named Seal Bay ; about the middle of the 
 month of May seals were founl so plentiful that 200 were Hlaun;htercd in one hour.* In 
 the same neighbourhood some years later, in December If'^CS, Cavendish reports in detail 
 on the seals found in a bay he named Port Desire.f 
 
 840. In the observations of Sir Richard Hawkins on his " Voyage into the 
 South Sea " in 1503, we read, in his notes made in the Straits of Magellan : " Of 
 Seals or Sen-Wolves — One day, having ended our lumtinp: of penguins, one of 
 our mariners, walking about the island, discovered a great company of scales or 
 sea-wolves (so called for that they are in the sea as the nolvcs on the land), advising 
 us that he left them sleeping with their bellies tostiiig against the sunne. Wee 
 provided ourselves with staves and other weapons and sought to steal upon them 
 at unawares to sui prise some of them, and coming down the side of a hill we were not 
 discovered till we were close upon them ; notwithstanding their sentincll, before we could 
 approach, with a great howle waked them, wee got between the sea and some of them, 
 but they shunned us not, for they came directly upon us, and though we dealt here and 
 there a blow, yet not a man that withstood them escaped the overthrow. They reckon 
 not of a musket shot, a sword pierceth not their skinne, and to give a blow with a staifc 
 is as to smite upon a stone ; only in giving a blow upon his snow t presently he falleth 
 down dead. 
 
 "After they had recovered the water they did as it were scorne us, defie us, 
 and danced before us untill we had shot some musket shott through them, and so they 
 appeared no more. 
 
 " This fish is like unto a calfe, with four legs, but not above a spannc long ; his 
 skinne is heyre like a calfe, but these were diff\:rent to all that I have ever scene, yet I 
 have scene of them in many parts, for these were greater and in their former parts like 
 unto lyons, with shaggy heyre and mostaehes. 
 
 " They live in the sea, and come to sleepe on the land, and they ever have one that 
 watcheth, who adviseth them of any accident. 
 
 "They are beneficiall to man in their skinncs for many purposes ; in their mostachcs 
 for pick-tooths, and in their fatl to make traine-oyle. This may suffice for the scale, for 
 that he is well known." 
 
 847. In the seventeenth century these notices still continue frequent. Thus Henry 
 Brewer landing at Valentine Bay on the 0th March, 164:.>, writes : "Saw among the rocks 
 several sea lions and sea dogs, about the bigness of a good European calf ; some of a 
 greyish, some of a brownish colour, making a noise ;iot unlike our sheep." 
 
 848. Dampier, in 1()83, gives the following very full general description of 
 seals : — J . 
 
 "The seals are sort of creatures pretty well known, yet it may not be amiss to 
 describe them. They are as big as calves ; the head of thcin like a dog, therefore called 
 by the Dutch, the 'sea hounds." Under each shoulder grows a long thick fin; these 
 serve them to swim nith when in the sea, and are instead of legs to them when on the 
 land, for raising their bodies up on end by the help of their iins or slumps, and so having 
 their tail parts drawn close under them, they rebound as it were, and throw their bodies 
 forward, drawing their hinder parts after them, and then again rising np and springing 
 forward with their fore parts alternately, they lie tumbling thus up and down all the 
 while they are moving on land. From tlieir shoulders to their tails thty grow tapering 
 like fish, and have two small fins on each side the rump, which is commonly covered with 
 their fins. These fins serve instead of a tail in the sea, and on land they sit on them 
 when they give suck to their young. Their hair is of divers colours, as black, grey, dun, 
 spotted, looking very sleek and pleasant when they come first out of the sea. For these 
 at John Fernando have fine short fur, the like I have not taken notice of anywhere but 
 in these seas. Here are always thousands, 1 might say possibly millions, of them, cither 
 sitting on the bays, or going and coming in the sea round the island, which is coveroH 
 with them (as they lie at the top of the water playing and sunning themselves) for a mile 
 or two from the shore. When they come out of the sea they bleat like sheep for their 
 young, and though they pass through hundreds of other's young ones before they come 
 to their own, yet they will not sufi'er any of them to suck. The young ones are like 
 puppies, and lie much ashore, but when beaten by any of us, they, as well as the old 
 
 • " Hakluyt," vol. iii, p. V38. 
 
 i " Dampier'* Voyages," vol. i. p. 89. 
 
 t Ibid., p 804-6. 
 
Ii3 
 
 oncn, will nmku townnl tlic sea, nml swim very swift uud iiimliie, thou;;li on Bliorc Ihcjr 
 lie vorv Hlii;ryishl3', iitul will not ^o out of our ways unlcsis wo beat them, hut 8na|> at us. 
 A blow on tlio nose snon kills tlieni. I^ar^o ships ini<j;ht here lo.ul themselves with HcaU 
 skins and traiie oylc, for they are extraordinarily fat. Seals arc found as well in co!d as 
 in hot elini.\(fs." 
 
 84!). In llie Uritish Museum are kept the admirably written M8S. of certain other 
 voya^jcrs, and in that relating? the experiences of Captain Strong in the " Welfare," in 
 KIS!), the writer, named Sinison, states that (m the l'_'th September, at the [sland of Juan 
 I'Vniandez, ♦• We went on shore, but could hardly sett a foot down, the seids lay so thick 
 on the pliH'o. Hesid'.'n wo saw a j^roat number of sea-lyons, not unlike other lyons in 
 countenance, colour, and fiercenes-i. They had no (feet but llins. 
 
 "As for (lie seals they wi-re of a dark cidour and grissled, but under the long pile 
 there was couched a fur of an incoinparaide fineness, that if it could be felt it would 
 niiswcr all yc ends of beiivcr furr, wherefore a great many of their skins were brought to 
 Kngland." 
 
 This is probably one of the carli«?st accounts of the commcrcinl value of tlic fur- seal 
 skins. 
 
 b.'}(K Tn the eighteenth century navigators continue to report the abmulancc of seals. 
 Thus Captain Wood Hogors, taking Alexander Selkirk off the Islandof Juan Fernandez in 
 1701), records a lengthy descrijjtion ot the fur-seal seen tlici, nt that date* 
 
 85 i. The amount of information at this period e\iant on the fur-seal is well 
 emphasized by Chaplain Itichard Walter, of Lord Anson's Hag-ship which refitted nt 
 •Fuan Kcrnanilez from June to September 1740. This chaplain gives a very full anil 
 elaborate account of nil the nalual features of the islands and of their Fauna and Flora, 
 but he dismisses seals in the single sentence : " The seal, numbers of which haunt this 
 islan 1, hath been so often mentioned by former writers that it is unnecessary to say 
 anything particular about them in this ])lacc." 
 
 85'J. Captain Carteret, writing of Masafucra in 1707, says: "The seals were so 
 numerous that I verily think if many thousands were killed in a night they would not be 
 missed in the morning; wc were obliged to kill a noted number of them as, when wo 
 walked the shore they were continually running against us, making at the same time a 
 most terrible noise. These animals yield excellent train oil, and their hearts and plucks 
 were very good eating, being in taste something like those of a hog, and the'r skins 
 were covered with the lincst fnr I ever saw of the kind." 
 
 853. Captain Cook, in his oilicial IJeport of the voyage of the " llcsolution " in 1771, 
 calling attention to the great number of fur-seal on New (Jeorgia, is generally credited 
 with being first to direct the attention of the English adventurers to the commercial 
 advantages of South Sen sealing. But before this period, and probably following on tl;e 
 suggestions nuide as early as 16J)0, Englishmen were already nt work on this new harvest 
 of tlic sea. Thus, when liucarcli, the Spanish fiovernor at Huenos Ayrcs, sought to 
 recover the Falkland Islands for Spain in 1770, his (irst task was to forcibly eject from 
 their established port and station the "English sealers" at port Egmont, an act for 
 which Spain afterwards made full restitution. 
 
 851. Before the end of the eighteenth centnry scaling in the South Seas had assumed 
 very extensive diincnsions. N<»t only were the furs regarded as of great value, but the oil, 
 technically known at the time as "train-oil," assumed an impoitant commercial 
 position. Attention seems to have been lir.st directed to the islands and co;\sts of South 
 •Vmerica. Wo hear of no loss a number than i, 000.000 .skins being taken to Canton, 
 from the neiglibourhooil of Masafueia in one year, in 1708, while before tiio seals were 
 oxterminated on that one island in 18;)7, no less than 3,500,001) skins had been 
 taken. 
 
 Soo. A 11 along the coast of Chile and Peru, even as far north as the Islands of St. Felix 
 and on the Oalapagos group, seals were hunted. By the end of the century there were 
 not less than thirty New England vessels so employed on that coast. Meanwliile, in 1 783, 
 Dame Haley, of Boston, had .sent a 1,000 tons ship, the " States," down to the Falklaiul 
 Islands, where she procured a cargo of 13,000 skins, of fur-seal which were sold 
 in Boston at 50 cents a-piece, shipped to Calcutta, where under the name of "soa- 
 otter" they were sold for 2 dollars, and eventually reaching Canton, where thoy fetcrliec! 
 5 dollars per skin. 
 
 850. The methods of slaughtev involved rapid cxtirpatiim in any given breeding 
 place, and sealers came to be perpetually discovering and exhausting in succession evcrj 
 place to which seal resorted. The islands around South America, Tristan d'Acunlia, the 
 
 [305J 
 
 • Kirr'u " Voyage?," vol. xi. 
 
 u 
 
lU 
 
 '■■■ 
 
 ,1 
 
 (•■ 
 
 Soiitli Orknovs, Soulh Ooor>fin, niul Sandwieli liiuul, fleie all in turn iliscovtit'il, nn 
 hiUHlrods of tlioiisiiiKls of Hkins taken fV(»n« oacli lor a Ion;; Horics of yeam. Thirty 
 vcsH( N -ri;,'litfon being nniicr tlio Ainorican, Ion tiiidiT tin* Knyflinli, and two niidiT tlio 
 Russian llafr, in tlic thico years I81U-22, took nioic tliaii (t(M»,(Mi(t hvhIh from tlic Sontli 
 Shetland group, completely cxiianisting the seal race tluiv tor tlie time. 
 
 f*.">7. Sealing-vcsseNliadaHoarly as l79<ieroHsod the Allanlic and worked np the coast 
 of AVestcrn Africa iis far as 'JO" north latitude, (ddaining many seaN. Others worked 
 steadily along the open si-n to the south, sucivs^ively landing npon the various groups of 
 islands — Houvet ami Lindsay, Marian, and Prince Kdward, the Crozets, Kergnelen, and 
 Mncf)iina]d. 
 
 Yet furllur to the eastward, seals were (d)taiued on the following islands: Royal 
 Company, ICmcrahl, Antipodes, Campbell, Maccpiarie, Aucklan«i, and llonnty, while one 
 vessel reported in Sydney a oateh of ^o,(Hi(» from the Fiji islands, probably a locality 
 named to slirond the real killing place. 
 
 H.")S. Ai (his ])eriod, and especially \n>\n 181(».*iM, there sprung np n very large 
 Irnnshipmciit trade in fur-seal skins in the now port of Sydney, reaching hnmlredH of 
 thousands in five years. 
 
 Mnterpiising men chiefly on llio Hcports of Vancouver and Cook hnd already found 
 tbeir way to ibe coa.sts of '* New Holland," and away round the islamls of jS'ew Zealand. 
 Ihx'-H had reported the reefs off (.'ape l^arren Tslantl, ctf the north coast of Tasmania, 
 "covcrcl witli fur-seal «)f great beauty." Cook had found seals in great numbers on the 
 rocks in Dusky Ibiy in New Zealaiul in 177!^ 
 
 S.'jM. Hill the severe ])rocess universally adopted speedily exhausted the different 
 rookeries, and by the year ISW we meet with strenuous complaints that all the known 
 killing grounds were depleted, and that now grounds must be discovered. Fanning and 
 others jiointed out, however, the signidcant fact that vast numbers of seals were still to be 
 Keen cruizing about at sea; a remark of special and new significance to the owners of the 
 North Pacific rookeries in 189-. 
 
 800. It is a matter of some difTiculty to estimate the total number of seals taken in the 
 South Seas during tlie period of the excessive energy of the great senling induNtry. Hut 
 tliere are actual records wliich, added together, bring the acknowledged total to more 
 tlian 10,000,000. 
 
 These seals were taken from about thirty different island groups or coast districts 
 on the mainland, and they were all taken by the one method of indiserin\inate slaughter 
 on shore. 
 
 It is probable that this wholesale slaughter did not extend over more than seventy 
 years, hut it is certain that at the end of the period the fur-seals wore so terribly 
 reduced in numbers that even the sixty years of subsequent rest and total cessation of 
 killing have not Kutiiced to bring about any effectual restoration of the numbers of years 
 gone by. 
 
 F(il iMjually valuable to the treatment of the seals in the North Pacific is the more 
 recent lii-.t(iiy of sealing in the South Seas. Tiie ex<.'essive slaughter of seiils by man on 
 the breeding i-lands alone had brought about the commercial extermination of the once 
 abundant fur-seal before the year \H30. 
 
 Prom that jjcriod for thirty or forty yeais sealing was carried on but fitfully and 
 seldom, Sir .John Poss, writing of Kergiielen Land in iSjO, says: " Of marine animals 
 the seaelepbaut and sever-jl species <>t' seals wore formerly in great abimdanee, and 
 annually drew :i number of ve>^sels to the«^e shores in jjursuit of them. They have now, 
 after so many years of persecution, (juile deserted tlio place or have been completely 
 anniliibited." All otlier writers and travellers give similar descriptions of the methods 
 a'.ul results of this (txcessivo slaughter. Toe officeri of Her Majesty's ship "Peagle," 
 surveying the intricate passages of Magellan's Straits and Tierradel Fuego in 1 SW, speak 
 in similar strain, and it is noticeable that Charles IJarwin, when visiting these old-time 
 resorts of tiie fur-seal in 1832-;J4, and contributing so much of permanent value to natural 
 history, does not make even a single allusion to the fur-seal. 
 
 8i;2. It is instructivo to notice, however, that in later years, as civilized nations 
 began to assert sovereignty over these wild shores, so did they claim the right to the 
 seals and to control the breeding places. Augustus Earle, who has published an 
 interesting account of Tristan d'Acunha in the year 1n:j4, thus recounts the experience 
 of one of the islanders named Uichard : " By one of those sudden acts of treachery and 
 cruelty which have been so common on the coast of South America the vessel to which 
 he belonged while (juiotly engaged in picking up seal on the shore was seized by an 
 armed Republican cruizer on pretence of her occupation being unlawful, and her crew 
 (for whom Richard had the honour of cooking) were lodged in durance vile, and the only 
 
113 
 
 clmncc thiv I. ml of e.scni>"m2[ f'lom porpctiml iiiiprisotiinciit was \>y entering tlie RepuWioftn 
 urmv." 
 
 SO.'l. All iiccoutilH sp.nk of clmiiyc in thu habits of tlio fiir-neal. It» '^li^tall 
 (I'Acunlia tlioy u:c ilescribod an liavin;; di'serteil tlic open hoai-liss and taken to liaiinting 
 cavt'H and lodj;(vt inacco-'hiWe to man. On the Auckland group tlioy n»>w lesorl to the 
 beaches ar.d U'dges below i!io atoep cliUs on the western sdiores, where the perpetual lieavy 
 surf renders it inipraetieahle for man to land. But on some islands, as on .\dnm's 
 Island, the s'alers have made roadways for themselves over the rocks and ice of the 
 interior down i n to tliese heaclies. This is, iiowever, not, always practicable, and it h 
 said that nnder the ]iroteolion of intractable precipices the I'ur-seal arc unmolested and 
 very plentilul on MaiDonald's Island, one of the Kergueh'n yroup. 
 
 8tJI. A traveller, .Mr. C'hnpnian, visiting Adam's Island in IHSi), writes: "We 
 landed at the euve where the seal huts are. . . . These sealers make an easy road across 
 the island, and when they arrive at the clitl"'! at the other side, lower some of their 
 numlier to the ledges and caves where ;hcy slaughter seals. The slayers and the skins 
 are then drawn up. It is wholly illegal, but it goes on, so that the lur-seal are nearly 
 e.Nterminated." 
 
 ?(m. The naturalists on the "Charenger " frequei.t'y observed fur-seal in 1^73-74. 
 (}{ Nightingale Island it is reported: " 'I'he caves, with the sloping ledges leading up to 
 them, are frecpiented by fur-sea's, Foiu' years Itefort; the visit of the expedition 
 !,4U() seals hal been killed on the island by one ships crew. .Seals were very much 
 scarcer in 187M, Itut the island was visited regularly once a-year by the Tristan people. 
 The Germans killed oidy seven se;ds at Inaccessible Islaiul dining their stiy, but the 
 Tristan people killed f«»rty in iJecember 187-'.'"* 
 
 8(11). (If the Cro/.et Island the report was: " The islands are freipiented by elephant- 
 
 and fur-seals, altliougli they are not so plentiful as formerly The tiesh of the 
 
 seals and birds, the eg^s of the latter, together with the Kerguelen cablmge, form a 
 nourishing diet o;i which the sealers residing at times on one or otiur of the islands have 
 usually lived." 
 
 807. Of Kerguelen Island it is said: "Two of the whaling scl.oon.'rs killed over 
 
 seventy fur-se.ils on one day, and upwards »>f twenty on another It is a pity that 
 
 some discretion is not used in killing the animals." 
 
 808. Another entry tells us of the .Messier Chaimel : " The steain-pimiaee left Gray 
 Harbour at 4 a.m. with several naturalists and oHiceis, and joined the ship in the 
 evening at Port Grappler" (in January 187<')' *' ^» the way landing was etl'ected at 
 several spots, and a nund)er of birds were procured ; a very large nuud)er of fur-seals 
 {Arvtocvpliiiltis) were seen, anil six were shot, the .skins and skeletons of which were 
 preserved." 
 
 8Gl>. In regard to Australia, Sir V. McCoy, kindly supplying lis with information 
 from the National Museum, Melbourne, states of the Kuotaria linereu : "The decline or 
 destru.'ticm of the fishery is certainly attributable to the indiscrimiiuxte slaughter ot the 
 seals oi' the few islands olF the south coast, especially in Western Port, where the old males 
 
 and gra\id females resorted in the summer to bring forth and tend the young 
 
 The fur-seal fishery was conducted simply by manning a boat suitable for landing on the 
 islands, the landing usually taking place at night, and then the seals were killed 
 
 indiscriminately by clubbing them on the nose with large sticks The Australian 
 
 fur-seals were never fished for in the open ocean." 
 
 fs70. Thus, over uU these forty years, vessels, most of them utuler the United States' 
 flag, have continued to haunt the breeding places of the fur-seal in the South Seas for 
 the purpose of killing all that could be killed, regardless of sex or condition. 
 
 The records show that the nund)er of vessels fitting out in New England ports for 
 this lisherv averaged since 1840 from six to ten or twelve each year. 
 
 871. At the time of the revival of sealing in the North Pacific in 1807 and following 
 years, several more vessels were dispatched to the South Seas and very considerable 
 catches were made, although not in numbers at all comparable to those of the old 
 days. Nevertheless, vessels retiu'ned with cargoes of ],UOU, 1,000, and even i.',700 
 choice skins. 
 
 S7-. A summary and authoritative account of what occurred was given in 18S9 by 
 the Honourable C. A. Wilhams, «)f Connecticut, before the House of Representatives : 
 " People who had been previously engaged in the sealing business revisited the^ 
 southern localities after a lapse of nearly fifty years, and no seals were found on the 
 
 Island of l)es(dation The Island of South Slietland, ami the Isliud of South 
 
 Georgia, and the Island of Sandwich Land, and the Diegos off Cape Horn, and one or two 
 
 * " Ciialii'iigor Kxpcd litn ficpoi'l," vol. i, p. •.'('4 el jm/. 
 
I 
 
 r ' 
 
 Hi^ 
 
 ii J- 
 
 ■I r- 
 
 140 
 
 minor poiiily, wore found to jielil more or Iohh seal. Tu this jioriod of fil'ty vcnrs in llicse 
 localities seal lil'o liad n'ouporatod to siicli an oxtcMit tiiat lliore «as tai<cii t"n» n tiam in 
 
 tlic s'x rears IVoi'i ISJO to 1S77 ])orliai)s -lO.OOO skins 'i'o-day tliev are aijaiii 
 
 cxliausted I do not tliinii tiiat 10(» seals could he jn'Oi^'incd from all llie K>e:ilitics 
 
 mentioned hy a cluse ri search." 
 
 S7."». AceordiiiLr to authentic records, tlie scalers I'roni Xcn Loiid.m oliiaiucd from the 
 South Slietlanils a: d the neiyhhourhood of Cape Horn and Tierni del Tiie^o it_',7.">(i fin- 
 Boal skins hctwcen the years 1S70 and ISSO, hut scalers are still at work, hv their wasteful 
 and indificriiuinato slaughter, preventing;' the fur-seal of the South Soas from rccuperaiiui;' 
 and heiujj restored in numbers. 
 
 874. Thus, the actual experiences of Soutli Sea sealing unmistakahly citipliasizo the 
 seriou?; dai;i;er.->()f iiidiscriniinatcand wholesale slaughter on shore, and prove conclusively 
 that, in the iiiliro absence of pelngii! sealing, it is perfectly possible practically to 
 exterminate the seal race. 
 
 S7o. This serious result, actually achieved, is brought into still greater prominence 
 when we bear in mind the measures adopted by several (iovernments of territories in the 
 Southern Hemisphere, by special rej^ulations or otherwise, to restore and preserve the fur- 
 seal rookeries. The (iovernments which have set uj) such regulations are those of the 
 Uruguay, Argentine, and Chilean Republics, and of t!:c Brit'sh Colonies of the Falkland 
 Islands, the Cape of Good Hope, Victoria, New Zealand, and Tasmania. 
 
 &70. In the I'niguay liepublic, for many years the Government have jiroteeted the 
 seals resorting for breeding purposes to the Lobos, the Espinillo, and the Coronilhi 
 Islands. 
 
 According to a special report, furnished to us by Your Majesty's ^linister, Mr. Satow, 
 these fisheries have been very carefully looked after. They are now leased to a private 
 company for a term of years, but without limitation (»f the numbers to be taken. 'J'lie 
 company have the sole right of taking seals, and there is no Government tax levied on 
 the fkins. The killing of seals is only permitted between tlie 1st .hine and the 
 J 5th October in each year. All the seals are killed on shore, ciiiefiy by means of clubs, 
 and there is no pelagic fishing. It is the general opinion that no diminution is 
 observable in the nund)er of seals fro(|uenting the rookeries. Mr. Lal'one, M.l'., has 
 kindly supjjlied us with much very valuable information. The chief rookeries have been, 
 to his knowledge, in good condition for more than forty years past. In Appendix (G) we 
 give the (igures of the number.^ actually taken in recent years, from which it will be seen 
 tliat the average annual take, with no apparent injury to the nundiers ot sciils frecpienting 
 the rookeries, is nearly ir»,0()(( seals; but that of these more than one-third are "small 
 pups." In 1S8S strong representations were made against killing ]»ui,s. It may be 
 added, that in the medium sizes many females are included without injuriously atfecting 
 the total number of the seals. 
 
 s77. In 1 8^9 the Goverunienl of the Argentine Republic absolutely forbad the taking 
 of seals aliiig its coasts, and also commenceil negotiations with Chile lor co-operation in 
 the i-anie direction, especially with the view to slopjjing United states' vessels which 
 hfthitnallv poached on the rookeries, nofablv the "Sarah W.Hunt" and the '• Martha 
 Gale." 
 
 87'*. The Chilean Government has I'rom time to time cor.sidered the question of 
 pri lectin;; the fnr-soals. In 188U they abstained from enforcing regulations. Up to 
 18S!i tlij .'^eal (islicry was free to any Cliilean subject or foreigner residing iu the country, 
 but y.i'i » pen to vessels and their crews coming from foreign countries. It has, however, 
 been I'dund hitherto impracticable to guard the fishing districts during the breeding 
 season, and the Ihili^h ViceCousul at I'nnta Arenas, in the {straits of Magellan, reports 
 in 188!) that the American scho(/ners take I'.o notice of the interdiction, although only 
 one of thini, lie "Sarah W. Hunt," has as yet been .specifically ]>rohibiied from such 
 il!cgiliii!a!c siiiling. He also reports that the Chilean Government are contemplating 
 nioie .^Irin^ient nuasures of protection fur the few remaining seals. 
 
 8711. Tl;e Chilean (lovernment has always recognized the value of the stal (ishery, 
 allhciifih Ml ce the eailicr years of the century it has boon felt that the seals were 
 nearly ( \lirpa!ed. AVe have frecjuenl allusions to (Jovcrnmenl control, 'i'hus, in 18(i('», 
 Her Mjijcstv';. ship "Toia/.e," visiting the Island of Juan Fernandez, reports ten inliabi- 
 tanfs ei i;iige(! ill seal.ng undir licence fiom the Chilean (iovernment. In 1875 Her 
 Miijesly's slip "( hiilleiiger " reports finding a Chilean leasing the right from this 
 (tdvcii.ni nt ibr i.'(t(i/. a-ytar, and em})loyiiig fifty cr sixty men or duaii Fernandez and 
 Miis-i.-Fi.eia for the purpose of cidlccting scal-sKins. 
 
 8^0. In a'l these places, n:id especially in the districts around the Horn, the cnforcc- 
 li uit oi biriet regulations, especially instituted fer avoiding the taking of gravid females 
 
 
147 
 
 and disturbance of males, fomali-s, and ^oung diirinn; tlie early portion of the period they 
 spend ashore, is certain to ])erniit of a <;roat increase in tlie supply of fur-seal, 
 
 881. In some of the severnl British Colonies where the fur-sc.il is found, specific 
 regulations have been in force for some time past. 
 
 882. In the Falkland Islands llicre is leiiislntive provision embodied in the Ordinance 
 No, 4 of 1S81 for the protection of the fur-.'^cal, which is already having an excellent 
 cfTect, so far as it can bo enforced. Its main jjiovisions (see Appendix H) are a dose 
 time from the Ist October to the 1st April, and penalties iind forfeiture against individual 
 owners of vc.s.sels and others killing or permitting to be killed any fur-seals during those 
 months. 
 
 8S3. TJeccnt inquiries made of (hose experienced in sealing in those i>lands elicited 
 the invariable opinion that the main causes of the jjresent depletion has bien the reckless 
 ami indiscriminate slaughter of the seals whenever they land, and especially during the 
 breeding season. In some cases the stocking of farms and peojde taking up their abode 
 in the neighbourhood of the seal rookeries has corlaiidy driven the seals to other resorts. 
 -But the killing of seals ha« never been attempted at soa, and is entirely confined to 
 parties of sealers landed from boats an 1 schooners, who club, shoot, ami spear the 
 seals on .shore. The most serious comi)laints are tiuit foreign schooners crui/.o along the 
 coast and land senling parties regardless of the statutory close season. 
 
 884. Kxperienee<l men in the Falkland Islands assert that the fur-seal are known not 
 infrequently to desert favourite landing places whjn they find they ari> molested for 
 otbers where they rest and breed in peace. 
 
 885. The Government of the Colony of the Capo of Good Hope has for very many 
 years paid attention to the fur-seals frequenting the coasts and islands umler its 
 authority. Thus, on the 12th April, 1844, a Proclamation was issued : — 
 
 " His Kxcellency the Governor, having been pleased to decide that the Seal Island 
 in Mossel liay shall not be granted on lease for the present, hereby prohibits all persons 
 from disturbing the seals on the said island, and warns them from trespassing there after 
 this not'''e on pain of prosecution." 
 
 880. A special Report from Mr. C. IT. Jackson, the Government Agent in charge ot 
 the Seal and Guano Islands (Ap})endix li), speaks of indiscriminate slaughter on shore 
 as the chief cause of the present depletion ; and points out that, for lack of a close time 
 during the breeding season between November and January, a great number of females 
 have been destroyed "either about to give birth or suckling their young." Pelagic 
 scaling is unknown, the system of killing adopted being that of landing men in boats, 
 armed with clubs. He speaks specially of the ease with which seals arc scared fron; 
 their resorts by steamers anil otlier ves>x>ls coming close in. He also mentions that 
 " by a happy provision of nature a female seal will suckle any young one, whether her 
 own or not." 
 
 887. There are no special protective laws, but the islands arc Governnient property 
 and are leased upon short leases, so that the Government has power, if it will, to control 
 this profitable fishery. 
 
 tr88. In the Austral'au ivittcrs fur-seals were found on the coasts and islands of 
 Victoria, Tasmania, and Ne.v Zealand in very great abundance, and they arc still seen 
 and obtained. 
 
 889. In regard to Victuria, Sir F. McCoy reports as follows : — 
 
 "(I.) The seal fishery of Australia was never so extensive as that of the North 
 Pacific, and for more tli'^.n thirty years the traile in Australian fur-seal skins has entirely 
 ceased, although of some extent in Sydney a little before that time. 
 
 " (2.) In Victoria, the only fur-seal is the eared seal (hhiotarin cinerPd), the size, 
 shape, and habits of which very nearly recall those of the .Vorth Pacific. 'I he decline 
 or destruction of the fishery is certainly attributible to the indiscriminate slaughter of the 
 seals on the few islands ofl" the south const, especially in Western Port, where the (dd 
 males and gravid females resorted in the siminier to bring forth and tend the young. 
 At present a few islands only are freiiuented by those seals, now in the breeding season, 
 and the number of individuals is too small to furnish any trade, 
 
 " (3,) The fur-seal fishery was comlucted simply by manning a boat suitable for 
 landing on the islands, the landing usually taking place at night, and then the seals were 
 killed indiscriminately by clubbing tliem on the nose with large slicks. The skins were 
 chiefly exported from Sydney. 
 
 " (4.) No measures elfective for the jirotection of the fur-.seal fi.slieries have been 
 undertuken on any large scale by any of the Australian Colonies, but some years ago I 
 recommended the Victorian GovcrniiKnt to prohibit the killing of seals on the small 
 
 
148 
 
 
 f :. 
 
 islands which they frequent near Phillip Island, and althuu»h the number has soIuet^hat 
 increased in conse(iuencc, it is far too smull to furnish a trade. 
 
 " (5.) The Australian fur-seals were never fished for in the open oeean. 
 
 "(G.) Generally the life history of the Victorian fur-seal exactly resenthli", that of 
 the North Pacilic, f(dlo\ving shonls of fish in llie open ocean, hut coniiny on (uc islands 
 to breed in the latter part of the summer." 
 
 8iKi. Sealing; was a Icadin;^ industry in New South Wales, especially ' i the years 
 1810-20. Several firms fitted out lar^c schooners, and urcnt numliors o skins were 
 secured, cspocially from places like .Mac<|.iariR and the Antipodi s Islaiid-; Some years 
 ago the (tovernnient issued an order prohiliitiiii;' liu> Killing; of sciii-t on llu niainland and 
 islands of the Colony, and they are reported as increasing in numbers, as, for ii)s(aiicc, 
 around Port Stephens. 
 
 , 891. From Tasnuuiia scaling has been conducted on many r- ighiiouriiig i^Iand.s, 
 ihc^scols all luiiig shot or clubbed on the shoii'. No miasur< , oi pii'MTMiliuii have 
 been taken nnlil l8'Jl. when a tJ«)Vcrnment Proclamation w.s issued: "The taking 
 of seals, known by the name of seals or any (<tiier local n: nie, iu Ta^nnuiia and its 
 dependencies, is hereby prohibited for a period of three years irom the J(ith duly, IWU." 
 The chief diliicnlty fouml is with scliooncis iVom other parts inaraiuling on the 
 rookeries. 
 
 81)-. In New Zealaml at the beginning of lids century seals were numerous in 
 several places along the coast around Port tMuilmers, along the west coa^t, near We.slitort, 
 round Stewart's Island, ami in other jdaccs. All the neighbouring islands, >ucli as the 
 Chatham, iMac(|uarie, Bounty, Can)pbcll,and Anlii>odes groups, wire well-known haunts. 
 Mr. Yate, a missionary, wiiting in 18.'h'), tells of several establishments for tlic seal 
 fisliery on the coast of New Zealand. lint lifteen or twenty years of pcrfi»tent ami 
 indiscrindnate slaughter on shore hid practically exterminated the seal in ISItt. 
 
 893. As to the cau.ses of the depletion, Mr. F. Chapman, writing from Dmicdin, >-ays: 
 " As to the cause of this there is but one answer: n-cklos killing and disturbance in 
 the rookeries. !Mr. Dawstni need not trouble him.self about pelagic scaling; there is 
 not and never was such a thing in these waters," 
 
 894. In the early yeais of this century the port of Sydney did a large trade in Ncal- 
 skins, and it is undoubted tinit with rise in market prices of more than ten-t'uld over that 
 period, the industry nmy well be revived by judicious (Jovcrnment regulations duly 
 enforced. 
 
 The main dilficidty in the.se seas, as elsewhere, is the raiding ashore, especially in 
 the breeding season, by unauthorized per.sons. It is io be hoped that the mitcome of 
 the Behring Sea negotiations may be international agreement as t«) the illegality ol all 
 (•uch proceedings, and thus all territorial Powers will bo empoacred to execute regula- 
 tions against all coiners, so necessary to the preservation of so important an industry as 
 that of sealing. 
 
 H9r». It will bo well if the Governments of New Zealand, Tasmania, Victoria, tlie Cape 
 of Good Hope, and the Kalkand l.^land, as well as those of the rriiguayan l!epu1)lic ami 
 Chile, take stejis to secure for Ihemsehcs any internal imutl advantages lor tlie proper 
 |)roteclion tif the ftir-.seal in the South Seas which may be determineil to be applicable 
 under internatiunal saiu-titm in the Nortii Pacilic. As a commencement, each of the.ie 
 (loveritnieiits should furlhvvith nniUe slalntory jjrovision for vloso seuxtns, re.-^triction 
 of nundiers taken, and otiier nuilters ailecting seal life within their territorial dominions 
 and iiie waters thereof. 
 
 8!)ii. A further point in comu-ction with lioutli Sea sealing lemains to be dealt with. 
 Some of tlie oliler .sealers who gave ns evidence nicnlidiied tlicir opinion that the 
 I'lir-seal of tiie Pribylol! Islands were the overllow of the fur-seal ol" the Suiiili S.a when 
 disturbed and liaias>cd by the iiKii-criminale siaugliler aixtve detailed. 
 
 W e observe also that the I'liited States' aulliority, Mr. I'.lliotI, in bi-^ '• .Mon()grapli 
 oil tlie Knr-seal " (p. tlj, wiites : " It appeals as if the fiir-«-eals bad originally passed to 
 I'eliiiiig Siii irom tbi' jiarent slock of the Patagoiiiaii region, up aloi:;- the ci a-t of 
 South .\iiieriea, a lew tarruiig at the dry and heated (lalapagos I- lands, the ii...st 
 speeding on to the northward, disturbed by the clea:' sUes and sandy beaches ot the 
 .\lexican cuast, on and up to the great llsh-s|iawiii!ig shiwes of the Aleiillaii Inlands and 
 Ik'hriiig Sea. '1 he j on the Prihyhil! group and the Idiilly I'onini i.ah i- Islands lliey 
 lound that union of coid water, well-adapted landing, and moist foggy cir wliieh they 
 had mised since llicy leli tho slonn-beateii coasts iar lieh.w.'' 
 
 M>7. We have, however, reeiivid from lie Director cf the .Vatnial liislorv Deparl- 
 nient ol tlie ririti>h .Mnseiini a very \alnalil .MeinoiMinliiin (^Appunlix |)j, pointing out 
 tlie structural and other dill'crences uhi'.'b distingiii^li llie vaiions species ol' I'ur-Mal, and 
 
 
149 
 
 "^; 
 
 rapli 
 
 ■--t 
 
 • 1 to 
 
 ii 
 
 ■t of 
 
 ii' 
 
 list 
 
 (.1 
 
 til.' 
 
 ■ U 
 
 aiul 
 
 u 
 
 lllfV 
 
 1. 
 
 tllf.V 
 
 h 
 
 inu-l- 
 
 111:; out 
 
 III 
 
 . in. 1 
 
 wliicli clonrly indic.ito that tlic seals frequenting tlio North Pacific do not migrate south 
 of the K(i'iator. Nor nm \\c hold out any hope timt, as was expressed hy a Now 
 Zealand autlioritv, the pers'ciition of the liir-soal in the North Pacific may drive them 
 south to ri']»!eiiisli New Zealand rookorief. 
 
 SOS. Tlic relative impiirtance of the South Sea fishery is insignificant at the present 
 day in comparison with thil of the North Pacific. In the latter tlie last full years gave 
 a total catch of nhout Utonoo, whereas the total catch south of the E«|iiati)r only 
 roaches 2o,000. Ihit the Sontli Seas, during the first seventy years of the lisheries, 
 produced at least l(i,O(»i>,(M»0 seals wliereas from the Nortli I'acific it seems prohahio 
 that not more than 5,0(M»,(»i)(» liave heen, in all, secured in lli) years. To reinstate in 
 some degree the South Sea fisheries would thus he to revive, if only partially, a great and 
 most prolitahle industry. 
 
 •*\y.K At tiie same lime, in the inmiediate matter of tlie preservation <-f the fur-seal in 
 the Northern Pacific, it is well to hear in mind that actual c.vperiencc in the South Seas 
 proves inconte>taMy the following among other facts :- 
 
 (i.) Kxcessive slaughter on sliore, in the entire ahsence of any pelagic .sealing, 
 results in coinmercial exterii:ination. 
 
 (ii.) IvNccssive slatighfcr nnd distuihance causes ttl)solute depletion and dcsortion in 
 given hrcetlinii places, leading the surviving seals to seek other resorts. 
 
 (iii.) As Kaniiiiig has rec^irded, while old rookeries are being depleted and new ones 
 heing taken up, more sials are seen at sea than ever. 
 
 Iti'O. 'I'h's is a timely «tliject lesson for the North Pacific, where from two known 
 l)ree<liiig resorts, for the past twenty-live yejxrs, so great a number of skins have been 
 taken (§ 4." el si-ij.) hy excessive slaughter on shore, and complaints are now made 
 otiieialiy that unless .strong ineasi.ios of rest and recuperation are promptly adopted 
 llu' seals tVe<iuenling these resorts will disappear. Undoubtedly, they will seek other 
 breeding places. 
 
 901. Mr. Hhiinc has done good service in drawing attention, in his despatch of the 
 17th December, IBHO, to the disastrous results in the South Seas following on iudi.s- 
 criminate and unrestricted slaughter of tl e fur-seal. There has never been recorded any 
 mr^''(« self-evident and striking example of the consetpienccs of excessive slaughter by 
 niiui. It is therefore useful to bear in mind the precise character and circumstunces of 
 ihc seal fishery of the Southern liemisphere. 
 
 VIII. — .MVUKKTIVO TIIK SkAL-SKINS. 
 
 9()'2. The process of preparing the seal-skins for the market, costing, mi (lie whole, 
 ISv. to L'O.s per skin, is the work of a prosperous industry in fiondon. 
 
 Till- skills arc laii'Kd in the Jocks, ami sorted fiir s-ize, quaiily, and kiiii. ready fi>r 
 tli(> sale-room, l-'veiifnaliy llicv lurivi-, tlnis giailccl, at (he fai'torv, and an- ih'alt with in 
 l.ali'lies. The process c 'iniiicnees wilii the removal of the i':it anl llesh let'l on th- skins 
 by cureless skinning; the next step is lh(>roii.;lily to chanse the skin by iiot-waler 
 washing and >trelchi;ig. alter uliicli (lie skins are delily shaved down to t!ie iei|iiisite 
 lliinness. 'I'liey are liien treaicd in a hot cliaml er, and the outer hair taken off. The 
 '•oinpletin'.;' i.tages are timsc ol tlyi'in;- tn a imil'inn colour, and finally shaving the skin 
 • loMii fit llic iieees,inv iliiiine-s. At ivery stage much tci'lmical skill a'.il judgment are 
 rc(piired. 
 
 :i".l. ii i-^ a n 'teworiliy fact, that nearly all fur-seal skins ar,- taken to London to be 
 dressed and -nM. The fur sell ii:dii-tiy thus gives emiiloyment to much sliippinu' on the 
 I'acilic, lo raib\a\s across t'le .\nieriean continent, and lo s!:ippiim <in tlie Alkiiilic; 
 while in t!ic liu>iiu>s of in^niaiice, and in the sab.' of tlie raw anl 'i H'lied skins, both 
 wholesale aid rttaii, as well as in the prticesses a' <»ve descriiicd. *ci\\ coii«id' rabl- protiis 
 are realizeil. 
 
 
IdO 
 
 Paut III. 
 CONCLUDING llEMAKKS. 
 
 004. In commencing; our Report, wc cx])lainc(l the steps taken to carry ont the 
 duties assigned to us. In Part I we have given the conclusions to which our investi- 
 gations have led us in regard to the facts and conditions of seal life in the North Pacific 
 Ocean, and to tlic measures necessary for the proi)cr protection and preservation of tlie 
 fur-seal. In Part II and in the Appendices there arc ])rescntcd, in fuller detail, the 
 results of our investigations, together nith such collateral information or evidence as 
 appears to he necessary to enahle just conclusions to be arrived at. 
 
 D05. In conclusion, we would wish to record our high appreciation of the ready 
 response afforded to our inquiries by the numerous persons to whom wc addressed them, 
 whether in correspondence or by word of mouth. 
 
 900. To the officials of the United States' Government, to the Commanding OfHcers 
 of the men-of-war and revenue-cruizcrs, ns well as to the representatives of the Ahiska 
 Commercial and North American Commercial Companies, we are greatly indebted for tlic 
 hospitality and courtesy they uniformly extended to us, as well as for the zealous and 
 ready assistance they rendered us in our endeavours to obtain the information of which 
 we were in search. 
 
 907. From the Admiral in command of the Pacific Station and the Commanders, 
 officers, and men of Her Majesty's ships "Nymphe," "Porpoise," and "Pheasant," 
 we received every assistance and aid, and they secured for us much valuable information. 
 
 908. Wc would venture specially to commend the industry, zeal, and ability witii 
 which, throughout our investigations and negotiations, Mr. Ashley Froude 1ms conducted 
 the arduous duties of Secretary to the Commission and Joint Secretary to the Joint 
 Commission. "We would also beg that the Government of Canada may be informed of 
 the painstaking, capable, and thorough manner in which we have been assisted throughout 
 by Mr. James Macoun. 
 
 All of \vhich wc humbly submit, for the gracious consideration of your Majesty. 
 
 (Signed) (JKORGR B.ADEN-POWELL. 
 
 GEORGE M. DAWSON. 
 
 (Signed) 
 .fui<c2\, 1892. 
 
 Ashley Froude, Secretary. 
 
AimsXy lU) 5lo face p I5(i 
 
 IMISSIONERS, 15 JULY 8 OCTOBER, 1891 
 
 J}' 
 
 <x 
 
 
 
 
 \ . 
 
 1 r 
 
 ■; 
 
 fiooo s/ts ii»-t ) re ji' 
 
No. 1. TRACK CHART OF ROUTES FOLLOWED BY THE BRITISH BEHRI 
 
 •^u« 1/1110 .'.'C 
 
Maes Xy 1 to 5 to ii\:e p t5(/ 
 
 BRITISH BEHRING SEA COMMISSIONERS. 15 JU:Y8 OCTOBER, 1891. 
 
 "Its Ljuo V.'C. 
 
 faOOO.S/tS M9Tj fO 30: 
 
II 
 
 
 
 l\ 
 
 • 
 
 SEALS IN THE NORTH PACIFIC. 
 
 F SEALS IN THE VICINI TV OF ROBBEN IbLAND AN'J THt KURlLE ISLANDS 
 EY CANNOT BE UEMNEO.i 
 
 fsuofl ^/H^ ii?*?) f ti 1(16, 
 
/-.// 
 
 SAOHALIEN I. 
 
 <^^ .y ////// / 
 
 ^v / / 
 / / 
 
 / 
 
 
 f*0 
 
 teo' 
 
 .- 1 — 
 
 No. 2. SKETCH MAP ILLUSTRATING RESORTS AND MIGRATION R( 
 
 
 SUMMER HABIIATS 
 
 WINTER HABITATS. 
 
 NORTHERLY MIGRATION ROUTES IN EARLY SUMMER 
 
 SOUTHERLY MIGRATION ROUTES IN AUTUMN. 
 
 -INOTE 
 AR 
 
II. 
 
 MIGRATION ROUTES OF FUR SEALS IN THE NORTH PACIFIC. 
 
 'NOTE.-THE SUMMER HABITATS OF SEALS IN THE VICINITY OF ROBBEN ISLAND ANO THE KURlLE ISLANDS 
 ARE MERELY INDICATED AS THEY CANNOT BE OEFINED.i 
 
 faOOO 3/93.1137.) ro.lOi. 
 
IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 m 111^ 11^ 
 
 " IM III 22 
 
 .u m '""^ 
 
 2.0 
 
 m 
 
 1.8 
 
 
 1.25 
 
 1.4 
 
 1.6 
 
 
 ^ 6" — 
 
 
 ► 
 
 Vi 
 
 <? 
 
 /2 
 
 ^W 
 
 
 / 
 
 '/ 
 
 /A 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 ^ 
 
 iP 
 
 ,\ 
 
 «^ 
 
 ;\ 
 
 \ 
 
 ^N^ 
 
 k% ' 
 
 #A^- 
 
 O^ 
 
 12 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 
 
 (71*) 87V-4503 
 
 <^ 
 
 4 
 
4 
 
Ill 
 
 R SEALS IN THE PERIOD 
 
 SEALS IN THE VICINITY OF THE COMMANDER ISLANDS, IN THIS PERIOD, 
 
 SILABLE INFORMATION RESPECTING IT IS INSUFFICIENT. SMALLER AREAS 
 
 VICIHITY OF ROBBEN ISLAND AND SOME OF THE KURILE ISLANDS ARE 
 
 (2000. 3/SS.II97.} FO. SOS, 
 
 %\ 
 
 >' 
 
 •J' 
 
 -.4 
 
 p 
 
 ■^ .k 
 
 ■f 
 
 • 1 1 
 
 
 1' 
 
 
 ^k 
 
 ,'■■' ■ -L- 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■] ■ 
 
 f ■ 
 
No. 3. SKETCH MAP SHOWING APPROXIMATELY THE AREA FI 
 
 EXTENDING FROM JULY 15th TO Ai 
 
 AREA CHARACTERIZED BY ABUNDANT SEALS. 
 PWWi[ AREA CHARACTERIZED BY SCATTERED SEALS. 
 
 Hamoon v/kmu Li'b S' Unnm Ljv.cV.'C 
 
 tfi 
 
Ill 
 
 ,Y THE AREA FREQUENTED BY FUR SEALS IN THE PERIOD 
 ULY 15th to august IBth, 1891. 
 
 (NOTE.-THE AREA OF ABUNDANT SEALS IN THE VICINITY OF THE COMMANDER ISLANDS, IN THIS PERIOD. 
 IS NOT INDICATED, AS THE AVAILABLE INFORMATION RESPECTING IT IS INSUFFICIENT. SMALLER AREAS 
 OF SEAL OCCURRENCE IN THE VICINITY OF ROBBEN ISLAND AND SOME OF THE KURILE ISLANDS ARE 
 
 NOT SHOWN FOR THE SAME HEAbON./ 
 
 son V ('niUJ Li'k S' MarnuB L.^iieV.'C . 
 
 (2000. 3/95.1197.) F.0. SOS, 
 
r 
 
U:. 
 
 IV. 
 
 FUR SEALS IN THE PERIOD 
 1891. 
 
 NDANT SEALS IN THE VICINITY Or THE COMMANDER ISLANDS, IN THIS PERIOD. 
 LIMITED NUMBER OF OBSERVATIONS. SMALLER AREAS OF SEAL OCCURRENCE 
 10BBEN ISLAND AND SOME OF THE KURILE ISLANDS ARE NOT SHOWN AS NO 
 iBLE RESPECTING THEM.) 
 
 
 O'i 
 
 .p..^i 
 
 I; 
 
 fI000.3/93.t\97.) F.O. 305. 
 
 '■ tj 
 
IW 
 
 160' 
 
 180 
 
 1<H) 
 
 160 
 
 180 
 
 No. 4. SKETCH MAP SHOWING APPROXIMATELY THE AREA FR 
 
 EXTENDING FROM AUGUST 16th TO SEl 
 
 AREA CHARACTERIZED BY ABUNDANT SEALS 
 AREA CHARACTERIZED BY SCATTERED SEALS. 
 
 Harrison V ooii,-! li'h.G'. Itsvni.s I;iTie'A"C 
 
 ifii 
 
IV. 
 
 ( THE AREA FREQUENTED BY FUR SEALS IN THE PERIOD 
 ST 16th TO SEPTEMBER 15th, 1891. 
 
 (NOTE -THE AREA OF ABUNDANT SEALS IN THE VICINITY OF THE COMMANDER ISLANDS, IN THIS PERIOD. 
 DEPENDS UPON A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF OBSERVATIONS. SMALLER AREAS OF SEAL OCCURRENCE 
 IN THE VICINITY OF ROBBEN ISLAND AND SOME OF THE KURILE ISLANDS ARE NOT SHOWN AS MO 
 INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE RESPECTING THEM.) 
 
 li'h.S llnnur, laneXC 
 
 fZOOO. 5/93. l}97.} F.O. 305. 
 

 I 14 
 1 
 
 t ^H 
 
 
 ' i h'^U 
 
 
 • i ■ ^^B 
 
 
 <j|s 
 
 
 |iH 
 
 
 
 
[ 
 
 l»20 JO 
 
 I88«) 
 
 IH(»U 
 
 \: 
 
 100, Don 
 
 
 I- 
 
 1 • 
 
1820 
 
 ;aM) 
 
 1HH> 
 
 mno 
 
 1000 
 
 DIAGRAM REPRESENTINQ THE NUMBER OF FUR SEALS KILLED ANNUALLY ON THE PRIBYLOFF ISLANDS, FROM 1817 TO II 
 
 DIAGRAM REPRESENTINQ THE NUMBER OF FUR SEALS KILLED ANNUALLY ON THE COMMANDER ISLANDS, FROM 1862 TO 
 
 Xumher kilh'^i on Conmumi le-f h^iun d ^ i/i f ar-U er i/ears, ivul a.scAfloinfu i . 
 
 DIAGRAM REPRESENTING THE NUMBER OF FUR SEAL SKINS PURCHASED BY THE HUDSON'S BAY COMP.MNY AT POSTS Of 
 
 BEING A PORTION OF THE INDEPENDENT INDIAN COAST CATCH FOR THESE YEARS. 
 
 No rec^nd of Tndum Coa.s-f CalcA in fat-Urr- J/ears . 
 
 DIAGRAM REPRESENTINQ THE NUMBER OF FUR SEAL SKINS OBTAINED ANNUALLY BY CANADIAN SEALING VESSELS, FR 
 
 (THE NUMBER OF SKINS TAKEN BY UNITED STATES SEALING VESSELS IS NOT INCLUDED, THERE BEING NO TRUSTWORTHY STATIS' 
 
 DIAGRAM SHOWING THE AVERAGE AUCTION PRICES OF FUR SEAL SKINS IN LONDON, FROM 1871 TO 1891. 
 
 1820 
 (looo.s/as.uai) f.o.sos. 
 
 183( 
 
 1840 
 
 1850 
 
 1861 
 
 Harrison & Sous. Li'h.S'. MsrKus LaiieV'-C 
 
 ^ItaMBMHi 
 
V. 
 
 lUOO 
 
 1870 
 
 IS80 
 
 mao 
 
 wo, OHO 
 
 V COMPAi'lY AT POSTS ON THE COAST, FROM 1852 TO 1891. 
 ATCH FOR THESE YEARS. 
 
 40,000 
 
 20,000 
 
 
 
 IIAN SEALING VESSELS. FROM 1871 TO 1891 
 INQ NO TRUSTWORTHY STATISTICS FOR IT.) 
 
 1860 
 
 1870 
 
 1880 
 
 rison & Sous. Li'h.a MsrKns LaiieV.'.C. 
 
IHnl 
 
 * 
 
^ 161 ) 
 
 Appendices. 
 
 APPENDIX (A). 
 
 List of Pkrsons and AuTnonrriES sui'i'iiViNii Evidenck. 
 
 List of those who gave Personal Evidence and Information to the Behviuf' Sea Commission. 
 
 No. 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 i) 
 4 
 
 r. 
 
 7 
 8 
 <» 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 la 
 lii 
 II 
 
 15 
 Ifi 
 17 
 18 
 
 19 
 20 
 21 
 22 
 23 
 :34 
 'J.6 
 2() 
 27 
 28 
 29 
 
 30 
 
 31 
 32 
 33 
 34 
 35 
 3G 
 37 
 38 
 39 
 40 
 41 
 42 
 43 
 44 
 45 
 46 
 47 
 48 
 49 
 SO 
 S( 
 53 
 63 
 54 
 
 Name. 
 
 Dr. Acliind , . 
 Mr. Alexander 
 Mr. Ayde 
 Mr. Audieuki) 
 Mr. G. A. linldwiii 
 Colonel Barnes 
 Mr. lieiitzoii . . 
 C'iipt;iiii Blair 
 C'aptniii Hrnndt 
 .Mr. Hi)seowit/. 
 Mr. Stanley Brown 
 Mr. .1. Hiniis. . 
 Captain iJaker 
 Mr. Cliflbnl ., 
 Captain Coulson 
 Captain Cox . . 
 Captain W. Cox 
 Mr. 11. C'niinin^luiHi 
 
 Mr. O. Ciinniiigiiam 
 Mr. Camjibell 
 Mr. V. Cope . . 
 Captain Dodds 
 Mr. Dirks . . 
 Mr. .1. Kaile, M.l'. 
 Captain Mdnards 
 Mr. iMnmons . . 
 Lieutenant Ennnons 
 Edensaw 
 Mr. K. Finlayson 
 
 Mr, Fowler . , 
 
 Mr. Eraser . . 
 Mr. Foster , , 
 Mr. Fergussoii 
 Mr. Flunimerfelt 
 M. I'lrelmitzky 
 Ml . Orev 
 Ml, U. H. Hall 
 Mr. 11. Hall . . 
 Mr. 1'. B. Hall 
 Mr. J. Henderson 
 Crt|>tain Healey 
 Uev. — Hopkins 
 Mr. Hanimerslcy 
 A. uohnsoi; . . 
 "Captain" Jack 
 Lieutenant o'lirvis 
 Uev. — Jenniug* 
 Jesuit Missionaries 
 Mr. Jones 
 M. Kainyakoff 
 Governor Knapp 
 M. Kluge 
 Captain Lavender 
 Mr. J. Linguiet 
 
 I'liiee and Profe.'sion. 
 
 [806J 
 
 Medical Officer, St. Riid Island 
 
 'I'radrr, Masset, Queen Charlotte Islands. 
 
 Signal Officer, Neah Bay. 
 
 A.D.C. to Commandant, Petropaulonski. 
 
 Boolvkeepei-, St. I'nul Lsiaiid 
 
 Assi.-tant 'J'reijsury Agent, St. Paul Islaixl. 
 
 Fornnrly cinployr, lliid>on Bay Company, Port Simpson. 
 
 Schooner '■ l.eon,'' l'etropanlou>ki. 
 
 Russian gnn-boat " Aleut."' 
 
 Vietoiiii, British Columbia. 
 
 Spcciiil Agent of United States' Government, Pribylotf Tshnids. 
 
 Iluntrr, St. Matthew Island. 
 
 Sealing-.scliooner "Viva,'' Victoria, British Coluinbi:!. 
 
 Manager, Hudson Bay Compiiny, Port Simpson. 
 
 Uniteii States' revonuc-crulzer " Rush.'' 
 
 Aftcnt for E. B. Marvin and Co , Victoria, Britifh Columbia. 
 
 Sealinir-scUooiK r " Supphire," Victoria, Briti.<ih Columbia. 
 
 Fui-tra<l( r and owni'r of Cnnncries, Port Fssingloti, British 
 
 Columbia. 
 Ditto. 
 
 Vancouver, Briti-h Colmnbia. 
 Ditto. 
 
 Sealing-selooner " Maggie Mac," Victoria, British Columbia. 
 Agent of Ali.sl;a Commercial Company, Atka Island. 
 Victoria, British Columbia. 
 Vancouver, British Columbia. 
 Collector of Customs, Umdiiska. 
 United Stales' ship " Pintii," Sitk;i. 
 Heida Chief, Masset. 
 Victoria, British Columbia, formerly employe of Hudson Bay 
 
 Company. 
 Agent of North American Commercial Company, St. Paul 
 
 Island. 
 Vancouver, British Columbia. 
 Ditto. 
 Ditto. 
 
 Victoria, British Columbiii. 
 Administrntor of Commander Islands. 
 Alaska Commercial Company, Unalaska. 
 Victoria, British Columbia. 
 
 President of Board of Trade, Victoria, British Columbia. 
 Secretary of ditto. 
 Vancouver, British Columbia. 
 United States' rcvenue-cruizer " Bear." 
 Bella Bella. 
 
 Vancouver, British Columbia, 
 Indian hunter, Shakaan. 
 Native, St. Laurence island. 
 United Stitfs' levinue-ciniiicr '• !5ear." 
 .Missionary, Port Kssington. 
 Hnzen BaV, Cape Vancouver. 
 Victoria, britisli Columhia. 
 Commandant, Peiropaulouski. 
 Silk). 
 
 Agent of Russian Seal-skin Company, Copper Island. 
 Ireasury .Agent, St. George Island. 
 Agent, for Hutchinson, Kohl, and Co., Petropaulonski. 
 
 
 i H- 
 
 m i 
 
 
 mm 
 
152 
 
 
 55 
 56 
 
 57 
 58 
 59 
 60 
 61 
 62 
 63 
 64 
 65 
 6G 
 67 
 68 
 69 
 70 
 71 
 72 
 73 
 74 
 75 
 76 
 77 
 78 
 
 79 
 80 
 81 
 82 
 83 
 84 
 85 
 86 
 87 
 
 88 
 83 
 00 
 91 
 92 
 93 
 
 Mr. Locknrby 
 A. Losh 
 Captain Lniiiof 
 Martin Lunbcr^ 
 Mr. Milno ,. 
 Captain Miner 
 Captain Meyer 
 (Jolonel Murray 
 Mr. Morgan . , 
 Mr. Malaiiwanski 
 Mr. McManiis 
 Captain Mayiiaril 
 Mr. McKcnxic 
 Captain MoKenxio 
 Mr. Macgownn 
 Dr. Macaipin 
 Mr. MuiiNJc , . 
 Captain L. >[aclL>aii 
 Mr. E. «. Marvin 
 Mr. K. Neumann 
 Mr. Newman . . 
 Mr. J. C. Nixon 
 Mr. Oppenlieinier 
 Mr. Redpatli . . 
 
 Captain Iteiter 
 Mr. Uousefell 
 Mr. R. Koherison 
 Mr. Justice Swan 
 Captain Spring 
 llev. — Stevens 
 Mr. E. It. Sniitli 
 Mr. Stevenson 
 Mr. O. It. Tingle 
 
 M. Tilliniiini 
 Mr. Totlow .. 
 Captain Warren 
 Mr. WaMi .. 
 Mr. Wasiil)iirn 
 Mr. D. Webster 
 
 94 Major Williams 
 
 About 100 natives, Aleuts 
 
 Hudson Hay Company, Port Simpson. 
 
 Kitkatla Indian, Port Kssington. 
 
 Victoria. British Columbia. 
 
 Quartermnstei', stcant-.^liip "Danube.' 
 
 Collector of Customs, Victoria, British Colu'nbia. 
 
 Sealing-schooner " Henry Dennis," Seattle. 
 
 Steam-ship " Danul)e." 
 
 Assistant Treasury Assent, St. Paul Island. 
 
 Agent of Rusi-ian Seal-skin Company, Behring Island. 
 
 Late Agent, Alasi»a I'uinmercial Company, Beliring Island. 
 
 Newspaper reportc/,, sialing-sclioonor " Otto.' 
 
 United States' ship " Piiitn." 
 
 Fur-trader, Miisset, '^ucen Cliarlolte Islands. 
 
 Scaling-stcamcr " l-lliza Edwards.' 
 
 Vancouver, Hiitisb Columbia. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Owi\er of staliiig-seiioouirs, ^'ietona. British Columbia. 
 
 Seoling-schooncr " Vavoiitc," Victoria, British Columbia. 
 
 Owner of sealing-sehconcr, Victoria, British Columbia. 
 
 Agent of Alaska Commercial rompany, Unalnska. 
 
 Fur-trader, Aleutiiiu Islands. 
 
 Owner of scaling-sehooncrs, Seattle. 
 
 Mayor of Vancouver, British Columliia. 
 
 Manager of North American Commcroiul Cum])any, St. Poul 
 
 Island. 
 United States' i-liip '-Thetis." 
 Vancotiver, British Colnmbiu. 
 Ditto. 
 
 Port Townsenil. 
 Ditto. 
 
 Port Essington. 
 Ship-owner, Yokohama. 
 Vancouver, Hriti>li Columbia. 
 Sii])erintendcnt, North American Cunnnercial Company, Pri- 
 
 liylotf Islands. 
 Russian Oovernnu nt Agent on Coppor Island. 
 Vancouver, British Columbia. 
 Victoria, British Columbia. 
 Navigator of sealing-sclioonor " Wanderer." 
 Agent of Alaska Commercial Co;i pany, Kodiak Island. 
 Resident Agent of North Aincriean Commercial Comp^my, 
 
 St. George Island. 
 United Stat(.s' I'reasury .Vgtiit, St. Paul hland. 
 
 and Indians, as follows : — 
 
 
 Aleut natives 
 
 
 
 Village, St. Paul Wand. 
 
 1» 
 
 »» 
 
 »» 
 
 
 
 North-east Point, St. Paul Island. 
 Unalavka. 
 
 »» 
 
 •» 
 
 
 
 Atka Island. 
 Attn Island. 
 
 1 '. 
 
 •1 
 
 »« 
 
 
 
 Copper Island. 
 
 Village, Bebring iNlav.d. 
 
 .North Uookerv. Beliring Hand. 
 
 Iiidi.-ins 
 
 (Tlinkit) 
 
 
 
 Sitka. 
 
 )» 
 
 (Klaviok) 
 
 
 
 Sbakaan (Hancga tribe, I'roin lvl.iw<ik;. 
 
 »» 
 
 ( Isliimsian) 
 
 
 
 Poit Sim )Son. 
 
 ! ** 
 
 (Hailtznk) 
 (Abt) 
 
 
 
 Bill'.- Bel a. 
 Clavoijiiot .'"ouiid. 
 
 »» 
 
 (Haiila) 
 
 
 
 .Massei, Queen t'hailoltc Isl.iiuls. 
 
 •» 
 
 (Kwakiool) 
 
 
 
 Nawitii, Hope l>liirl. 
 
 
 
 (Abt) 
 
 1» 
 
 
 
 Neali Bay (.Makali tribe). 
 
 Indian Ollice, \'iet(Jiia, Hriti-li Columliia (.arion^, tribes/ 
 
 ^{i m>i 
 
163 
 
 request 
 
 The followiii},' are the sources from wliicli written iul'oruiatiuii Ims been obtained by, or at the 
 ;st of, the ]'iehriiii» Sea Cominissioii : — 
 
 \. Colonial Oovemments, 
 
 (Jajie of Good Hopo. 
 Falkland Islands. 
 Newfoundland. 
 N(>w South AVnlcs. 
 
 New Zealand. 
 
 Tasmania. 
 
 Victoria. 
 
 2. Fori 1(111 (lorn'iiviiiita. 
 
 ArgentiiU! J.'('|>u1ilic. 
 
 Brazil. 
 
 Chile. 
 
 •Tajian. 
 
 Monte Video. 
 
 Hussia. 
 
 Uru"uav. 
 
 ;.'. Hi)' Miiji'sti/'ii Coiisulu nhviwil. 
 
 Canton. 
 Honolulu. 
 
 San Franci.sco. 
 Shan"hae. 
 
 I 
 
 4. Offti'ti-ii of He I- Miij<'f.ty\ S/iips HHil Conndinn Govcrnmi'nt 0[liriiilK. 
 
 Admiral Hotham, C.B., Senior Naval Otlieer, Esquimalt. 
 (Jonmumder Turner, 1!.X., Her Majesty's ship " Nymphe." 
 Commander Burr, ]!.X., Her Majesty's ship " Porpoise." 
 Lieutenant-Counuander Hadley.'ji.N., Her Majesty's ship " Pheasant." 
 Mr. A. If. :\rilne, Collector of Customs, Victoria, British Colundiia. 
 Indian Aucr.ts on roast of T.rjtish Cohnnbia, through Mr. A. W. A'owell. 
 
 ."). j^fi'^'il/oneoiix, 
 
 Mr. de Btni.sen, British Legation, Tokio. 
 
 Earl ]>rownlow. 
 
 Captain Devereux, Craving Dock, Escpnmalt. 
 
 I'rofessor Flower, C.l!., Natural History IMuseuni, London. 
 
 Captain David Cray. 
 
 ])r. Giinther, Natural History .Museum, London, 
 
 Hudson Bay Comjianv. 
 
 Air. A. W. iluson. 
 
 Sir (ieorge Curtis Lanipsoii, I'arl. 
 
 Mr. A. Lafone, ALP. 
 
 Mr. J. A\'. Aladv-ay. 
 
 Professor Sir ]''. AIcCov, iMelbourne. 
 
 Sir B. Aforier, (i.C.M. ' 
 
 Mr. Murray, " Challenger " OfHce, Edini)iirgh. 
 
 Haron Nordenskiold. 
 
 Mr. Sclater, Zoological Society, London. 
 
 Mr. Jiistice Swan. 
 
 Mr. E. Alannde-Thonipson, J5iitish Muscnni. 
 
 Mr. W. C. \'an Horne. 
 
 [305] 
 
 X 
 
 idi 
 
( 151 ) 
 
 API'KXDIX (B). 
 
 Cll!rL'I.\U IM, ASH UkI'I.IKS I'ltoM, CllLONIAI, AND FollKKiN GoVKKNMKNTS. 
 
 THK foUowiiif,' Cireuliir of lii<iuiry was pit pared liy the Beliriii.Lj Sea Coiiiiiiis?)ionei-s, niiJ 
 f'(ir\vu:(lt;il at thfir reqUL'st to tlie Ooveninifiits of — 
 
 The Cnpe of (Jood Hoi>p. 
 
 The Falkland Islands. 
 
 New Soutli WnU's. 
 
 Victoria. 
 
 Tasmania. 
 
 New Zealand. 
 
 Chile. 
 
 Av,i;entine ]ie|iuMic. 
 
 Iha/.il. 
 
 rrnjinay. 
 
 .Ia])an. 
 
 .Suuli rejilies as liave hoeii received are f,'iveii l)elow. 
 
 Ill addition to tin'.s Circular, direct correspondence was entered into witli the nutlioiities on tiie 
 same sulijects. 
 
 L'iiriiJiiv of Liquiry. 
 
 The Department of Fisheries of the iJominiou of Canada, in connection with questions relating to 
 the fur-.seal fisheries of the Xortli Pacific, is desirous of obtaining all possible infonnaliou relating to 
 the fur-seal fisiieries of tiie Southeiu Heniis])heie. Tiie southern fur-seal, or " sea-bear" (of tlie family 
 of eared seals, or Ofariilfr), is known to have formed the object of an ini])ortant industry in the early 
 part of the present century, but the islands on wliic.h it once aliounded are now reported, and believed 
 to be, almost entirely depleted of s.'als. As the habits and life-history of tlie fur-seal of the North 
 Pacific appear to be closely similar to those of the allied seals of the Southern Hemisphere, it is tliougiit 
 probable that tlie historj' of the decline of the southern fisheries may afl'ord some facts having a direct 
 bearing on the fur-sea fisheries of the North Pacific, and may serve to indicate a proper mode of 
 protection to be accorded to these fisheries, if such siiould be found necessary. 
 
 In tills connection, it would be of particular interest to know for each of tiie seal islands or 
 sealing-grounds of the Southern Hemisphere: - 
 
 1. Whether the decline or destruction of the fishery is attributable to the slaughter of the seals 
 while on shore at their breeding-places, or to their pursuit at large on the circumji'.cent ocean. 
 
 2. In what manner the fur-seul fishery has been or is conducted in eiicli jiarticular locality. 
 
 3. Wliether any, and, if any, what measures have been taken by various Governments towards the 
 protection of the fur-seal fisheries in their territories or in places within their jurisdiction ; and, 
 further, it any such measures are known to have proved successful in preserving or reliabilitating the 
 fisheries. 
 
 4. (ienerally, any parlicuLirs as to the life-history of tlie animal, its migration, season of bringing 
 forth its young, aiul the habits of the seals while engaged in suckling and rearing the young. 
 
 It is also particularly requested that copies of any printed documents or lieports referring to the 
 fur-seal fisheries, or embodying IJeyulations provided for these fisheries, may be furnished. 
 
 Rejili/ (o Circular rccciroJ from the Goccrmiiciit of thf Uapf of Guwl Ifo/ir. 
 
 Minute. 
 
 In acknowledging the receipt of his Flxcellency tlie (JiFvertu)r's Minute of the 25th August last, 
 inclosing a despatch from the Ifiglit Honourable the Secretaiy of State for the Colonies, requesting to 
 be supplied with certain particulars respecting the fur-seal lishery of this (.'oloiiy for the information 
 of the Canadian (lovernment, Ministers have the honour to -submit herewith a liejioit which has been 
 received from tiu; (Sovernnieiil Agi.'iit in charge of the seal and guano islands, ailbrding the desired 
 particulars. 
 
 (Signed) J. W. SAUKI!. 
 
 Cajx.' T<uni, OcUcr :.!(', 1891. 
 
 j Ikpnrl upon the pnsch/ Condition, of the St«l Fishcrii on the. Cousti of i/ic Ciqic of Good Htqir, 
 
 The decline of the seal fishery iu these watejs is attributed by practical experts entirely to the 
 destruclion of the females in the breeding season, niid but for the fact that there are many jilaees 
 almost inuecessible, and others where landing is dillieult, the .seal in these waters wouhl probably 
 have been exterminateil, as no protection or legislation of any kind has ever been considered 
 necessary. 
 
15i) 
 
 if 111.' vi'iir, tl 
 
 11^ Sl'MlS Ml'l' 
 
 Duriii;,' tlic "bpi'iiiy.'^," as they iiru luflinioiilly ciiUcil, at (ritiiiii s«is( 
 liustroyeil with cliilis Ijy iiiuu liiiidin,!,' iipuu liiu islands I'lmu boats. 
 
 The winter or shciMiui,' weasoii coimnuuuos in .Imiu ami eiuls in August, (hiving,' whi'li (iLTiod 
 nuinbui's of male seals are killed, hut very lew female-, wlio do nut appear to coiue out of tin; water nt 
 this season of the year. 
 
 The .summer or hreedin^ season, wliieli e.\tends from Xovemhev to .lanuary, is, however, hy far the 
 most important as rej^ards tlie number of seals destroyed, and of tliese the lari,'er porliiai i.re females, 
 either alxiut to ^ive birth or suekling their youiii,'. 0|' eoiirse, in the former case, all these seals aro 
 Iiisl ; in the latter, tlie gre.iter inimber ]i(Mish : and nul for a liap]iy i)rovision of nature, whereliy a 
 female seal will suckle, any young one, th(! destruetion of the new-born .seal woidd be complete. 
 
 As the (y'ohinial Government up to the jiresent have always contented Ihemselves with letting out 
 ihu i.slands uiwn short leases, with no restriction upon the lessee^ as Id the killing of seal, &e., no 
 oliieinl information or statistics of any kind can be furnished. 
 
 The life of a seal in the soutiierii waters, if uunioleslt'd, is supposed to exlend over n considerable 
 period, and it arrives at maturity in about three year.^. 'i'he old male seids, called " bulls " or " whigs," 
 attain an enorniuus ,size, and ligiit desperately among ihemselves The females generally produce two 
 pups at a birth, and immediately afterwards take tlu! male. The " cow" will suckle any of the young 
 seals, whether her own or not, and this perind of luirsing continues move or less for about si.\ 
 months. 
 
 As regards their migrations, it is dillicult to give nn opinion, as seals arc always to be found in 
 the.so waters, althongh they do aot take up upon the islands in any nundiers except at the .sea.sons I 
 have mentioned ; but 1 think it may bo naturally assumed that their migrations, whatever they may 
 be, are regulated solely b\' the food sui)ply. 
 
 Unfortunately, as I have state<l before, there are no printed documents or Jiejiorts of any kind 
 referring to tlii5 subject, but 1 have availed myself of information kindly furnished by the best practical 
 experts in the Colony, with whom I have lieen n.ssociated, who aie unaniniou.s in their opinion — 
 lirst, that the seals are decreasing in the.se waters ; and, secondly, that the .sole cau.se of this 
 decrease nt tlie iirc^ent time is to bo found in the destruction of the females during the liveeding 
 sea.son. 
 
 We have practically no pursuit of the animals in the water on these coasts. 
 
 At one period, most of the islanils were inhabited by seals, Imt there are comparatively few at the 
 present time upon those islands in the immediate vicinity of ('ajie Town, and this may lie accounted 
 for by many reasons, besides the most important which 1 have already mentioned. Seals are very 
 timid, and tlie noise of a steamer will scare them away; in faci, pa.ssing to windward in a sailing 
 vessel, within H or :> miles of an island which they frequent, will generally (listurb them. It requires 
 considerable experience to approach them, and old sealers never attempt to do so on these coasts when 
 an easteily wind is blowing. 
 
 Upon several islands, especially in the Ichaboe group, are to be found the remains of vast number.s 
 of ".seal," probably the eHects of an epidemic disease at some distant period. In nianv ])laees, the hair, 
 which is practically indestructible, has been found mixed with earlli to tlie dejitli of several feet, and 
 this when sifted gives a fair percentage of ammonia and phosphate, jirobably the residue of tlie bodies 
 and bones of the dead animals. 
 
 The average value of .seal-skins in the rough state in the Loudon market, taken in these latitiules, 
 is about 2'ia., but many fetch a much higher price. Xo attempt has been made in the Colony to dress 
 the skins, and there has been no sale for them locally except for export. 
 
 The .system of killing the seals is the .same throughout all the colonial islands, namely, with 
 " clubs," by men landing in boats. 
 
 The skins are salted upon the spot, folded up, tied, and sent to (.'ape Town by coasting craft, from 
 whence thev are .shipped to Europe. 
 
 (Signed) C. H. JACKSON, 
 
 Government Aijcnt in charr/c of the Sad and Gtmiw hluiuls. 
 
 fJapc Tovn, Ovfohrr '.». 1S!H. 
 
 1 1. 
 
 
 Iti'iiJii In < irciilur rar.itrd from t/ic Goccnimcid if l/n: FoUdnnd JJ'iiiih, 
 
 Giii-iriinr iSir It. (/iililtucor/lu/ to J.aril Kiml-ifnrd. 
 
 My Loril, Guirniincitl JIouhc, tstuiilnj, Oduhr 20, l.SDl. 
 
 I liavi' the hoiiuiir, in reply to your despatch of the ;>Ist .Inly, inclosing a despatch from 
 the (i(ivernor-(ieiieral of Canada asking lor information regarding llie seal lislieries in these sea.«, to 
 forward a invcis of the replies to the ([uestions asked, which I have been able to obtain here. 
 
 1 regret that the information is not as full as might be desired, imt, untortunalely, Ciqitaiu Hansen, 
 an old and experienced sealer, from whom 1 had Imped to obtain full particulars, was accidentally 
 didwneil before my letter, renuesting his views on a matter on which he was lonked upon as an autho- 
 rity, reiiched him, 
 
 1 have been given t" uiider-itaiid liy those ccniversant w illi ihc-e nialtevs — indeed, it is referred to 
 in the accompanying piecis — that foreign ves;sels destroy the seals in the clnsi' seasmi, which t'sists here 
 fruiii the 1st Oetdlier to the Isl April. 
 
 The f ireigii ves-rc's alluded to are American s.'alers, and lornied the subject i.f correspondence 
 
 
150 
 
 betwucn fiovcniov Kerr (iiid Ciijitain MusL;viivc, Sisnior Niivnl (HlK'i'r mi llu' Suiitli-East American 
 Station. 
 
 I slinll ])rolmlily, wiien liett'.'r iiilornieil on tlio wliole (|Ue.HMon, lie alile to submit my views on tlie 
 subject. At present I retrain from <liiiti<,' so. 
 
 I liMve, iVe. 
 (Signed) HOGKlt TUOKKD. GOLDSWlHU'HY. 
 
 /'/vV/.s flf JiCf/iin t(i ('iirii/iir iif /iiijiiii)/ iiiioiiiiliii;i froiii thf Jhpin/iiiiii/ of' I'is/nrif.t of tliv JJnmiinou uj 
 (^iiifiihi rildliitii lo Ihi- Fiii-Siol Vi"!!!)'!! iif till' t^itnlhiiti /fcniis/tjinr irjn'iji hrirr h'ni ivivlml from 
 Jti'xidiiif^ In l]ii' FiilUtiml Ixliinil-i, 
 
 (ihie.Htiun I. Wlieliici' Ihc ilecliiic or (lestrmtioii nl' tlie lislmry is iillvibutable to llie fliiuglitcr 
 of tbc seals wliile on sliore a( tbi'ir liriMTliiij.' jilaccs, or to tlieir pursiiil at Imye on (be cironn.jncent 
 ocean. 
 
 Ifotwiiynhic J, ,/. Fi/lmi. — Tbc iiiiiiii cause is (hie lo the reei<le.sH anil indiscriminate slanf,'blor 
 of the seals during tlieir breeding,' season ; tlio death of the mothers, leaving the youns,' to perish, and 
 the nundiur.s who are driven from their resorts brinp; forth their younj; in I ho -water, which naturally 
 jierish. It has not been lh(.' practice to shoot the seals in the water. If so shot, they sink. 
 
 J. ./. riniiillidil sends cnttiui,' from the " FieM," whioli he thinks fully answers the first three 
 questions. 
 
 E. JVilssoii. — The deeliue is to be attributed to the stockint,' of (he land and people taking up their 
 abode in the neighbonrhood of the rookeries. 
 
 //. //. Wnldroii. — Tiie decline in the Southern Hemisphere, including the Falklands, is to be 
 attributed to tiie indiscriminatoslaughter of the females during the breeding season, whereby the young 
 perish. I'ursuit in tlw; high sens is iirit carried on to any extent. 
 
 
 Question '1. In wliat manner llie fin-.scal lisheiy has been, or is, ennducted in eiidi jiarticnlnr 
 locality. 
 
 J. J. Ftiliid. — Kormei'ly, by means nl' wiiale-lioats ; later on, by cutters and sch<ioners. They 
 would be fitted out for llic " pupjiiug " and tlie " shedding " seasons ; as many men woiilii b(i taken as 
 liossible, arnuMl with clulis, s]iears, and guns, and, landing at the breeding places, they would line tlu^ 
 beach and endeavour to turn the seals from taking to the water. If successful in this, the seals fell an 
 easy jirey. Has repeatedly heard it said that .so many were killed that numbers had liecome u.seless 
 before they could be skinned. Now that the seals have taken to outlying rocks and clifls, the work is 
 less profitable ami more dangerous. 
 
 J. J. Goodhcirl. — See answei to Question 1. 
 
 E. XihsoH. — They have been usually captured by shooting or clubbing. 
 
 llnirii IViddiini. — r>y men landed from schooners, who remain on the rookeries until calm weather 
 permits them to lie taken off. 
 
 Question o. Whether any, and, if any, what measures have been taken by varicms (lovernments 
 towards the ]irotec(ion of the fur-seal fislu^ries in their territories, or in ]>laccs within their jurisdiction ; 
 and, further, if any such measures are known lo have iimved siu'cessful in preserving or rehabilitating 
 the fisheries. 
 
 J. J, FiUtiii. — In the Falkland.s, since tlie close season was enacted, there has been an increase of 
 seals; but foreign .schooners occasionally break the law. 
 
 J. J. (ioodlidvf. — ^See answer to (,>uestion J. 
 
 F, .A'fVs'S'i/i. -~ Hoes not see any improvenu/iit simc the Law enacting a close sea.son was 
 l)a,ssed. 
 
 ff. Wulilron. To the same cDccI us .1. .?, l'"cltoii. 
 
 if: 
 
 <l. -5'., 
 
 (.L>uestiiin -f. (lenerall}-, any particulars as lo the life-history of the animal, its migration, 
 season of bringing (orth its yoiing, inid habits of the seals vliili! engaged in suckling and rearing the 
 yotmg. 
 
 J, J. Fchon. — Does not think the .seal migratory. The breeding season is about midsunuiier, when 
 both nude and female make for a suitable place. 
 
 The " .shedding " season is in the fall of the year, when they iVeipieni rocks, and the young, which 
 before were valueless, become nuirketable. 
 
 •T. J. Goodhxr/. — Has not studied the subject sufliciently to be able to uive particulars. 
 
 A'. Xilxxiiii. — The seal generally is u timid animal, and recedes from advancing civilization, and 
 migrates to any phu'c where it can remain imdisiurbe<l. 
 
 //. Widilvtiii. — Owing to keen ]iursuil. the seals jiicfer caves ami ledges of rocks under high dills 
 to form breeiliiig lonkerie.-i. The fui-seal hauls mi to laced in .lanuary, the young leaviny in .May for 
 other rookeries with liotli "whius" iiml " clapmatcnes,'* There is no regular migration, but it is probable 
 that, when hard )ire,ssed, they leave the .Snulh Shellamls and mainland for the Falklands. "They are 
 peculiar in liking some ]ilaces for .several years, and then at once .uoing away and not hauling up there 
 again, apparently without cause, in some instances where but few were killed and in others quite 
 unmolested." 
 
 * N'l/p.— " \VhiK3," nmlc peals ; " ClapmnHiei," fcniRle seals, 
 
157 
 
 Wlien sealow leuvo carcases on tlio locks, seals desert the place. 
 
 Seals will not increase in the Southern Hemisphere vnitil tlie (.'hilean and Arj^eiitine Governuients 
 liave a close time and see it enforced. 
 
 (Initalled) V. .S. S. 
 
 OdvberiS, 181)1. 
 
 Jt'cpli/ (o CirunUtr icairn/ from the (/timniiiviif of jVcn' Untl/i IFef/cs. 
 
 fi(ir<;i'ii(ir Lm'i/ Jfvsfji In Luitl hiiii/s/hri/. 
 
 My Lord, Goveniiiuint Jloitsc, Si/duci/, iJdohif 30, 1891. 
 
 I liave tlie lionour, in reply to your ilespaLeli of the .'lOtli July last, to .state that I can ol)tain no 
 iul'ornuttion conrerniny tiie i'ur-seal lisliery, as the l'ur-se,d is not found on the coast of New Soutii 
 \''.des. 
 
 1 liave, \e. 
 (t>ij,'ued) .IKltSKY. 
 
 Jii'lill/ III Vifv.liliii' iVnifcil f'lViil thf lliifi lUliuiul /;/' riilariii 
 
 li'iii'cniiji' Ltiiil Ifii/)iliiini III Liiiil Kiinlsi'iiiil. 
 
 My r<ortl, Gd'hrinia'al //nunc, .Ui/fiiinrin, Itrlnlur 27, 181)1. 
 
 I have the honour to iicknowled.ite tlio receijil of youi' l.ordsl>ip"s despatcli of tiie oflth July 
 ultimo, re((uestinji- infonuation on certain points conncciiMl with tlic fiu'-scal tishery in this Colony, and 
 10 transmit a copy of a letter, dated the L'dth iiisijint, frdin Sii' {'"redei'lik McCoy, l)ireetor of tho 
 Xational Muieuni, which cinhriiccs all the available inl'oniialinii mi the sulijiii. 
 
 I have, \c. 
 (Sj.^nod^ IIOI'CTOUN. 
 
 /S'/V /•'. A/rl.'iii/ III j}/r. i\/iiiirii. 
 
 Sir, iVidiinial J/iisi nm, }/illiviin\i , Orlohrr I'll, l.S'.ll. 
 
 In rejily to your letter of tiiis date, I have the hoiidur to ic|)orl as follows: — 
 
 1. The seal tisliery of Australia was never so extensive as that of the Xorlh raeitie, and for more 
 than thirty years the trade in Australian fur-.seal skins lias entirely ocasi'd, ahlioni,'h of some extent in 
 Sydney a little Ijcl'ore that time. 
 
 2. In Victoria the only fur-seal is the eari'd seal (/JiKiiniin rim mi), the .si/e, shape, and hal)its of 
 which very nearly recall those of the North I'ai'ilie. The decline nr desliiicliou ol' the tishery 
 is certainly attriliutahle to the indiscriiiiinale slanj,'hlei' of the seals iii the few jsJaiMis olf the south 
 coast, especially in Weslein I'ort, wlierc tlie old males and ^lavid females resdited in tlie summer 
 to lirin^ forth and tend the ymiiiu. At present a few islands <inly aiv frcipieiiteil hy thest' seals, now 
 in the hreeding season, and the num'oer of individuals is too small to furnish any trade. 
 
 o. The fur-seal fishery was ci nductiid simply hy manning a hoat suitalile for landinj;- on the 
 islamls, the li'iiding usually taking ]»laee at ni.uht, and tlieii tiie seals were killed indiscriminately hy 
 clubbing them on the nose with large .sticks. The skins were chieily exported from Sydney. 
 
 4. Xo measures effective for the ]noleetion of the fur-seal fisheries have been undertaken on any 
 large scale by any of tlie Australian Colonies, but soiiu! yeais ago I recommended the Victorian 
 (iovi'rnment to proiiibit the killing of seals on the small islaiuls which they fre.|uenf near I'hillip 
 Island, and although the number has somewhat incri>ased in I'oiiseiiueiice, it is far too small to furnish 
 a trade. 
 
 o. Tlu' Australian fur-seals were never lished for in the o|ieii ocean. 
 
 (!. (ienerally, the life-histiay of the Victorian fur-seal exactly rcsemlilcs that of tiie Nuilli Pacific, 
 foUowing .shoals of lisli in the open ocean, but coming mi the islands to breeil in the latter part of the 
 snmnu'i. 
 
 I have, i*s;c. 
 (Sinui.t) l-Tn-:i)KIM(JK MutJOV, 
 
 /)lii'ii(ir II f }/iixcm,i. 
 
168 
 
 Jieply to Ciriii/ar reveired jrmii the Governwent of Tasmunin. 
 
 Mr. Seat to the Chief Secretary, Hohait. 
 
 .Sir, Hobart, November 30, 1891. 
 
 T liiwo tlic lioiupiir til reipoit, for the iiiloiiiiatioii of the Ciinadiim Government, the following, in 
 reply to the ((Ueries liiid down in their (Jircnlnv letter of the JUh .Inly, 1801 : — 
 
 Query 1, Senlin;j; in Tasniiiniii and her de])endencie8 (almost solely confined to the islands in 
 Bass Straits and the Jlaetiuarie Islands, sitnated to the sonfh of New Zealand) has heen earned on 
 by the seals hwiny killed on shore at their hreediiij;' ji^aces, and nol liy " imrsnit at laryo on the eircuin- 
 jaeent ocean." 
 
 Query 2. Tiie scmI li.sheiy liiis lieen euiidueted liv means of lioats of 4 or o tons re^^ister htted up 
 (imon;;st the islands in Itass .^traits, the crew lieinu e(ini])])ed with clul s and rilles, the seals beinj^ .shot 
 upon the rocks when ])ru ticalile, or followed ii])on the shore and clidihed. Occasionally, larj^e vi!S.sels 
 (ome to i'.ass Straits licmi other (.'olonies, Imt the same mode of killing' is adopted. Tn the ^Incijiinrii' 
 Islands the same ])iinciiiles ure adopted with larjjer vessels. 
 
 Query '.'>. No measures were taken by the Tasnianian Government towards tlie inotection of the 
 seal fisheries in their territories until the early part of the present year, when, at the requesti 
 of the New Zealand (lovernment, seal iishini,' was prohibited on the Macquarie Islands, and in October 
 of the present year thi' Commissioners of Fisheries, fearing the total extinction of the .seals in 
 Tasmania, conseciuent iijioii their unrestricted slanuliter, submitted a licgnlntion (co]iy attached, 
 marked .V) totally prohibitinci the tnkini^ of seals in Tasmania and its dependencies for a period of 
 three years. 
 
 '//"'■,'/ 4. ] inclose a newspnjier copy (marked ]>} of a ]iai)er jtrepared and read by Mr. Alexander 
 ^Morton, l'".!,.S., one of the Tasiuanian Commissioners of Fislieries, at a late mcotinj,' of the (,'omnnssion, 
 which will, 1 think, fully answer the (piery, as well as ;,'iv<' interesting ]iarticulars of the histoiy of the 
 seal fisheries, and habiis of the .seals, as lar as Tasmania is concerned. 
 
 1 have, i*tc. 
 (Signed) MATT1IK^^' SKAL. 
 
 (JJdilniiini (if the Ciriiiiiiisni'tiiieri iif Fisheries. 
 
 ddimniiiiit Kn/iir, 
 
 (A.) 
 
 The fiovernoi' in Ciaineil has leen jileased, in accordance with the ]irovisions of section 12 
 of "The Fisheries Act, iSSO" (o.'S Viet., No. 11), to amend and apjirove fif tlie ffillowing Itegnlation, 
 the same having been made by the Commissioneis of l-'islieries, and ]iublishcd in accordance Mith 
 section i:-i of the said Act. 
 
 r>y his Kxeellency's command, 
 
 (For Chief Secretarv. absent"), 
 
 (Signed) ALFL'FI* T. I'lLLlNGFJf. 
 
 Chief ^.rrrliiryx Ot/ire, (hfohrr 20, IH'.tl. 
 
 /I'li/ii/tifitiii. 
 
 1. The taking of mmIs, wln'ilicr known by the nana' of fcals or any other local name, in 
 Tasmania and its du[icu(leiicirs, is liereby iHuliibited for a period of three years fi'oiu the L'dth dav 
 <if .luly, ISDl : iiin] iiny i^ei'son committing any breach of tliis J'cuulation shall be liaiile to a pi'iialty 
 not e.xceeib'ni;' "i/. 
 
 A< iisjiiijii r /•'.■/ri'rl, 
 (I'..) 
 
 Air. .Morton then said that Air. A. AV. Scott, AI.A., of New South AVales, was fc r many years jirior 
 to his deiilli a tiustcc of the Australian Afnseiim, and, acting under instinctions from tla! New South 
 AVidcs (ioxcninu nt, judilished a naisl ((lujiicliensive work on the classification and habits of the seals 
 found frequenting the Austialasiiin shons, including the Alacqnarie Island. Three .<]iecies of seals arc 
 found in these wateis : the grey Austialian fur-.seal (Jre/wejiha/v/! eiverevf,), the sea-Iecjiard (^/(iiorrhi/- 
 nihi't: /i/i/ovi/.i}. ai.d the sea lOephant (Murinnjo e/i/ihantiiia). The latter is only fonnd on AIncquarie 
 Isliind, although it is sup] osed at one time to have been met Mith in the islands in ]!a>s Straits 
 Air. Sioit, in his wink, divides the genus A i r/vcej'ha/im inio two main divisiou.« — the noithern ftir-scal 
 ot commerce, and the sontliem fur-senl of commerce — (Arrtoeephnhis wsimin and Antviephnlns Fcdk- 
 hinthevA. If, as has lieen stated by Air. Scott, that the fur-seal fonnd on onr coaht i.s similar, if net 
 identical, with the fur-seal of Alaska, the projiosed Regulations rpeommendcd by this fioard aie 
 , abi^olutely necessary for their preservation. 
 
160 
 
 At tlie Fioheiies Exliibition, liclfl nt I.oiulon in tlic year 1883, oonsiiliTiiliIc intorest wns taken in 
 till) collection of scnls wnt by tlit' tiustws of tlio Austrsilinn Museum Tlie skull of one of the seals 
 scut to London was conipiuecl with the one nt the I'uris Museum, iinil found to he identical. It was 
 the first time that the southern fur seal (Arclocephalidi cinereii-i) had heen seen in Kn^land. Ifepre- 
 Mcnlntions were made to the New South Wales (iovernment some few years hack that this seal was 
 iiijiidly lieeominj; extinct. The (iovernment issued nn order protecting,' them on tlie islands and the 
 mainland of New South Wales, the result being that they are now on the increase, and a numher may 
 lie seen iuhahitiu},' the Seal JJocks a little to the north of Port Sti-iihens. 
 
 In New Soutii Wales the sealing trade was in full swing from 1810 to 1S20, the tirms engaged 
 licing Sydney firms, viz., Messrs. Cable, Lord, Underwood; Ii'iley, Jones, and liirnie; Hook ami 
 <'ampbell. These firms had crafts manned by crews of from twenty to twenty-ciglit men tc eacli 
 vessel, and were usually fitted out for a twelve months' crui/e. 
 
 Owing to the want of jiroper r(*strieti(ms,the indiscriminate slaughter was terrible. It is recorded 
 liiiit in the years 1814-ir>, 4(M(,00() skins from fine i.sland, the Antipndes Island, or, a- it is sometimes 
 I'idled, I'ennalipoil, were taken. These skins being obtained in such a hasty manner were iail 
 imperfectly cured, and a writer states that the ship " I'egasus " took hniiu' l(i(i,(i(i(i of these in liulk. 
 '.ind on her arrival in London the skins, having heated during the voyage, had tu be dug oui of the hold. 
 iiud were sold for manure. 
 
 Aseaily as 1801-2 I'eron says he found lirilish .seamen in I'liss Straits killing all that cami^ in 
 llii^ir way. In the yeais 18o;> and 1804 upwards of ;>(),000 skins were scut fmm the islands in JJass 
 Straits, the slaughter being mad(^ without regard to sex. 
 
 At the present time in Mac((uarie Island are oidy to be found the sea-elc)ihant {MnniivjH rhplntii- 
 tiiiu). yet when Mac(iuarie Island was discovered by a sealer in 1811, the scaling master who discovered 
 ii ]irocured a cargo of 80,000 skins, and another sealing party 100,000 skins, in one year. 
 
 With such a reckless killing, it is no wonder that tlic seals have beconu' scarci^ nanid our shores, 
 :ind unless steps are immediately taken, it will oidy be a (luestion of time when their eNterminalion 
 will be com]iletel. 
 
 Along the shores of New Zealand, as well as the southern shores of .Vustralia, large innnbers of 
 scids were found. In New Zealand a vessel from I'ostou, called the " (leneral (iatcs," landeil a ]iarty nf 
 si.x men near the south-west ca]ie of the Middle Island on the lOlb AuuusI, ISl'l. In six weeks the 
 piiiiy got lij.'JCS skins. For about twenty years enormous ntnubers were caiilmed wilhciut any icsjicct 
 1(1 ,i;,'e or .sex, and in the year 18:i!» only a straggling s"al was occasiunally seen along the slwres of New 
 /eidand. 
 
 T"he American fur-sisd had a narrow escape of sharing the fate of its southern kindrecl, I n a paper 
 iji'aling with this subject, a writer gives the following account : — 
 
 " I'larly in this century the .seals were almo.-.t exterminated in many nf the islands in the North 
 racifie, and were there as ruthlessly .slaughtered as they were in the ISass Straits mid the New Zealand 
 c(iast. The exlermination was, as it were, commenced, had not Ihissju livst and tiie I'liilcd Stales after- 
 wards leased the exclusive right of killing seals on the I'ribyloll' Islaiuls — a lamoii-i sealing plact' — to '.i 
 single Company, by which means the seals weie saved, as tlie Conijiany hud an intiaest in l>eepiiig up 
 the sujiply of furs." 
 
 This single ex]ieriiiient, the writer states, has ]iroveil coni'lusively thai liu- .se ils can lie I'armed as 
 v\\>\\\ as sheep, and tliiil sealing should iU)t be thrown o]ien without restrietioiH. Seals are a property 
 the Stale should jealously guard. On the two rribylotf Islaials it is ccmipiited that .jOO.OdO seals 
 resort annually. 'I'hcse islands, fr.ini the value of the fur-seal, W(>re discoxeri'd in the year 178(i, when 
 the slinightcr coninienei'd, and was pro.secuted without [ '. ] until tla' year 1S:!0, when tlie nuiulier hid 
 lieeii so reduced that tlu' business threatened to be .'Utirely destroyed within a f.w years. The dest ruction 
 was then stojiped until 18-1."), when it was griub'ally resumed, though, instead <ii' the imli'^criiuiuate 
 slaughter which had before been ])ermittcd, only the young males iL' years old) were allnwed to be 
 killed. The rookeries continued to increase in size until 18.J7. 
 
 I'lie (,'om])any who lea.sed the right of sealing in these islands weie rcslrietcil .ibout the yeav IStiO 
 Id ."lO.OOO se.al-skins annually. FronilS:il to is.'i'.l, 708,502 fiir-.seals v.eiv kilh.'d. and ;'.7-',S'.)4 from 
 184."' to I8t)2. Kriiin another authority, !Mr. llittell, I tiiid that when the rnited Slates' Covtannient 
 Idok jiossession of the islands in 1807 several American lirnis took po-^session, an I the wholeside 
 slaughter of seals began afresh. In 18t)8 not less than 200,001) seals were killed, and for ISCi'.l it is 
 said the number was not far below oOO.OOO. The United States' (iovernment, i'eariug their total 
 extinction, leased the sole right of seal-fishing on these islands to ime firm, restricting the allowed 
 number to 100,000. From what he bad been able to lay before the Fisheries lioard, no time sliiadd be 
 iiisl in at once taking stejis to protect the seal fisheries in IJass Straits. Wherever proper restriction 
 has been iulroduoed a most valuable industry has been .started in conneetiiai with the seal industry, 
 and, instead of the three years, as has been pro[iosed by this Hoard, he stnaigly recoinmeiulcd five ycais 
 for the close season, and if at that time the seals have increased the (Joverniuent might be rocominended 
 to lerse the islands, allowing only a certain number to be taken anunaliy, and on no account In allow 
 the fem.ales to be killed. 
 
 In New Zealand, from the yenr IS.'u'i, the statistics of the export of .seal-skins show : — 
 111 185"), from Wtdlington, 580 skins were exiiorted ; in 1857, •'70. From then until I80.S iheie is 
 no record. Then, in 1808,075; 1800,14; 1870, 201»; 1871,755; 1,872,2,012; 187;!, I,0ii2 ; 1874. 
 1,1101; 1875,2,707; 1870, .".,417; 1877, l,5o;J ; 1878,820; 1870, 2.484; 1880. 2,0b-<: 1881. 1,2,50: 
 1882,353; 1883, ««7; 18.84,374. 
 
 I'rofessor J. II. Middleton .stales that the annual value of the fur-seal fisheries of the uoiM i.s 
 about 185,000/. The male seal does not attain his full size till he is aboiiL (i years old, and the female 
 when .she is about 4. There is, says Mr. J. Clarke, in a ]>aper printed in tiie " Ccntemporary Hiiview," w. 
 iiMiiarkable disparity of size and build between them. In a .species where the nude would be 7 feet or 
 8 feet in length , and weigh 500 lbs. or 700 lbs., the female wouM not lie more than 4 feet long, and 
 [30oJ ^ Y 
 
 h I 
 
 •I' ■ 
 
16^) 
 
 Wuinh from 80 11«. to 10(» llts. Tlui iinilet, wlion nnod, um wliifisli ^Mvy, luid betwooii 7 fuel to 8 fuut in 
 Iciiglli; wlicM iulult, browii-f^ivv to Miick-^jri-v, iiinl iiltout tVet in l(Mi>,'tli : yount;, jjrcy, upp-.T poitions 
 soon iissiunc iinik(!r colours ; inipM, Mnnk. Tliu I'lMuiilt's wIkmi iidult uro iisli-j»ri\y to silvur-Hiey, at tiinos 
 ^oklun-lniir, froi|ui!ntly .spottuii : from ;i ft. Oin. to 4 ft. in. in Icnfilli.cvt'n niort; wIimii iii^ed ; pu|>.«i, lilack. 
 Tiic undt-T-fur of hotii scxca i.-t ricii roddisli, diversitiiMl liy dci-por or li|.;liter almilu.s, und viiriahlo in 
 lcn|;;t]i and abundnnci!, tlio wliolc litany intlncniod by IkmiUIlscx, and condition. 
 
 lie thonglit tliu Onvt'rinncnt Hliould stt'p in now, as tiic scaling industry nii},'lit provo a valualjle 
 sourc'J of rev«nui! to tlui Colony in th« future. 
 
 Vinconiit h'lifiiii! tn lh> MorijiiiH n/ Stilishiirif. ■ [li'iirirnl iJin'i.iher 1.').) 
 
 M. Ic Miinini.^, Lii/n/imi o/./u/iiiii, Linihin, /Mrmhui' 14, ISOl. 
 
 I have the liononr to inform your K.\wlloncy tliat, at tlio roiiue.st of Sir (Jeorge IJadL'u-l'owoll, 
 one of Her Majesty's ('ommissioner.■^ on tlio seal fisheries, I obtained from my Oovernment a rapidly 
 jirepared Mtiniorandnm as to such lislieries in .lapan. 1 have tlie jdeasure to hand your E.\celleney 
 herewith a translation of this Memorandum, which may l)e of interest to the above-nnnied Com- 
 missioner. 
 
 I may possibly receive a further more detailed Itejiort on the same subject, in which case I will 
 forward a translation of it to yotn' Kxcc'llifiiey. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Si^rned) KAWASf: 
 
 .)fiiiioiviiiliini I'll the Siiil Fis/iirifx in Ji'iMtii. 
 (Transhition.; 
 
 [N.n. — In llii'i Alcmoriuiliiin "«i'»l" iloeii noi bIw.v.1 mean " smIb proper," liiil iiiclnUci loinctlnict all klnil.i of ara aniioa'i. 
 Word "rounty ' U not >'waY<i applied to suliiIiviMOn of I'rcrcL-tiiro ("ken''), Imt aoniot mea it U meant fur tho dirisioii 
 (" kuni ") of tli« old hjitcm.] 
 
 Seals are considered amonir the most important products of Hokkaido. 
 
 They are found in tivery i)art of tiie Kuiile uronp, from Shimsliu in the north to Shikotan and 
 Knnashir in the .south ; Uru)) aiul Itrup beins their favourite haunts. 
 
 A)thou{,'h the histoiy of tho orij,'in of seal-hunting cannot be accurately traced, it appears tliat 
 about 170 years ago a few natives of Akishi, in Kushiro, emigrated to Siiibetoro, in Itrup, un<i 
 occupied themselves in Ininting seals, eagles, bears, kv., which they brought back to Akisiii every year 
 when the sea was free from ice (after Ajiril and Afay), in oider to barter them for rice and other 
 uecessariei of life ; while the natives of Akisjii visited this new Colony for the exchange of these 
 eominedities. 
 
 In the course of time the tunigrants increaseil l)y degrees, settling down in such places as 
 Toshiruri, Rianshi, in tiiat island, and liecame hunter?; of seals und <(ther .sea animals in tlie nei"hl)our- 
 hood. 
 
 In 17fi5 (about 120 years ,igo) seal fishery liecame very prosperous, and the natives of Ksishua, as 
 well as the old islanders of Itrup, carried on their hunting business in the Isles of Horoniosiiii', 
 Makarnru, Shimsir, I'rup, k{\ 
 
 In the same year the IJussiaiis tirst niadc! their a])pearance in the Islands of IJashna and Musir. 
 In the following year tiiey came lo Iirui>, and having obtained information about the localities from the 
 natives, they went to the I.sland of I'rup, where they stayed for three years. During their sojouin 
 there they treated the natives in a very cruel mannei', and jn-ovoked their great anger, lint the natives 
 l)eing powerless to resist their oppressors, their Chief at last lied from the island. 
 
 In the siniimer of 177(*, wiiile tlie natives of Itrup, with their Chief, were hunting in the Lslan.l of 
 IJrup, tho Russians eame there and ordeted them to ship all their catch to Ru.ssia, and, on their 
 refusal, their two Chiefs wine killed by the Russians. 
 
 In the same year, while tln^ Chief of Rnshua, together w ith a host of natives, were huntin" in 
 Urnp, the Russians again mach' tlieir appearance, and seized all their catch at the point of their guns. 
 At last llie anger of tlie natives was amused ti> such a pitch by the Russian outrages that they resolved 
 to avenge themselves, and in 1771 they gathered in great numbers, each carrying some weapon, and 
 attacked the Russians in I'rup, killing eight of them ; and tiience from the western coast thev passed 
 over the mountaias to Wauiiio, where they attacked .some Russians who were living in caves. Onlv 
 seven of the Russians escaped slaughter. I'roui that place the natives sailed to JIakanisi, where they 
 also sliiughter(;d se^■enteen Russians. 
 
 At that time the chief instruments used hy the natives fur killing S3als were tbit bow suiJ Inrpoou 
 while tho Russians used guns. 
 
 After this defeat the Russians did not wt\m\ for a long time. 
 
 During the yertr,s of the Anyei period (177U-SO; the natives of Urup were constantly cruizing and 
 liunting round Urnp and its neighbouring i.slands, and this jmivented the Russians from catching .seals 
 .so freely, although now and then they made their ajipearance. Rut towards the end of tlie Anyei 
 period they came in a great ui'nil>er, and nunle a good (;atch. 
 
 In the years of Tcnn:ei (1781-88), as the natives ceasttd to hunt for seal,s, all the islands of the 
 Kuriles except Itrup were monopolized by the Russians. 
 
161 
 
 111 ITrt.i (tovfrmiiciit cuMMcil some lliiitv iih-ii ami Wdinon to oini^jintu to Itiiip, nnil tlitTo wcro 
 j,'iHj(l cutclics niiiilc. N^nts wvn: tlicii first iisfd. 
 
 Ill 1800 'J'likutiiva Kiilii', II iiiitivf of Awuji, fini><rntwl U> hni\t, ami llific fiiiiiloyiii;,' tlio nativi'S 
 ftiiitcd (I si'ttli'iiifiit for scal-linnliiij,' and oIIkt tislu'iics. 
 
 Ill tliu y(!iiis of Kiown (180|-;i),Su\viiia Kovfinon itml Dati' Wiiiycinoii.of Kiikiiyniim, MatsimiayJ 
 liaxiiif; taki'ii owr tlio iisliiiii; I'staMislmicnt ami iilaiits IVoiii Takutaya Kala', ami laiililiiiy now fisliiii,i,' 
 (ic'Iiots ill several jiImci's, carrieil oii the lisliiiii; of si.|i aiiiiimls. 
 
 At lliat liinu tiii' seal-skins weic Imrtrreil witli tlie natives us I'oljipws, viz. : — 
 
 Till! liest - -■ 20 saeks of rice (ea li sack eoiittiinin^' H sjio*) jier skin ; the iiiiildlin;,' ulioiit 
 1(1 sacks, and tlic coinnion skim were severally valued aecoidinj; to llieir (|iiidities; and tlie natives 
 Were paid aeeordin;,' to tlie skins tliey prodin'ed at the time of coiintinj,' their catch, 'i'lii' skins thus 
 linii;:;ht Were called " ka-iiiiomi," and \vere iinniially sent to the I'riiicn of Matsiiniayi', whose (ioveni- 
 iiieiit paiil for llieiii at the lixed rate of OoCt se>t for I slio of rice, which was the standard oC liarter ; 
 and there were strict jieiial re^'iilations a;,'aiiist sniiijiu'lerH. 
 
 In the years of Keio (|S()."i-(i7) the Itiissian (lovcriiinent sent Alaskan natives to I'll. |i, and the 
 liiis»iaii lishiii^' settlement Ipccanie more and more ]iros|)erons. 
 
 Seal-skins were ii special jirodiicl of Japan, and from olden times they were IraiisiMirted to 
 N'agasaki, where they were sold to tlii' (.'hiiiese. 
 
 In modern times seals and other sea animals, once lamoiis jirodiicts of Japan, heiiij,' mostly c;nij,dit 
 liy the Kiissian hands, are now looked on ns Itii.^sian products, and are iin|Mirted into Pekinj,' direct 
 from liu.Si'ia. 
 
 Ill ISlV.t, at the time when " Ivaitaku.slii" ((,'oloniziition Department) was newly estniilished, its 
 Ijraiich ollice wa.!) set up in the Island of Itrup, and some oHicials were sent in order t(t check l'oroij,'n 
 po.icheis, and .snperinler.d the tishiii;,' industry. As to the mode of buying skins, the old rej,'ulat ions 
 were a(lo|ited, hut on ai.'coiint of the old rato of exchanjje at I sho of rice at 0'i"(> sen heiiij; out of date, 
 thii fisheries incurred much loss. In .\]iril ISTI! the oUicial rate was rai.sed to l-liS .sen i)ur I sho. 
 
 In June of the same year for the first time a s|iecial ollice was estahlished in Itriip, whose duty 
 it was to suppress seal-poachinj.', and (."oinmissioiiers were .sent there. In Aiij,'ust instructions were 
 1,'ivuii to these ( 'oiiniiissioners to kee]> strict vigilance as to jwiching-vessels of foreign countries and tlio 
 unlawful sale of seals in the vicinity of the island. 
 
 As seals mostly coii,!»rej,'uted in the seas iieij^hboiirin^ to Itrup, the iiij^ress of foreij,'n vessels to 
 those waters, not only Ifnssian, Imt alsj I'ritisli, American, Dutch, and other countries, imri'ased year 
 after year, and oftentimes these vessels ilsciI to anclior in the noi<;lihoiirinj,' harlioiirs. 
 
 In such cases the Commissioners infornied them of the national i)rohiliitioii, and rei|!iested them to 
 leave, hut under siicli jirete.vts as ship's rejiairs, or want of water ami fuel, they did not it]n;y the 
 remonstiMnees, and when there was a .shipwreck, which occurred v(oy often, it j;av(i a <ii'eat deal of 
 tronhle and annoyance to the (,'oiiiniissioiiers, who had to look after the wrecked crews, and to have 
 them escorted to the jiort of Hakodate. 
 
 For instance, when the ■' Isalie' [!\, an A.nierieaii vessel, stranded on a reef near Itriii>, the natives 
 rendered as much assistance as they jiossihly could to the iiiifortniiate vessel, hut all elloits having; 
 proved fruitless, tl. vessel wa.s wrecked at last, and damajfes were elaimcil on the j,'roiind that it was 
 lost oil account f)f siilUcient assistance not haviiit; been vendereil. .Such unlawful and tiiiroasonalile 
 action on the jtart of foreign ves.sids was of fre([uent occurrence. 
 
 All these lorei;,'ii i»oacliinj,'-vessels heiiij of a much more improved type than the ordinary Jajiaiie.se 
 tisliiiij,'-lioats, it wa.s very ditlicnlt to watch their movements in the hi;,'li seas, and, as aliont .seveii- 
 tenths of the island was iininhahited, fishiiii,' establishments in the whole island iieinj,' very few, it was 
 no wonder that watch could r.ot be I'llcctively kejit by n few (^'omniissioners with only t wo or three 
 fishiiiji-boats to cruize with. 
 
 Under these ciicumstaiices, in coiisultation with the Xavy Peiiartiueiit, two shijps of war were 
 commissioned, and one of these two was stationed at the port of Xemuro, one replacin;; the other in 
 alternate years, and they were ordered to crtii/c round the Kiirile yioup in order to watch the 
 poacliei'S. 
 
 Uesidcs, the " Kioriomarii," of Kailakushi, was sent to Itriij) every year from May to October 
 (sea.soii for .seal-hunt in;;) to cruize and watch in the vicinity of the island. 
 
 In March 1874 Mr. .\loott Brookes, His Imperial Majesty's ('oii.sul in .^aii Fraiicisivi, reported ti- 
 the Voreiyn Oflice that six boats were beiiij; jirepared in Canada to start for s.-al-huiitiii;,' in tiie islands 
 of Hokkaido, and soon afterwards he also rejported that some sealini;-vessels hail left the port of San 
 Francisco. 
 
 Ill May of the same year, upon consultation with the Foreign Ollice, {{ejinlations, consislini,' of 
 three clauses, coiitrolliiif; the lisheries in the waters near the .'.?lands of Hokkaido, were issued, 
 viz. :— 
 
 " I. Along the coast-lines the limit of the territorial right of Jajiaii is li.xed at ;! li (I ri = 2'lKi.'« 
 miles) from the .shore: in case of b;iys, tin- line of limit shall be measured frmn a straight lint; drawn 
 between the two capcy at the extreme ends of the bay ; but this ajiplies only to cases where thi^ sjiace 
 between the capes (hies not t'xceed 3 ri. 
 
 " If any foreigners he found fiwliing within the aliove-mcntioneil limit t' ; .shall be iim^sted in as 
 ixjaecful a manner as possible, and sent to Hakodate, accompanied by guu.ls, and delivered to the 
 Consul of the country of their nationality to be dealt with in a proper inanrier. 
 
 " 2. If foreigners ilo not submit theiiiselves to the authorities, or any violent n'sistance be otfered 
 by tlieiii at the time of such arrest, necessary force may be employed to carry out the foregoing I'egii- 
 iations. 
 
 " it. InasmHcli n.s there may be some foreign vessels arriving in liarlioiir in consefpicnco of stress of 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 |. 
 
 L3i5] 
 
 1 Bh:> is Cfiail to 0-1985 peck. 
 
 Y 2 
 
10 j 
 
 wi'iillii'i' iir Willi; of wall')' III riii'1, II I'lii'i't'iil sirrutiny si'iill Ic iiimli' hn tu (lie liiu' ('ii'-iiiiiNliiiiici. iiinl- 
 ii|Niii iisi't'i'l.iiiiiii){ tlii'ii' ;;iMiil I'liitli, ihi'y slmll Ik- In-uti'il in iicciiitliiiin! uitli tlic ' lir^'iiltitiitiiM lur Assj.s- 
 tiiiitt' to Fiirti;;ii N'csxcls in liistri'ss,' And if Ili.i iiii|>('riitl .MuJi'mIv's sulijccts lie rouiKl iinuclijnj,', llicii' 
 tiHiiiii;; iipiiiii'iitiiM mill niti'lics kIiuII |i(> ('(inliHciitcil acriiiiliiii^' to tlit' existing' ltr<^'ii!iitioiis, iiiiil ilii>y nIiiiII 
 lie ilclivi'i'i'il to till! Iiriiiich ollicc at Nt'iiiiiro, tluTi' to lie iii(i|«'i!y ilcall with," iVc. 
 
 Till! " Kiorii'iiiani " mitl " ticiilaiinaiu," lii'loii;;ii' , '■> KaitakiiMlii, liaviii}; on luiuiil iiitiTpivti-is iiii<| 
 Sfiil KiHliciy Sii|ii'iiiili'niliii|,' ( ■(iiiiiiiissioiiris, wt'ii' oiiIi'umI to i.'rui/.o in iliu virinily of llni|i to watili 
 any loii'l^^ii |poiic|iiiiy-vi's.si'Is. 
 
 Jn l!u' .same nionili tlicii' wns a jioinjniilir Aitli M. iWiiliii [I'J, niatitrr ol' a |)aiiisli jmai iiiii;;-V('-si'i 
 till' "Milt. ('(.■" (:'|. 
 
 In >liiiit>, wlicn llic " Kioi'ioniaiu" was iiiii/in^ Imck, hIu; uivt with six Anii'iican vihsi'Is.ihuI tin it 
 woi'i! vaiioiis int)-i'\i('ws ivs|i(>i'tin^' llii'iii. 
 
 In ■Inly Ilis lni|i('iial .Maji'sly'.s Hliips " lIo.>liio" anil "((suKu' wcri' si'iit ovrr, r\nil llic " Kiorin. 
 iniiru " ii;,'aiii sailnl to tlic islamic. 
 
 In Aii;{iist an Aniciiian Hliip " Snowtlio])" was round ill Tiiiikiiiu lliiv.niid 8oiii« invci^tifjiition wm 
 niiidc. I'ivi! l'oi<'i>,'ii vi's.si'ls at Oinirlu'tsii liay wi'iv also suliji'dod to invcMti^atioii. ISul tlicsi! niv only 
 a few vi'ssi'ls out of many wliicli wcii) Mot lii'onj,'lit undiT notict!. 
 
 To illiistiatf till' cuniiiii^'of l'oi('i;.'ii iioaclicrs, tlu-y, nil of tlicni, would i-iiti'V and uiudior in liail'i'm-. 
 |ii'('ti'iidiii^' that tlii^y liad conic uiiilci' stress of wnitlicr or lor want of water or fuel, piin;; out of one 
 port in tlie niorniii;,' and enteriiii; another in the evenin;{, their iiioveuieiitx lioiii^ so alert that it was a 
 in.'itter of no wonder that a siii;.'le wateli.,slii|> was uiiidile to keep tlieiii under ohservation. ISut.oii the 
 whole, the Island of Itriip was found iiufavourahle lor tliu purpose of ]ironiotiii}{ our tishevies ami of 
 watehiuf,' for foreij,'n jioaehi'is. The climate is very inclement ; iluriu;: snininer months tlieii. is dense 
 fo};, and when tin; autumn appromhes the fo^' lit^^^iiis to lift, hut only to he sneceedcd hy ii violent north- 
 westerly },'iile, rausiiij; a heavy sea. And tliero is no ^jood Imrhour. Thus the iiavitjation in tliei>e waleis 
 is very diilieiilt. 
 
 Conseipietitly, in the same month, liie statiouin<r of the " Kiorioiiiarn " at that island was diseoii- 
 (inued, and she was ordered to cruize hetween Nemuro and liakodati' twice every mouth ; the >ieal- 
 hnntiii},' iiHairs Were left to the control of the hrauch oilice at Nemuro; and three hranchcs of the 
 snperiulendiii;; oilice weri! estahlished in the islands at Duuelietsu, Xannelio, Toshinutri, wiiere < 'om- 
 missioncrs were sent respeetively with three boats, four lioatmcn for each lioat. 
 
 As to the mode of liuntin<;, the natives used to shoot seals with hows and arrows while resting 
 upon reefs or rocks. In winti-r, when the sea is Iro/.cn over, they simjily idia.sed them over the ice and 
 killed them with cluhs, or they used to jjo in a hoat made of the skins of .sea-horse and whale-hones, 
 wearing; a kind of waterjiroof made of the hiadders of sea elephants or .seii-horsc ind with ii liead- 
 coveriiif^ made of fox or wolf-skins, thus deceiviiii,' .seals when approachiiifi tic In this clever 
 
 manner they used to eateh a f^reat many. The hoat itself was very sim 
 motion that its pro>,Mess was very fast, even in a heavy sea-way, and it wa 
 capsizinj;. 
 
 The Weapons which the natives had in the.se hoats were a loiii,' harpoon, a cliili, ami a <;aiT. 'When 
 they apiiroached a victim they threw the liar|ioon, and having made a good hit, the fop, or hiirhed end. 
 which is titMl to a long string, separated itself from the pole and icmained in the llcsh ; tiiiis, even ii' 
 tlic animal was not killed at one rmi/), its wliereahouts could always lie known, as the ]iolc to which the 
 other end of thi! string is ticil acted us a Hoat, and the .seal was dragged out and cluhlied to death, ainl 
 then gaffed into the hoat. 
 
 This mode was considered to he the licst way of catching .seals, lait in modern times it is sujici- 
 seded hy the u.se of ginrs. 
 
 Jiut seals are very averse lo the sound of tiring, and the use of the gun is sure to drive them iiway 
 from the vicinitv to some far distant jihiccs, and tlii! Hocks are tiiiuned year hy year. The natives, 
 knowing this hy long expeiience, alistaincd from using guns, hut at the present lime, ns all foreigners 
 |ioach with guns, our mode of hunting was also ohliged to be .similarly changed. 
 
 In April IST'i, at I'erctarulietsu, near Shihetoro, Itrup, a Itu.ssiau hoat was found anchored, and its 
 master, with three Itussians and three Japanese, were seen cotitrHctiiig a hut on the coa.st. They wcic 
 consenucii'.ly warned <ill" hy the ("oiiimissioners. 
 
 Again, an information was given to the ( 'ommi.ssiouors that at ^loroco, in the same county, the 
 Americans Hamion .lean [f] nd three others built houses, and were carrying on poaching business since 
 i)ctober of the jireceding ye! . They were conseiiuently arrested am! sent to Hakodate, and deli verei I 
 to the hands of the I'niteil ' utes' (Jonsul. 
 
 ear His Imperial llajesty's ship " Asama " entered into the ) (irt of 
 
 ruized about the Kurile group .ind along the coast of Kitami. 
 
 la ■' returned, and the " Kiorionuiru " and "(ienb\iniaru " .set out for a 
 
 hut so easy of 
 iiuilu safe from 
 
 built at JIurornn for seal-hunting, was comjiloted and sent to the port <if 
 named the " Chishimnmaru." 
 
 In June of the sani' 
 Xemuro as a guard-shiii, an 
 
 In Sejitendier the "As, 
 cniize round Itrup. 
 
 In December a .scliooni 
 Xemuro. This seluuner wa 
 
 The Regulations for cc rolling seal ILslicries which were is-sued .some year.s ago, after consultation 
 with the Foreign (Jthce, had to be amended, owing to the territorial Iwuudaries being definitely marked 
 out, coiisequent upon the e.\change of the Kuriles (with liussia) having been effected in .September, 
 1 874. Conseiiuently, in April 1 870, new IJeguIations for controlling the. fisheries in Hokkaido, consisting 
 «)f three clauses, were is.sued. 
 
 The first clause jivohihited any foreign ves.sels from fishing with any lino, net, guns, &c.,any fish or 
 sea animal within tlus range of a gun-.shot from the coast of Hokkaido or of other islands belonging to 
 the Empire of Japan. 
 
 The secoiul clause decreed that the officials appointed under the llegulations for controllijig 
 fisheries in the territorial waters of Japan shall order to clear out of the boundary any foreign vessel 
 
lOJ 
 
 Nvliiili i-i viis)ir( It'll iif iiifriii;:!!!;,' M|niii till' jiiiiliiliitidii iticiit.'diii'il in llio liint iliiiisc. nr iT .tiifli vchhi'I 
 i'' tliniiM)it In liivc iiliiiiily iiilriiiiinl llio |>i'ii|iiliitiiiii, that tlicy nIiiiII iHitinl tiii' vr^^srl iiikI inN]ii'('t Iut 
 
 IIIIVO. 
 
 Til' tliinl I'iiii'M' iliri'i'cil lliiit wlii'M llici-t' JH liny fnrri^'n vcssitl wiiii-li Imx itt'tiiiilly iiilViiiu<Hl tlix 
 I'l'oliiliiiiiMi in ilic tii'Ni <-litn>*t>, or ii'I'mmci! tn cli-ai' out of tlir lioiniiliiiy or to siil>niil to the inHpcction nf 
 I'liivo iiii'iiiioiii' I in tlh' *i'('i>nil clinist', the olliciuls iiinli'i- tlii' lir^iiliitii ns lor con t roll iii<,' tiMlu'iien in the 
 li'cnio i,il wiiti'is oT .lii|).ni slmll luki' sikIi vcsxi-l to tin; ni'iii'csl o|i('n port, sliull ili'livcr it to tliii Consul 
 III tlii^ riunlry to wliii'li ii ln'loii;.rs, iukI ujion its ln-iu;,' lit'iirly inovcd to lie yuilty of the ulli'iico after 
 ijiii' iii<|iiiiii'^, r<lia!l ili'iii.iii I I'roMi till' ( ''iii-iul till' intliction o|' iliic |iuni.slinii'nt. 
 
 In till' laiiii' iiiMiitli, in tin- Itav ol'l'siinit'in, in tin' Islaml of Sliikotan, in tin! coiiuty of HiiniLsaki, 
 Ml otli'i' liiiililiii,' anil a sion'-lioiisi' wi'i'n laiilt. 
 
 Til" UIiiii'l o| Sliikotan is IS ri in ('i'vn'nii'ri'nrc, ami lias a <,'ooil natural liarlioiir. In olil tiniuH 
 iiiiiiiN iiiiiIm's ii-o'iI Io iiiiniii;ruti', anil tlir |ii'o|ilt' of tlni niainlitinl also used to ronie for ti.sliiii'^' |iur|io.seH ; 
 lull, o\Nin^ Io till' iliDli'iilly of roniiuuniriiiion, iilinost all of la-ni rrnsscil over to tin' luti^'liliourlioiMl of 
 Ni'iiiiii'o', ami at llic incsi'iit tiiiic it is raiv to liml any inlinliitants in tin' islaml. Thus llm i,sliuiil 
 
 I aiiir a ,u I shi'lti'i for foi'ci^'ii |ioarln'rs, ami inaiiy \csscls niailc the liailionr ti.'ir rt'stin}!-]ilii('C 
 
 wlii'iii'i' III sail, ami wlii'ii till' tinir ami wind were favoiirulile for their unlawful acts. Aci'ordini^ly, 
 viiiiii' Sii|ii'iiii!cniliiiy ('oiiunissioiicrs were sent ovei' ti j,'inn'd the nei'.,'hliourlnioil. 
 
 Ill .luni' an ollicc-liousi' ami a stoie-house were laiill in tlitt Kay of Tankaiiiu, in the county of 
 ■''iiriilietsu. Ilriip. 
 
 In .luly His Imperial Maji'siy's ship ",Mo»liun" ciuized uIhuiI tlio Islaml o'' Itrup in search of 
 
 pililrliers. 
 
 In .\ii,L!Mst. ill roiisiilenitioii of ihe ilili^rencc ami liardNhips of the superintending; olliciuls of Itiiip 
 ii ilis -liaiL;'' "f llii'ir duly, day and ni^jlit throiijih all sea.soii,'?, a Huli-iv'^ulatioii wis miule rewarding; 
 ilii'iii liy special i;ri Ills nf nioney, classilied according' to the merit of each individual. 
 
 In May 1S7S, in coiiseiiuence of niiich inconvenience hiivin<; lioeii exiierienced hy the otllcials in 
 dischar;,'!' of their duly on account of the ilill'erences of lan;iua;,'e on such occasions as when inter- 
 \ icwiii!,' foreiu'ii vessels or niakiiif,' impiiry as to foreij,'n poachers, the following' instructions were fjiveii 
 In the siipi'iiiilcmliii'j ollii'ials in Shikolan, and were posted in conspicuous places, written in foreign 
 liiijiua^'t's, \ i/. : 
 
 • I, This islaml is ihc Isliml of Sliikotan, county of llannsaki, Nennim, Hokkaido, belonf,'in^ to 
 I he Knipire of .Japan. 
 
 '• L'. You ar.' ri'ipii'sled In it'j.ort in detail, in wri'iii;;, the uatioiiality of ve.ssel, its naine and that 
 of ilie ca]ilaiii, l''c nuinlier of crew, and the reason of coniini». If for temporary .•,nclioriii,'e, in want of 
 «nlcr or iiicl, . in consi'i|ueiice of wind or tide, you are reipiested to leave as soon as your wants uio 
 salisHed or the we.ithcr liecmm's favourahle. 
 
 •• lluntin.i^ of :'fn animals is prohiliited in the nei.nhhourinj,' seas." 
 
 The skins of ilie si^ils ]irepaied accordini,' to the mode of the lo.-ality were very thin, aiitl the 
 Vio, CSS of tannin;,' was inrpi'ifect. In dune of the same yisir a skilled tanner of Tokio was consulted, 
 .Old it was ad\i-'t'd lliat the skins shall lie left as thick as jiossihle, ami to jirevent the chani,'e of fur- 
 I'iiliiiir, that lliey sli'iiild III' ]iaiiiti'd with coal-water in siutli a manner as to allow the colour of the 
 Iralher to lie seen, and when dry to lie ]iainted a;,'ain twice in the sanii^ way. In siiinmer, there heini» 
 fear if miitli, iliey were III lie )iiiinleil with camphor-water after liein^' painted with coal-wali'r. 
 
 ilerctofoie, as tliere was no restriction as to till! n:od(! of .seal-huntinj;, and fear.s were entertained 
 of the cxterminaliiiii of the species liy wanton huntiii<;, lluntin;; lie;.»ulations were issued in Octohei' 
 uillia view III iao;;iiiti' the increase of seals, as well as to check iioachinj,' ; and four superintending 
 otllcials ami tliirlv-six hunters were luhled. 
 
 The lic!,'ulalions lun as follows: — 
 
 '• .Article 1. In view of ]irotcctin,t,' seal-hunt inu; and checking foreign jioaidiers, a vessel <if foreign 
 ivpe shall he ciiiiiinissioni'd to cruize in the neighlioiirhood of Jtrup. ' (Jhishiinamaru ' shall he coni- 
 iiiissioiied for this ]iurpo.se for the time heing. 
 
 •' All. L'. The mode of killing; shall mainly ho liy clubhing, and the use of guns sliall he avoided a.'< 
 much as possililc 
 
 " Art. ."i. Voiiiig seals shall he spared as much as i>ossilile. 
 
 " .Art. 4. The numher of Heals to lie caught within 1 ri of cnast-line shall not exceed forty-five per 
 annum. 
 
 '• Art. .". I'.i'iwei'n Iho months of ilay nnd Xoveniher the killing of seals within 1 ri of coast-line 
 is prohiliited. 
 
 " Art. Ii. Any person who catches wounded or crippled seals wa.shed ashore, even within the 
 proliiliition limit, shidl he paid in money or in kind according to the quality of the skin. 
 
 " Alt. 7. To ]irevent Ihe decrease of seals 'ly careless chasing and wanton killing, .special care .shall 
 always he taken, and the preventive method sli.dl he cstahlished. 
 
 •' .\rt. S. The numher of seals taken will be inspected, and their skins shall fi.v the proof of their 
 ages. 
 
 " Alt. ;•. The covering and breeding seasons, &c., shall be carefully a.sccrtaine(l by practical obser- 
 vations. 
 
 "Art. 10. I'ractiial observations and investigations .shall be made as to the truth of the seals 
 lo.sing or changing the c dour of their fur according to diiFerent seasons. 
 
 " ,\rt. 11. An actual investigation shall be made as to how many seals can be caught annually if 
 the use of guns be discontinued, and clubs and bows and arrows be adopted in.stead. 
 
 " Art. 12. While out hunting, if anything occurs likely to form an object for future investigation, 
 n minute record sliall be kept. 
 
 "Art. i:i. AVhilc the present Regulations shall be strictly obeyed by all those wiio arc responsibl 
 
1(U 
 
 I'oi' s>iil-liuiitin<;, tlwy can iiililrt'ss lln'iiinflvt's to tlii' iiullioritiL's to clUrt iviiuiicil iinieiiiliiicnls in ijisf 
 jivactifiil inconvenioncus sliull linvc bci'ii i'xiM'iii'n(.v(l." 
 
 Yi'iir liy year the use ii| ynus I'nv killini,' seals liavin),' ,i,'railtially ini'ivascil, tlic I'liylilfncil s'.sil> 
 oscaiM'il into distant |ilai'('s, ami lii'j,'an to tlurk alxail tin- cuast-lini's ami near seas ot' tlio Islaml nl' 
 Kiniasliir, wlioie human lii'inj;s were nmst sclilmn lnund. ('(ins('i|iiontly, liunlin.; iiiiailcr.s wciv 
 ('staMislicil in the islaml, Inintin;,' a]i]iaiatns('s newly siiii]plie,l, sii]nM'intemliiii,' (itlieeis weic sent ami 
 liiniters eiiiiau'ed, and llie Iniiilinu Imsiness was stalled afresh. I'liil heic, ajiaiii, ]ieii]il(' eanie and li.\ed 
 their huutinu; ([iiaiters. and the aiiival and deiiai'ture ul' hoais liecanie iVeiineiil. Tlie de-iease (,!' s(;il^ 
 nalMially t'ldluwed, and i'oreii,'n ]Miacheis alsn disa]i|ieaii'd. 
 
 In .Inne ISTil a hniitiiiL; de)u"it was huilt at liirilaish, in the cniMity oT l''i:riilii't.Mi. Iini|p. 
 
 In May 1S8() His liii]ierial Majesty's Consul at San Fraiieiseo re|)oitiil thai a sihoonn- had le:l 
 that pint for the i>iir|)ose ol' sral-huntiiiij; in the iieiLjhhourini,' seas i,]' liru]i. 
 
 On ohsei'viiii,' the ueiieial as]ieet at this time, and eoiiiiiaiiiii,' it with i'oinier years, the imiiihei i.i 
 seals cauudit was I'lamd to he on the deeiease, ami il is evident as a nialter ol'ecaiise thai the nioie tla'V 
 are killed tlu! fewer will lie hred : while, yi'ar alter year, increased iidliix of l'oreiL;ii ]ioaehi'r-i eoni|ieteil 
 in the tishiiiLt, there heiiiL,' no means (jf eheekiuu' them outside ihe line of territorial liiiiil lived li\ inlei- 
 lialinnal law, llesides, as the forei;;iiers did not in the least eare ahoiil the deeiease of hreedin^ or the 
 exierminatioii of the sjieeies, they freely used their j,'nn.s in liuntinj;. ami. as the le-ult. ihey killeil the 
 ;^realest iiuniher. Thus we wi-ie also olilii,'ed to throw aside the old instruiueiits. siivh as elul's, how.s 
 ami arrows, and tialfs. and to ado]it the ^_'uii, as it would he most foolish to keep to ihe old system 
 whiiii letting others make the i^'icalest L;ain, Thus tlu' use of jjuns is the iiiaiu eause of ihe |preseiii 
 decrease. 
 
 In Fehrnaiy ISSl', after Kaitakushi was aholished, seal lishery alfairs weie trans.erred to li.e 
 Ajiricultural and Coininercial I >e]iarliueiit. toj^ether with the suiierinteiidiiiu- ollieers. lisjilng iiniile- 
 ineiits, and everything eoiiiu'cted with the lisheries. Kroin this time the tishinu was eariicd oii liy the 
 ;iulhoiity of thn aliove-iuentioiied !)e|iartiiient until 1SS7. And, iu IXS'.i. the " I •aiiiiiitioii Suisan 
 Kaisha " (the Marine J'roduce Coinipany of the Knipire i>f daiian' was u'lseii the exclusive ]ierniissii.M 
 111' lunitiiii^ seals and sea-otlers: ami the s'.'veral neynlations in force at the piesenl lime are i.~ 
 follows: — 
 
 ■ //rr'C i\«. 111. 
 
 - Mil;/ I'll. 17'/' .'/f'"' I'f Miiji (I SSI.. 
 " !u future, the hnntinv; ami catehint,' of .souls and sea-otlers in Hokkaido is ]iidhil«iled ; iIm' 
 I'lU'iKlers will he ]iiiiiislied hy ;>7-'rd clause of the I'enal Code, and their catches will he eonti.sealed : 
 hut those who are in |iossession of ihe special pennissioii of Ihe Minister of A;.;ricullui'e ami Coinnicrcc 
 shall he exempted. '■ 
 
 ■ Jiii/ii'fi'i/ /hiirr Ac. SU. 
 
 " JlarniUr Itl, IV/A '/.wr ,//M/, /// ( I SSli). 
 
 '■ ItiiJIiliifil'll^ i(,il'ii'l/llii/ //ir lllillliiKJ, l/il- I l,li:(li-lllt!<iil. Il.llll lllf Si'll <ij' Sin/s ililil SiK-iilli ,-:i Hull Ijii'n- 
 
 llliif IlitU". 
 
 " Article J. Any person who is in possession of the special jtennission of Ihe Minislei of .\;;ricul- 
 tiire and Commerce, jinrsuant to the l»ecree No. Hi of the 17th year of Meiji (lSSt\ shall he allowcil 
 to hunt and catch seals and sea-ottei< within such aiea and season as may he lixed hx Hokkaido ('ho. 
 provided that the person .shall always carry the special iiermil when he. is eM;iajied in huuliiii;. and that 
 wherever he may he, on laml or on water, he shall at owv produce and slu-w the s.inie ie the superiii- 
 teiidinu oHieials or ]ioliee ollieers when they ask him to do so. 
 
 "Art. ■_'. When any person en^'aifed in .seal and sea-otter hunting; arrives in Hokkaido, he sludl lepoii 
 the name of his hoal, its tonna.uv, and the names of crew, to tlu^ hraiich otlice named hy the Hokkaido 
 Cho, and shall always keep lixed to the mast, or other conspiciions part of the l.oal. a ci'itaiii si,L:n 
 specially provided for such liuntiiij,' lioats. 
 
 "Art. .">. Any per.son wishing to sell raw hides of seals m sea-otters shall tiist preseni and have 
 them stamped (hramliiij: stamps can he used) hy the jiroper ollieers at the hianch ottiee mciitioued in 
 Artii'le '1. No hides without this otlicial stamp sliall he allcweil to he sold. 
 
 " Art. 4. If any peison who has im]H)rted into any port of the I'.mpire. or anehorcil in any | ml 
 having on hoard raw hides of si'als or sea-otlers, or had sold or is goin;; to sell these hides in a market, 
 lie found out, the Customs alithorities or the police ollieers shall sei/,e the aiticles. ami shall at once 
 (irosecute the oHeiider : ]irovided that the raw hides of seals or .sea-otters caught within the teriitories 
 of llnssia or the United States of America, with due jieniiission of the respective Cioverniiient.s. can Ic 
 imported into the Kirpire upon the owner or th' captain of the ship producing the certilicale given iheiii 
 hv the proper autliority of their tlovernnient or the giiaraaleoiiig icrtiticate of the IJiissian or ll.i' 
 I'nited States' Con.=uls residing in the Kiuiiire." 
 
165 
 
 ■ A'.//.-,,/ .,',ja,;li„.j Ih,: /.WisI,,,, uj ll„ iHoih rf I'm,:,/,,,; /„ Ciirn/ ,m( tl„' /{.yii/otions ,',>uh;,lli„g the 
 
 Sail tiiiil Siui-vthr /fiii{/iii</. 
 
 Tn Ms KNccIlfiii'v Kiiii'iiotti) TuKciiki, 
 
 Minister 111' Agriculture iiml Coiinucive, X-c. 
 
 • Sir. 
 
 " //ii/diiii/i) r/io. .Iiilif Id, L'ls/ iffiir of Miiji (ISSK). 
 
 !i:ive the liiiiniiii' to iiilonn your Kxeclleiicv iliMt tli,! il.jliiils of ].iceeiliire to eaViv out the 
 
 I'.ilh o. .Aleiji (l.SHi.j have liee;: ivvise.l, iw shown in the inelcse.l copy of Cjiorci No. :;:. .iiite.l 
 Httli Miiv cil'ihe iiiiieiit vciir. 
 
 ■• I have, \-e. 
 (Sif^'iie.l) "XAflAVAMA TAKKSHIHO, 
 
 " /h'rccfor of Hokkuido I'lw.' 
 
 " luclnsiile. 
 
 •• Ihtnlis ,./ I'ron.lri: lo ,:,rr,j v.'l llir l;<i,,il„lio,i^ n„il,:,llu„j Ihr Snil „„,/ Sc,i-(ifta- IliniluUl. 
 
 ••Article I. The ojien seii.-ion lor seal and sea-otter hnnlint; slmil he from the l.'ith Ai.ril to the 
 ..I si (Jclolier ni (aili year. 
 
 . " -^"- -■ ''■''"■ •"•'.'•i "•■ linntin- shall he all the islan.ls situated eastward ol llrui), and soulliward of 
 Miin.shu, ol the Kunles. and it will he divide.l into three sections, and evervvear only one af these 
 veil, )ns shall lie opened for hunting;. " " 
 
 • The lirst. se.tiou includes seven iy.lands, ,>., jtrup, Chirihoi, l?utettc.lu>lhoa VX Hixui'lilou. 
 K.iikoke, .Musjur. and Clnrinkolan. 
 
 'TIk! sec.nd section indmlcs six islands. />., Shiinshir, Shiritoi, Cshisliir, Sletonmi I a Kash-ia 
 :iiid Matsua. ' ' ' 
 
 -The third scMtiou includes twelve islands, /.,■., Shannekotan, Vekkenna \'.V KarreukotaM. 
 Ouuekolan, Anos, Makarushi, Shurenwa [.'], I'ara.nnshir. Holt, L'ouk.scar, Ai-aito, an.l Shin.shu. 
 
 '■•^'■••-- "Ih'I' i' I'oat is t;on.j; out for hunting', her name, tonnage, and the names of the .ivw 
 AvM he reported lor ,nsp,,.t,on to the hrancli oflke of seal and sea-ott..r huntin- superintending 
 ^nithoritics, euher at Nenniro. ni the county of Xemuro, or at Shikotan, in tiie couiitv of (liishiina. 
 
 ■■.\rt J. Wiu'n the h;;nich (.tlice of seal and sea-otler hunting' supcrintcudint; authorities lin.l 
 i report mentioned ir. Arlicle :; in due :orm on inspection, it will j^ive to (he hoal a fla-' hereiiialler 
 
 ■ Art [. \\\ 
 
 ll.u 
 shown 
 
 ■• Art. :.. Ai 
 
 ," ■)}}:,''■ -^"Z •"'':"" ^'■''" "''^'"^^■'' •^" ^''^l'"!'' '"'•' ■•*''ll tl"' 'ii^*- l'i"l''« of his catch .shall i)roduiV ihcm 
 to llieNi.kotan Lranch ol the seal and .sea-otter liuntiufr .snpeiintendin.' authorities, and shall liasc 
 Ml 111 stamped. 
 
 TliK V\.\r.. 
 
 i: 
 
 
 i; 
 
100 
 
 Ni;mi!Ki: of Si-als aiul Son-ctti'i'? cnii"lit. 
 
 f 
 
 Yi'ar. 
 
 NuniliiT 
 of Sea-otttTs. 
 
 Nuiiilt r cif ScuN. 
 
 1873 
 187< 
 187.'i 
 
 187C 
 1877 
 1878 
 1879 
 1880 
 1881 
 1882 
 18HS 
 1884 
 188.-. 
 188(1 
 1887 
 I88l> 
 1S8!) 
 I8fll) 
 W.'l 
 
 288 
 
 
 78 
 
 
 250 
 
 
 28.-I 
 
 
 :!43 
 
 
 270 
 
 
 211 
 
 
 137 
 
 
 
 
 it 
 
 
 82 
 
 
 r>3 
 
 
 31 
 
 
 9'J 
 
 
 ' f;! 
 
 33 
 
 47 
 
 SSI 
 
 Mi'llluVUHihihl I'l^plitilliJ ,1(1 Jill iir^i' Slid Flxlii 
 
 1. — ll'/ii/lnr till- fkiliiu- (/;• Dixlrmtion t\f //u Vishi'iij is iilliiliiiluhU to lln- S/i'iii/lilo- uf llir >\iili n-i'iiir i.n 
 i-'/iiof fit llie'w Jliriiliiii/-j)li(rii, or In lliiir I'lnxiilt at lun/r on the ciiYi'iiJnn nl Ciriii. 
 
 1. Tlio only Isiiowii rookeries or liiiiilinj.' puimils of ilie rm-se.il Ailliiii .Iii|iiiin>-e doiiiiiii'iiis r.r.t 
 llie Ibllowiiif;: — 
 
 Sreiliioi lio<'k.s (iifr I'sliisliiii). 
 Jtitikoki' Isliiiiil. 
 Jfusliiii IJoeks. 
 
 The lir.sl of tliese Imiiliiij; grounds, nil nf wliicli are siiiuiteil in llu; Kiirile.--, is ordy snnie llM» yanls 
 loiij4 liy (11) yards wide, and (lie otlu'rs are nut niueli lari^er ; Imt at the lime of their diseovery in ISSI 
 they must liave haihoured annually some 20,000 nr I'.'i.OOO fur-seals; ."..Dim weic aelually taken therr 
 by one vessel in the year mentioned. Siner llien they havi' gradually declined in iirdihirlixeuess, in;d 
 it may he said tliat at the jir.'sent time they xiidd catrhes ol' unly a few si(ire> in tiie ]ilar ■ i,[' 
 thousands. 
 
 There can he no ihadil that this result is exeliisi\tOy due Id ilie iuiliseriimnali' .-hiuul.trr of il:e 
 seals at their hreeding ]ihu-e. No "rookery ' vould withstand for niau\ years su'li uhnlesal.' 
 destruction as these were exposed to in eonseiineme of the sueet's.^ful venlnri' nl' I.->>!1. .\or i- tliri' 
 any other way of aecountin;,' fnr their deiiletinu, for it is known that the Isvo nv ijirei' fnicign se ders 
 wliieh now tind it wurth their while to e(^ui]i at Yukcihania di> nn! ( n^iii^i' in iiejagic sealiuL.', 
 hut iiroceed to the more extensive haunts of iheir (|uariy heyond . Japanese waters, siiel. as 
 liobhen. liehring, and ('o]>]ier Islands, where tla'y liope in elude the \ i;jilaui'e of tli!' Ii'iissiau guani 
 ves-scls. 
 
 Large uniuhers of seal from the liussian ' incikei ;e,-; " ali' scallered e\(iy wiuUa' n\irlhe ni'eaii 
 lying olf the north-east coast o'^ >laiian. Init they ari' iinmnlested liy foreign or n.ilix.' >ealing-\essels, 
 and oidy tlu' fringe of them is touched hy native tishermen in their open Imals ;\\,<u<^ ihe Xanilm and 
 Vezii coast, when' some 1' 000 or .".,000 ai'o lak<'n annually. 
 
 1:!, — //( ii'Jitll Mini III r t/ir Fur-Siiil lUluiui Ims imii nr /< rniiiiinlnl in incli iHiiUniinr l.if<.i\il ij. 
 
 '1. The coast fishery hy the .Fajiane.se in tlu' immediate neigldiourlmoil of ^■|■zn and olf lin! 
 mainhind uoith of Inahosaki has just heen alluded to. It is carried on in native open hoats hy 
 means of s]ieariiig or nets. 'I'Ik; catch (!',("'•• or l'..oiiO skins a-year) is dispused of In ( hincse merchants 
 at Hakodate. 
 
 Other [lelagie sealing there is none in the ocean lying olf Japan. 
 
 The few scattered seals still to lie found ahoul the exhausted bleeding grounds <,f ihe Kiirihs are 
 occasionally taken hy the sclioouers oi' the .lapancsc "Marine I'roducis Company." hut oidy two lilted 
 out tliis year, ami their catch was sixty seals lietween them. 
 
 <Jf IJritish and other foreign sealers only three were eipiipjicd al Yokohama liiis yeai: hut thi' 
 splicre of iheir o]ieiatioiis lies to ihe northward heyond .Japanese jurisdiclion. According In lignres 
 fnrnislied hy the Ihilish ('(JiisiihUe al Yokohama, hetweeii eleven and eighteen of these vessels left 
 Yokohnma anniuilly for the seal lisheries in the years following the iliseovery of the Knrile hreeding 
 grounds, iiainely, between ]882 aid l.SS.l inclusive. .After IHHo their ir.imbeis gr.aiually dwindled, 
 owing to the depletion of the .laji; ii se lishciy and the greater rl.sk and uncertainly attending a crui/e 
 to more nortlierly waters. 
 
167 
 
 It is stated by the Japanese Agricultural Department that " the fur-seal appears to be reared on 
 the rocky coasts, and, in consequence, they are generally caught while swimming at a distance not more 
 than 1 nautical mile from the coast." 
 
 It may be that a few are so taken about the Kuriles, but the fishery — now almost extinct— 
 of those islands was carried on, in the yeara of its prosperity, entirely by clubbing the animals on 
 the beach. 
 
 3. — JFhether any, ajid, if any, wlvat Measures have been taken Uncards the Protection of the Fur-Seal 
 Fisheries, and, further, if any such Measures are known to have jn-oved successful in preserving or 
 rehaUlitatinff the Fislieries. 
 
 3. The measures tardily taken by the Japanese Government in 1884 to protect the Kurile 
 rookeries have remained entirely inoperative. Elaborate Kegulations were framed in tliat year and in 
 1886, establishing a close season between the 1st November and the 15th April, and dividing the 
 Kuriles into three groups, in only one of which was fishing to be allowed in any one year, and then 
 only on the issue of a licence by the authority constituted for the purpose. 
 
 There is no means of enforcing these Regulations, which, indeed, were not devised until after the 
 ruin of the hauling grounds liad been effected. A Japanese guard-ship was told off this year to watch 
 over their observance, but she never left her station at Nemuro, and, except the Japanese " Marine 
 Products Company," now rapidly approaching bankruptcy, no one dreams of applying for the regulation 
 licence, or of limiting his operations to the group in which the fishery is legally permissible. But, as 
 stated above, the Kuriles no longer attract tlie seal fishermen to any extent worth mentioning. 
 
 The Japanese ILegulations in question have no bearing on pelagic sealing, which, as already stated, 
 is not engaged in by Japanese or foreign sealing-vessels. 
 
 V 
 
 •*■■ 
 
 , 
 
 4. — GenernUy, any PaHiculars an to the JAfe-hislory of tlm AniiiMl, its Mi/p'ation, Season of bringing 
 forth its Young, and Habits of the Seals while engaged in suckling and rcaHng the Yoking. 
 
 4. The vast bulk of the seals now found in Japanese watera, and more especially in that portion 
 of the ocean extending eastwards from the coast between Inabosaki and the eastern point of Yezo are 
 from tlie Russian breeding gi-ounds in the Behring Sea and in the Sea of Okhotsk. 
 
 They follow the fish southwai-ds about the beginning of November, and remain scattered over a 
 large expanse of ocean, where they are quite unmolested, throughout the winter and spring months. 
 It is a matter of some surprise that no attempt is made to take them in tlie ojien sea, as is done on 
 such a large scale in the case of the seals resorting to the breeding grounds of the eastern portion of 
 Behring Sea. Possibly they scatter more in the Western Pacific, and are less easy to find. 
 
 After tiieir sojourn in tlie south, the first to repair to the northern rookeries are the old bulls, 
 arriving about the middle of June. They await tha cows, whicli follow tliem towards the end of the 
 same month. Yearlings and other non-breeding seals arrive at any time later. The young are brought 
 fortli in the beginning of July. 
 
 It is sometimes stated that the females are in the liabit of leaving tlie rookeries to catch fish 
 witliin 10 or 20 miles of tlie shore for the support of their young, but the exjierienced authority on 
 whose remarks these notes are founded is not of this opinion. He has never found food inside the 
 female fur-seal taken on the hauling grounds. 
 
 (Signed) M. I)E BUNSEN, 
 
 Her Majesty's Sccrctani of Legation, 
 
 TCkid, November 19. 1891. 
 
 m. 
 
 Mr. Wytudham to the Mairjuis of Saliiibury. — {Jieceived November 21.) 
 
 (No. 107. Commercial.) 
 
 My Lord, lUo de Janeiro, October 27, 1891. 
 
 Witli reference to your liOi-dsliip's Circular ilespatch No. 30 of the 10th August last, and to my 
 despatch No. 114 of the 25111 Seittember, on the subject of the fur-seal fisheries of the Southern 
 Hemisphere, I have (he honour to transmit herewith to your Lonlship copy of a despatch which I have 
 received from Her Majesty's CJonsul at Rio Grande do Sul, in which he states tliat, having made 
 inquiries in both States of his Consular district, he finds that no expe<litions an; sent tlience to the 
 fisheries, and that nothing is known about the conditions under wiiich tlie fisheries are carried out, or 
 the habits of the seal itself. 
 
 I have. Sic. 
 (Signed) HUGH WYNDHAM. 
 
 Consul Hearne to Mr. Wyndham. 
 
 Sir, Rio Orande do Sul, October 14, 1891. 
 
 With reference to your despatch of the 9th September last respecting certain information with 
 regard to the fur-seal fisheries of the Southern Hemisphere, I have the honour to inform you that I 
 [805J Z 
 
r 
 
 168 
 
 have made inquiries in both States in tliis Consular district, and Hud that no expeditions are sent 
 hence to the fisheries, nor is anything known about the conditions under which fisheries are carried 
 out, or the habits of the seal itself. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) W. 11. HEARNE. 
 
 Mr. Wyndham to the Afarqim of Salishiiri/. — (Received October 22.) 
 
 Sro. 114.) 
 y Lord, Hio de Jatmro, September 25, 1891. 
 
 With reference to your Lordship's despatch No. 30 of the 10th ultimo, desirii g certain informa- 
 tion respecting fur-seal life in tlie Soutliern Hemisphere, for the use of the Govc.nment of Canadii, 
 and to my despatch No. 109 of the 9th in.stant on the same subject, 1 have the liouour to i-eport to 
 your Lordship tliat 1 have i-eceived a note from the Minister of Foreign Att'airs, in reply to my request 
 for the information desired, in which he states, on the autliority of tlie ^linister of Marine, that p.oal- 
 tishing is unknown in Brazilian territorial waters, that no laws re3[iecting the same exi.st in Bra^d, and 
 that iiitherto no .ossel engaged in this trade lins tojiched at any Brnzilian port. 
 
 1 have, &c. 
 (Signed) HUGH WYNDHAM. 
 
 Mr. Pakenham to the Marquis of Salisbury. — {Received January 18, 1892.) 
 (No. 51.) 
 My Lord, Buenos Ayres, December 22, 1891. 
 
 With reference t« your Jx)ruship's desi)atch No. 24 of the 10th August on the subject of seals and 
 oeal fishery on the Argentine coast, I now iiave tlie honour to inclose translation of the reply of the 
 Minister for Foreign Affairs to my inquiry on the subject, whereof copy is likewise inclosed. 
 
 Apparently the taking of seals is at present prohibited by law, as also the working for profit of 
 any natural product of the south coasts, tliough it is implied that before very long certain fishery 
 privileges may be conferred in various quarters not as yet named. 
 
 I believe there is an extensive industry in the seal fishery olf Maldonudo, near Monte Video, and, 
 in fact, I well remember, twenty-five years or so ago, that those concerned in the fishery gravely 
 petitioned the Government that the lighthouse at Maldonudo sliould be closed, as the light appeared tu 
 iilarm the seals, 
 
 i liavis &c. 
 (Signed) r. I'AKENHAM. 
 
 Mr. PakenlMin to Sehor Coda. 
 
 M. le Ministre, Buenos Ayres, Scptemlcr 12, 1891. 
 
 I have the lionour to place in your Excellency's hands a copy of a Circular issued by the Depart- 
 ment of Fisheries of the Dominion of Canada, and wltich lAivil Salisbury has directed me to lay before 
 the Argentine Government, with thct request tiiat, if it is possible, they will kindly furnish the 
 information therein asked, which is to the effect that fears being now seriously entertained as to the 
 total destructif)n of the fur-seal, or sea-licar, a series of qtieries lias been issued on this interesting 
 subject with a view to their protection. 
 
 I have therefore the honour to request, that your Excellency will khidly cause steps to Ije trtken to 
 obtain the desired information as t^) the pursuit, capture, or preservation of these valuable animals in 
 Argentine waters for transmission to the (Jovernor-fieneral of the Dominion. 
 
 . 1 avail, &c. 
 
 (Signed) F. I'AKENHAM. 
 
 Seflor Zehallos to Mr. BakenhuM. 
 (Translation.) 
 Seiior Ministro, Bueiuu Ayres, December 14, 1891. 
 
 In reply to your note addressed to my distinguished predecessor on the 12th September last, 1 
 have the honour to inform your Excellency that the taking of seals, as also the working for profit 
 (" exploilacion ") of any natural product of the south coasts, is prohibited liy law, and for a long time 
 this has been the case with this branch cf national industry. 
 
 Further, from what I can judge of the case, I am able to tell your Excellency that the Executi\n 
 Power has asked Congress for authority to concede some fishing concessions to certain persons, wiio will 
 be obliged to supply the necessary information for the publication of the projects presented to tiie 
 legislative Boily. 
 
 I avail, &c. 
 (Signed) ESTANISJ^VO ZEHALLOS, 
 
169 
 
 MemoraHdvvh uu l/ir Stat FUhin/ in rrnyiinif, hi/ Mr. Erntd Satoic. 
 
 Tlie seal fishery in the Republic oi Uruguny is ctiriietl on at three points on the Athuitio coast, 
 uiiniely, Lobos Island, at the entrance to the IMo dc la Plata, at the (Jastillos Islands further uortb, and 
 at Coronilla Kio^ip' "C"'" t''^* Brazilian frontier. 
 
 Two kinds of seals are known there, namely, tlie fur-f-eal, and the couiinon siugle-hair seal. The 
 male of the latter species is large, and of a dark brown colour, while the female is much smaller, and of 
 a yellow colour. 
 
 At Loboa Island there is an establishment for steaming down the oil and salting the skins, besides 
 huts for the accommodation of the sealers who live there during the killing season. 
 
 At the highest point of the island is a large " corral," or inclosure, capable of holding severol thousand 
 seals. When not engaged in killing, the sealers remain in the vicinity of their huts, Ijut when the 
 superintendent sees a favourable opportunity, which happens usually during cold winds from the south- 
 east, in consequence of the seals coming high up out of the water, he sends the men down to intercept 
 them, and by making loud noises to drive them into the corral. Then, as coriveuience suits, a certain 
 number of seijls are let out by a door on the opposite side to that by which they entered, and driven to 
 the killing giound, where they ai-e (piiokly dispatched by a blow with a cluli. The establishment for 
 the Castillos Islands is at Polonia, on tlio mainland, whence the sealers proceed in Iwats when they 
 judge that then! is a favouralde opjMirtunity. 
 
 The general opinion seems to be that there lias lieen no diminution in the number of tiie seals, at 
 any rate of recent yeai-s. In 18''6 a Decree was i.ssued establishing a close season fi-om the 16th 
 October to the 31st May, and this J-aw is strictly enforced. A copy in translation is annexed. 
 
 As has been seen above, there is no pelagic seal-fishing off the coast of Uruguay. 
 
 The figures of the export of seal-skins and nutria skins (the latter is a large fresh-water rat, 
 Myopotamvs Cm/pus, inhabiting the rivers) for the last six years preceding 1891 are as follows : — 
 
 1885 
 1880 
 1887 
 1888 
 1889 
 1890 
 
 2S,88S 
 24,191 
 42.318 
 22,542 
 30.211 
 38,462 
 
 ■ 
 
 Although there is thus considerable variation in the yield of the fisheries, there does not appear 
 to be any ground for supposing a constant diminution. 
 
 The female fur-seal pro<Uices one at a birth, tlie male pups being the more numerous. The 
 puppii.g season begins in November. The niotliera are very careful of their young. When the 
 latter are about a fortnight old the mothers take them down to the water and teach them to swim 
 They suckle their young for nearly a year. The seals never entirely abandon the islands, but go to 
 and fro their fishing Imnks, which are not far off. 
 
 The mating season is in December and January. During this time the males often fight savagely 
 for possession of the females, and luimliers may be seen lying on the islands or shore of the mainland 
 helpless from their wounds. 
 
 The fisheries in Uruguay are leased to a private Company, oi which Don Guillermo I.afone is 
 Managing Director. 
 
 : ■•( 
 
 Decree establiihing a Close Season. 
 (I'ranslation.) 
 
 The Government being unable to remain indifi'erent to the denunciations of the periodical press with 
 reference to the abuses committed in " exploiting " the amphibious animals that populate the Islands of 
 Ijiboa, Espinillo, and Polonia, aud the regulation of this industry, implying not only an advantage for 
 the Company which pursues it, as well as a duty appertaining to the public Administration charged 
 with the preservutioii and development of those factors of the national wealth, the Provisional Governor 
 in Council decrees : — 
 
 Article 1. The slaughter of .seals on the aliove-mentioned islands shall commence on the 1st day 
 of .lune, and termiiiate on the loth day of October in eucli year. 
 
 Art. 2. The Civil Administititor of the Department of Maldoiiado is ehaiged with the execution 
 of the present Decree, and he will take the necessary measures for its due execution. 
 
 Art. I?. Let this be communicatefl, published, and deposited in the public archives. 
 
 (Signed) IJITORRE. 
 
 (Countersigned) Jt'AN A. Vasqum. 
 
 Monte Viiho, May Vi, 1874. 
 
 [306] 
 
 / 2 
 
( 170 ) 
 
 APPENDIX (C). 
 
 Various Letters and Communications relating to the Fdr-Sealh of the Britith Columbian 
 
 AND Neighbouring Coasts. 
 
 Questions addressed to District Indian Agents on tfie Const of British Columbia. 
 
 [These questions, prepared by Dr. Dawson, were kindly forwarded by Mr. A. W. Vowell, Superinten- 
 dent of Indian Affairs in British Columbia, to the t'.reo Coast Agencies, in the summer of 1891.] 
 
 1. Are fur-seals found or hunted by Indians in any part of your district ? If so, at what seasons 
 are they found in greatest nural)ei-s, and about what dates are they iirst and lost seen each year ? 
 
 2. Are fur-seals known to give birth to their young on or about any part of tlie (joast in your 
 district, and, if so, at what places and in what seasons ? 
 
 If young pups are observed, please state whether the Indians know their mode of birth, i.e., 
 whether bom on shore or at sea. 
 
 3. Do any of the Indians in your district know of breeding places formerly resorted to by the 
 fur-seal, or do they remember to have lictird that such breeding places formerly existed ? 
 
 4. Have the fur-seals been more or less abundant on the coast within the past few years ? 
 
 f=i 
 
 ,.i 
 
 1^^ 
 
 Information received in reply to the foregoing Questions. 
 
 Sir, Wed Coast Indian Agency, Nannimo, JvXy 30, 1891. 
 
 In answer to Circular of the 20th July, received from India Office, 1 have the honour to 
 state that fur-seals are hunted by the Indians on the west coast, and are found in great numbers in 
 February. Are first seen in December and last in April — that is close in shore. After that they 
 begin to travel along the coast of Vancouver Island and Queen Charlotte Islands towards Behring 
 Sea. Fur-seals are not known to give birth to their young on any part of i.i„ coast in my Agency. 
 All Indian sealers inform me that seals are born on shore (from their experience in Behring Sea, 
 where many fe>nales are killedj, and that the mothers leave the young on shore in daytime, going some 
 miles cut to sea in search of food, returning at night. Indians in my district do not know of any 
 breeding places formerly resorted to by the fur-seal, nor do they remember to have heard of such 
 places. 
 
 With regard to the last query, I should say that the fur-seal have been less abundant on the coast 
 the last few yeara, as the schooner coast catch has been less than formerly. From the Barclay Sound 
 Indians report the seals have been unusually abundant this and last season, but were scarce for three 
 seasons before. The reason given to me by one of the beat Indian sealers in Barclay Sound for the 
 number of seals in the mouth of the Sound this year was that the hi'nters on the schooners who seal 
 farther from shore than the Indians shoot at the seals so much that it frightcu.s them in shore, of 
 which tlic Indians, who use only spears, take advantage, and get the skins they want without 
 frightening tliem away ; also the seals follow the herrings for food. Sonic 1,300 skins were taken to 
 Victoria tliis spring at one time speared by Indians in or near the mouth of Barclay Sound. 
 
 I liave, &c. 
 (Signed^ HARRY OUILLOD, Agmt. 
 
 Dr. Dawson, 
 
 Care of C. Todd, Esq., Metlakahtla. 
 
 Sir, KvMvi Kewlth Indian Agency, Alert Hay, August 13, 1891. 
 
 1 have the honour to forward, as requested, the i.iformatiou which I have obtained from the 
 Indians at the north end of Vancouver's Island, viz., the Nuwitti Indians on the east, and the 
 Kwatseno Indians on tiic west side, as these are the ciily two tribes in my Agency who hunt the 
 fur-.seal. 
 
 The fur-seal is found in greatest luimbers about tin; last week in December, and continue to Ije 
 seen for about a month or six weeks, when they decrease in numbers, and are only occasionally seen 
 after that time. 
 
 The Indians have never known them to have young during the time they are in the neighbour- 
 hood, and none have Imeii killed younger tiian about six months old. 
 
 They have never heard of any breeding grounds in thi; vicinity. 
 
 They say that during the last two years the fur-seals have not been nearly so plentiful as in 
 former years, and this year few have gone out to hunt them on that account. 
 
 The Indian name here for the fur-seal is " ka-wha." 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) R. H. PIDCOCK. Indian Agent 
 
 Dr. Dawson, Metlakatbla. 
 
171 
 
 1. «''-■■ 
 
 Sir, Nortli-v'est Coast Agency, Mdlakahtla, B.C., September 4, 1891. 
 
 In reply to a Circular letter from the Su[ierintcii(lent of IikUhii Affairs at Victoria, dated the 
 20th July, 1891, requestinj; my answers to coitain ((uestions concerning tiie habits and iiaunts of the 
 fur-seal in British Coliimbin waters, after full and Dxiiaustivc inquiries, I have the honour to subjoin 
 the following : — 
 
 1. Yes ; they are inmted and killed by Indians all along the north-west coast and Quceu 
 Charlotte's Islands, their route wiiilst travelling south being near tiie coast-line east of Queen 
 Charlotte's Islands, and returning to tlie northward mostly on tlie west side of said islands. 
 
 They lii-st appear going south al)out the niiddli! of Dcceiidjer, and disappear going north about the 
 end of May in each year. 
 
 The fur-seals are most numerous during the months of January, February, ami March. 
 
 2. No ; occasionally a last year's pHj) is found, and during April and May many female seals have 
 been killed with young so near birth tliat tliey have been taken from tlie old seals and have lived, can 
 swim about, and have been raised by Indians. 
 
 The Indians all state that the mother seals go far north to give birth to llieir young ; that seals 
 are born on shore far away. 
 
 ;}. No such places known to the Indians of this district. 
 
 4. Indian tradition makes fur-seal very numerous long ago, but the preseiit generation of Indian 
 hunters think that they have teen the same as now for at least twenty years. 
 
 During last spring (the Indians think) tiie seals werj as numerous as ever, but few were caught 
 owing to continued rough water. 
 
 1 inclose a letter from West Huson, Esq., a man well acquainted with the Bella Bella Indians and 
 their hunting work, which disproves the statements originating at Bella Bella that the fur-seal bring 
 forth their young amongst the kelp beds in Queen Charlotte's Sound. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (.Signed) C. TODD, Indian Agent, 
 
 Ninth-vxst C'ond Ageiwf, 
 Dr. Dawson. 
 
 Letter from Mr. A. W. Hvson. indowil hi/ 3fr. C. Todd. 
 
 Dear Sir, Bdla Bella, B.C., Aiigxist 17, 1891. 
 
 As per request I have made several inquiries at China Hat ami at this place regarding breeding 
 places of the fur-seal, but find that none of the natives know of any breeding rookeries of the fur-seal 
 in this part of British Columbia. Some say the seals have their young off shore in kelp patches, tlien 
 others say they bring forth their pups on the outlying rocks along these shores, but none of the natives 
 ever saw their pupping places ; most of them say the mothei' seal goes a long away off to pup. 
 
 Mr. Clayton says he is positive that the fur-seal do not bring forth their jnips on this part of the 
 coast 
 
 Respectfully yours, 
 (Signed) A. W HUSON 
 
 J. Todd, Esq. * 
 
 EMrndfrom Ldler from Mr, A. W. Hvson,, dated. Victoria, B.C., Odohcr 1(>, ISO], and addressed- to 
 
 Dr. G. M. Dawnon. 
 
 The fur-seal come into Queen Charlotte Sound early in ] )ecei)ibei', and \\\v. mostly all females in 
 pup. A little later on the grey pups make their ap])earaiice close in shore if the weatlier is bad, so 
 that the natives kill many of them in sight of their villages, and on one occasion, some twenty years 
 ago, a great swiarm of grey pups a.scended to the very head of Knight's Inlet so thick that 1 knew of 
 one native killing sixty in one day. However, this was an cxcei)tioii, it was in the month of March, 
 and the young seal seemed to be falling in and icoding on the nlachun tliat always ivscend Knight's 
 and Kingcorae Inlets. 
 
 Nearly every winter fur-seals, both old and young, are t<j be seen in about the waters of Queen 
 Charlotte Sound, coming in in December and leaving again about April. 
 
 The number usually killed by the natives depends on the weather. 
 
 I have traded in as high as 600 skins from the natives at Nawitti in one year. 
 
 There are no rookeries about the north end of Vancouver Island that I know of. 
 
 The natives say the females go off into the kelp patches to liring fortli their young. 
 
 ; .^4^.. 
 
 Extradft from Letters to Dr. G. M. Dawson from Mr. J. I»'. Madcay. 
 
 Under date of the l;'>th November, 1891, Mr. Mackay writes as follows: — 
 
 " Tlie old Indian hunters of the Songees, Sookt^ and CLdan banils often informed me that in 
 their younger days fur-seals and sea-otter were in the Iribit of landing in groat numbers at the Race 
 Rocks, 11 miles from Victoria ; they also fre([iiente(l the < Jiilf of Georgia. I have bought fur-seal skins 
 from the Seshahls who inhabit the Jarvis Inlet, taken from animals killeil at Sangster's Island, near 
 To.xada. These animals were driven to the ocean from the narrow waters by being hunted with the use of 
 tire-arms ; during the spring numbers of the young animals tisii in the broken waters inside of the outlying 
 half-tidj locks and reefs wliich fringe the western shores of Vancouver Island and of the other islands 
 whicli lie west of the mainland from Queen Charlotte Sound to Dixon's Entrance. The older animals 
 
! 
 
 
 172 
 
 remain fiutlitir iit sea, 1ml nuinbei's of tliciit ttikf Hliulter in the liii'<„'(;i' ^>uunds (hiring ^turmy weather. 
 I have seen them utt' Metlakahthi in tlie muntli of •Titnuary. They wuru tirst Hystemntically hunted by 
 tko Whifefl aXnnit ISoU. The Indians took tu huntinjj; tliem uume two or tliree years hiter ; Ixtfore that 
 period they merely killed them wJien tlioy hapiiened incidentally to come in tlieir way, as they did 
 with most other wild animals; up to that jieriod the heaver, marten, mink, hind-otter, and sea-otter 
 were the only animals which the Indians systematically hnutod tor tiieir skins. 
 
 " Tiie Indians above quoted stated tliat the fur-seal bi-ed on the Jlace IJocks, on Smith's Island 
 (Wash.), and on several islands in the Oult of (Jeoi'giB. They used to Jiave their young to within 
 a recent period on the Haystack Island, off Caiie Soott, Vancoiiver Island. It is probable that a 
 few individuals still breed there, these islands being very inaccessible to small craft on account of the 
 stiTOig tides and cross currents which prevail in that neighlwiirhood." 
 
 A further inquiry addressed to Mr. J. \V. Mackay on the subject of the fonner breeding of fur- 
 seals on Haystack Island elicted (under date the 7th January, 18lt2) the subjoined additional 
 ])nrticulars on this and other points previously referred to. 
 
 " licspecting your query of the 1st iu.staut, I got my information from the late Captain Hugh 
 Mackay, of the schooner ' Favomite." ilackay was the first ])crson to jiractisc the taking of tlie fur-seal 
 in the open ocean, and using a seawortliy vessel as tlie starling point and for shelter. The idea 
 was suggested to him by the Indian huntei-s, who represented lo him the dilticulties and dangers of 
 following the seals far from land in open canoes, and n.sked him to take them out in his schooner. He 
 acceded to their demands, and success followed llie opemtioji. Mackay dieil about twelve years ago. 
 He was an intelligent Scotchman from Sutherlaudshire, a coojjer by trade ; he collected much trustworthy 
 information dvning tlie twenty years in which he was occupied trading on the west coast of 
 Vancouver Island. 1 Ijelieve his statement respecting the fur-seal on Haystack Island, as it agrees 
 with the accounts which I got in early days respecting individual fur-seals having their young in the 
 unfre(iuented parts of the coasts of A'ancouver Island. Mr. Huson is probably correct as regards the 
 landing of sea-lions on the Scott Islands. Informer times these animals extended their peregrina- 
 tions all round Vancouver Island. I was one night kept awake for hours by the i-oaring of the male 
 animals on Smith Island, off the south entrance to liosario Strait. The sea-lions would not interfere 
 with the movements of the fur-seals, and both varieties might herd togetht/." 
 
 From a further correspondence lespecting the date at ^hich Captain Hugli Mackay firat attempted 
 sealing at sea the following are extracts : — 
 
 Jannavji 20, 1892. — "The date of Hugh Mack;iy's lieginning to take tlie fur-seal at sea may lie 
 arrived at ai>i»roximately by an examination of the Customs Kecords at the port of Victoria, British 
 Columbia. Mackay owned the sloop ' Ino;' with her he tradetl oil and furs from the Indians of the 
 west coast of Vancouver Island. He luade his first experiment on the fur-seal at sea with the ' Ino ;' 
 finding this vessel too small to carry two or three canoes on deck, he built the schooner 'Favourite,' of 
 75 tons burthen. The ' Favourite ' was registered at the port of Victoria. Tlie date of her register 
 will be about eighteen months subsequent to the ' Ino's ' first fur-sealing cruize. I shall write to 
 Mr. Milne, tlie Customs Collectta' at tiie port of Victoria, to give me the date of the 'Favourite's' first 
 register, and shall comnmnicat« results to you." 
 
 Jamtary 31, 1892. — " I am informed that the schooner ' Favourite ' was launched at Sooke, British 
 Columbia, on the 28th April, 1868. She was registered in A'^ictoria on the 18tli June, 18G8. Hugh 
 Mackay was registered owner and nauster ; on this data we may conclude that the iii-st attempt at taking 
 the fur-seal at sea was made by Hugh jNIackay in the spring of 1866, say, February 1866. The above 
 information is from the Collector of Customs at the port of Victoria, British Columbia." 
 
 Extracts from Letters from Jmhje James (f. Stcan, if Port I'ov.'itsend, State of Washington , addressed to 
 
 Dr. a. M. Dawson. 
 
 Under date of the 4th Novendjer, 1891, Judge Swan writes: — 
 
 " Your letter of the 28th October was received tliis morning. I promised you, when we met in 
 Victoria, to send you certain information relative to the boal catch at Cape Flattery, and particularly 
 regarding the date when schooners first took out Indians with their canoes on the sealing grounds. 
 But there has been no official record, and I have had to rely ujMm the recollection of individuals, 
 which has proved veiy unsatisfactory. To-day 1 received a note from Captain E. H. Mc Almond, of 
 New Dungeness, Washington, in reply to a letter frem me. Captain McAlmond writes, 1st November, 
 1891 : ' Tlie first schooner to take Indians that I know of was the schooner ' Lottie ' in 1869 from Neah 
 Bay ; Ijelieving that we were the pioneers, T afterwards understood that a vessel from Victoria was also 
 taking an Indian crew.' 
 
 " On tlie 28th October last 1 received from Mr. Charles Spring, of Victoria, a letter, dated the 
 27th, in which he writes : ' The first attempt at sealing, in a practical way, with schooners and Indian 
 hunters Was made in or about 1869 by James Christienson in the schooner "Surprise," owned by the 
 late Captain William Spring, of Victoria, British Columbia.' This is evidently the vessel refeiTcd to 
 by Captain McAlmond. No recoiti of catch has been kept by any one that I have ascertained, and 
 the rt:;ollection of individuals is very uncertain. For instance. Captain .lames Dalgardno, for many 
 years a Puget Sound pilot stationed at Neah Bay, was (piite certain that schooner ' J'otter,' of Tort 
 Townsend, took Indians with canoes to the sealing greunds in 1861. But Captain McAlmond, who 
 was at Neah Bay the same time, writes in the letter received from him to-day : ' Captain Norwood, in 
 the " Potter," took Indians to pilot him to the halibut bank.' 
 
173 
 
 ' 
 
 " The only ofticial account of the seal catch at Oaiie Flattery tliat lia^ ever been kept is the one I 
 had charge of for the tentli census of the United States under instructions from Professor Spencer 
 F. BainV to make a full Keport on tlio fisheries of Cape Flattery, including fur-seals. This Iteport, in 
 lull, may lie found in ' The Fisheries and Fishing Industries of the United States,' section 5, vol. iL 
 Tliis is the most complete and reliable Ileix)rt ever published of the Neah Bay fisheries, and was 
 compiled by me during the entii-e year of 1880 while I wiis in the official capacity of Insiiector of 
 United States' Customs, stationed at Neah iiay. Since that time no account has been kept of an 
 otticial nature, and any attempt to make up a statement would be mere guesswork, and utterly 
 unreliable. I think Captain (Jharles Sjuiiig, who was witli us during our interview in Victoria, is a 
 thoroughly reliable man, and his statement of seal statistics the most correct that I have known. 
 I have endeavoured t.i obtain statistics from parties at Neali Hay, but without wuccess. 
 
 " Tlie whole of tlie seol catch by the Indians of (.'ape Klottery has been sold in Victoria, and I 
 tliink, clossed with other skins ])rocured fi-om the west coast Indian.". I would have supposed that the 
 Indian Department at Wa.sliington, ever mindful of the good effect on inend)ers of Congress it is to 
 make a good sliowing of Indian industries, would have instructed the Indian Agents to have kept a 
 record similar to mine, so thai tiiey ooidd show to ( 'ongre.ss that tlie Makah Indians of Cajte Flattery 
 are a self-supporting jwople. Hatl sucli a record Ixien kept, it.s value at this time woidd have been 
 appreciated, but it seems to have lieen the policy of tlie authorities ot Washington to ignore all know- 
 ledge of seal industries except those of the Pribylotf Islands ; hence the impossibility at the present 
 time of reaching anv reliable results." 
 
 ; 
 
 Under date of the 10th January, 1892, Judge Swan write.s : — 
 
 " Your kind letter of the 22nd December was received on the 31st. Since then 1 have been 
 endeavouring to obtain past statistics of the .seal business at Cape Flattery, but without success. I 
 have, however, arranged with an intelligent half-breed Makah Indian, who has tiie agency store and 
 trading post at Neah Bay, to keep an accurate account of the catch during the present season. 
 
 " Yesterday a number of Makah Indians came to my office, and I had a long interview with them 
 They told me that they had come to fit out their schooners ' Lottie ' and ' .lames G. Swan ' for sealing. 
 Tliese schooners are in winter (piarters in Scow Bay, opposite the city. Those Indians say that .seals 
 are unusually plentiful at Cape Flatteiy and Barclay Sound, and if the weotlier is good they hope to 
 make a large catcli." 
 
 
 Under date of the 6th February, 18!)2, Judge Swan writes : — 
 
 " 1 have seen several Makah Indians who have been here, and tiny tell mu that Indians lo.se very 
 few seals, whetiier they s]tear or shoot them, as tJiey are always .so neai- the seal at such times that 
 they can recover them before they sink. 
 
 " Captain Lavender, formerly of schooner ' Oscar and Hattie,' who is a tine shot, told me that he 
 .secured ninety-five seals out of every hundred that lie shot, lie .said that poor buuter.s, of wliich he 
 had several on his vessel, would fire away a deal of ammunition and not hit anything, bnt would be 
 sure to report on their return to the vessel that they killed a seid each time they fiied, but that all the 
 seals sank except the few which tiiey brought on board. Cajitain Lavender was of op'' ion that not 
 over 7 per cent, of seals killed were lost." 
 
 Jmhje Siatii to Dr. (»', M. Dmrsnn. 
 
 Dear Sir, State uf Wtishiiif/tun, December 13, 1891. 
 
 I have just received from Neah Bay the following names of vessels engaged in sealing from 
 Neah Bay in 1890 and 1891, witli tlie number of seal-skins taken liy each vessel. 
 
 I8U0. 
 
 Si'liiiaiier— 
 Swan ,, 
 Lottie . . 
 Teaser. . 
 C. C. Perkiim 
 
 8waii ,. 
 Lottie , . 
 C C, Perkins 
 Teaser.. 
 
 1S91. 
 
 .Skill!!. 
 
 ViO 
 
 120 
 
 250 
 
 30 
 
 53C 
 
 100 
 480 
 lt)0 
 195 
 
 I,02& 
 
 : 
 
 The schooner "Teaser" is owned in Seattle, the " Swan," " iMtie," and "C. C. Perkihs " are owned 
 by Indians at Neah Bay. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 (Signetl) JAMES (i. SWAN. 
 
I 
 
 1^ 
 
 I 
 
 i! 
 
 174 
 
 Under date of the 28tli November, 1891, Judge .Swnu writes:— 
 
 " The same letter inforiim me that schooner ' Lottie,' Captain Peter Tlionipson, was the first vessel 
 which took Indians and canoes from Neah Ituy to Intnt seals. This was in 1869: the 'Lottie' was a 
 
 Silot-l)oat lit timt time. She i.s now owned hy l'ui)tuin Jumes Claplanlioo, n full-blood Makah Indian, and 
 [eat! Cliief of the trilie. J-n«t spring tlie ' iMtie' went to Behrin^; Sea and did very well. Captoin 
 Claplanhdo, after paying idl ((-st.s of the voyage, liad 7,000 or 8,0((0 dollars left. Ho deposited 5,000 
 dollars gold in the Merchant J tank in this city. He will buy another schooner and try his luck again 
 next season. 
 
 " I am anuised witii reading tiiu remarks of correspondents of the ett.stern press about seals. They 
 only know what tiiey liave seen and been told on the rookeries, but of the migratory habits of seals 
 they know nothing and cure less. I have always contended, and still holil my opinion, that the seals 
 are not in one great band, but in countless herds, like flocks (fwild geese or the bands of buffalo. 
 Geese do not all fly to the Arctic, as was once s'.ipposed, nor did the buH'alo of Texas go north to the 
 Saskatchewan in the summer, or the herds of Winnipeg visit Texas in tlie winter. 
 
 " All the bands of fur-senls in tlie North I'ncitic do not go to the I'riliyloff Islands, and there are 
 thousands which do not visit Ik'bring Sea at all. Hut tbcso writers, who assume to know all the facts, 
 never discuss tiiis question, Wliere do the seals go wlien tliey leave Behring Sea? 
 
 "If the killing of fur-seals is proliibited on the, rrih/loff Idandn during the breeding season there 
 will be no fear of extermination. That l)ulchery is driving off the .seals more than the so-called 
 poaching. 
 
 "I inclose an article from the ' Seattle Tost Intelligencer' of the 5th on fur-seals, written by 
 myself. U was puljlishod in tlie Sunday i.ssue, liut tlie demanil wa.s so great that every copy was sold, 
 and another edition published in tlieir weekly the following Thursday. 'I'he editor told nw tliat it has 
 been extensively copicul in the leading journals of tlie cast." 
 
 Exlrad J'lvm the "Seattle Pud lutelliyeiicer" of November 5, 1891. 
 
 (Special (Jorrespondence.) 
 
 Pvrt 'Jou-nscmJ, October 31, 1801. 
 
 The investigations of tiie United States' and Briti.sh Commissions in Behring Sea during the 
 present season of 18!)1 have been the most thoroughly scientific ever made by either Govenunent. 
 Hitherto all the special ngeiits sent by llie United States' (iovernment from Washington City have 
 confined their investigations and reports to tlie seals of the Tribylofflslands, derived partly by their 
 own obH.ervations, but mo.stly from the interested statements of persons residing at the rookeries on 
 tho.se islands, the officers and employes of llie Alaska Commercial Company, and tiie present lessees of 
 these islands. Tbe.sy reports <ire the only ones that liave olifained credit in Washington City. All 
 adverse repoi-ts of sealers or parties engaged in the fur trade outside of tlie powerful monopolies have 
 been cither ignf>red or .set aside witli contempt. Tlie controversy so far has l)een l)etween organized 
 capital seeking fo secure a iiioiiopoly and jnivate traders and fishermen, most of whom are men of small 
 meaiLS seeking by tlieir own exertions to secure a profit. These latter have never combined or formed 
 associations for tlu'ir own iirotoctioii, so as to have their side of the (|uestion fairly considered and 
 discussed in Washington City. Botli parties have been stimulated by greed, and not by a de.sire for 
 scientific investigation. 
 
 When tiie Beports of the United States' and Itoyal Commissioners are published enough new fiwts 
 will be produced to make a material difference between what has been dogmati3ally and persistently 
 asserted by interested writers in the employ of the Alaska Connuercial Company, and the real state of 
 the case, enough to call for a modification of tlie jire.sent stringent Sealing Iaw.s. 
 
 It is ]iersistenfly asseited by (lie lessees of tlie Pribyloff Islands that the seals are disappearing, 
 and that they are biaiig ext(n-miiiatt'd by the .'■ealing schooners, whom careless writers term poachers. 
 Poaching cannot lie done where there is no jireserve, and the only ]n'eserve is on tho.se islands leased 
 by the United States' Government to the Sealing Companies. The open sea is not, and cannot be, in 
 any se;.se a preser\e. Hence to call sealing-schooners poachers is nn evident eri'or which should be 
 corrected. These vessels are not poachers on the Pacific Ocean any more than they were poachera on 
 the Atlantic Ocean before they came around Cape Horn. 
 
 The full sealing fleet list to the 2t)tli June, 1891, amounted to 79 vessels, 47 of which are under 
 the British Hag ; 80 are under the United States' flag. All are of North American build. The British 
 vessels mostly came from Nova Scotia ; a few were Ijuilt in British Columbia, and the rest were 
 purchased from citizens of the United States. The American vessels were mostly from Massachusetts, 
 some from San l<'rancisco, anil a few were built on Puget Sound. Other vessels have been added to the 
 Heet, but their names and tonnage I have not been able to ascertain. It is charged by the lessees of 
 the i.slands that these 79 vessels have destroyed so many seals, and have driven so many off the 
 islands, that-they are in danger of being exterminated, and the wailing of these unfortunate capitalists 
 has induced the Governments of the Unitetl States and Great Britain to send their armed cruizers to 
 Behring Sea to put a stop to the killing of seals by private enterprise, so that the lessees of the islands 
 may be protected and the poor seals kept from being utterly exterminated. These specious assertions, 
 urged with eloquent sophistrj', have deluded eastern people, and especially those at Washington City, 
 into a belief that our liard-working fishermen and hunters upon the high seas are working a great 
 wrong to the monopolists and the nation at large, and must be suppressed by force. 
 
 Now let us see who is really working an injury to the monopolizing capitalists, and the real couses 
 why the intelligent fur-seal is leaving the leased rookeries on the Pribyloff Islands. 
 
 A writer iu tibe Loudon " Weekly Times," of the 12th September, 1891, who was in Behring Sea 
 
msm 
 
 175 
 
 nh i. lepiji'tur on tlie stoiiiiu'i' "Diiiuilic" (lining tlie past Htiiiiiucl', Htys oi tliu tluci-uitsu of the Muils vii 
 t lio Triliyloff j|r«uj> : — 
 
 " Tlie causu oftliis is, im iluiilit, t\n' imliHCiiiuinatc slaii^^litei' of thuso nnimnU on the isliiiulH ly 
 tlie Alaska Comint'iriai Coinpuiiy niul tlic jtieseiit Comjjniiy'N servniits, wiiicli has driven the seals to 
 oilier parts of the sea for lireetling, iinil already, the present season, considerable numbers have nmde 
 their appearance on St. Matthew's Island, where formerly they did not resort, the two islands St. Paul 
 and St. (ieor;»e beinj^ the }{reat rookerie.s.'' 
 
 The seals begin to make their ap|iearance in the region alMiut Cape Flattery in the latter part of 
 December or the iirst of January, varyin',' with ditferent seasons. When easterly winds prevail with 
 much snow they kee|> well oil' ^horc, and do not make their a]>pearan('e in great numljers before the 
 middle of February or the tir«t of March. Last winter was very mild, with but little snow, but the 
 prevailing winds, which were south and south-west, were exceedingly violent, preventing sealing- 
 schooners from doing nnuh liunting. The mildness of teni])emtiu'e, however, with the direction of the 
 prevailing winds, drove the seals toward the coast in incredible numbers. They gradually work up the 
 coast toward Queen Charlotte Island, when the larger jiortion of the herds move along the Alaskan 
 coast toward Uniniak I'ass and other western openings into Behring Sea. A jiortion of these seals, 
 however, pass into Dixon's Kntmnce, north of Queen C'harhttte Island, and into Cro,.s Sound and Cook's 
 Inlet, and do not go to ISehring Sea, but have their young on the innumerable islands, fiords, and bays 
 in Southern Alaska and Hriti.sh Cohnnbiii. These seals are seen in the.sc waters all summer, at the same 
 time of the breeding on the rookeries of the Pribylofl" Islands, and are killed Ity Indians and the skins 
 sold to dealers. The great Ijody of the seals, however, do enter Uehring Sea, where they are followed 
 by the sealing- vessels. Tiiey usually take to the islands alK)Ut the tirst of June, the breeding cows ond 
 bulls being earlier than liie rest of the henl. The breeding goes on about four months. 
 
 The writtir in the I.,(mdon " Times " before alluded to says of the method adoi)ted on the islands 
 for taking the seals, that : — 
 
 " It is cruel and unsportsmanlike. The animals have no chance for their lives, but are slaughtered 
 like sheep in the shambles. A jKjrtion of the herd is separated from the main Imdy by a party of men 
 armed with clubs. These men — they can hardly l)e called himters — by shouts and blows drive the part 
 of the herd they have surrounded away into the interior of the islands, a mile or so from the beach. 
 Here, on a clear space, the unfortunate seals are at once clubbed to death and skinned, the carcases 
 being left as they lie. These slaughters are carried on until the number of skins reijuired are secured. 
 Latterly the seals seem to have an instinct that there is something wrong, as the squads driven into the 
 sand-hills never return, only the stench from the slaughter coming down to the beach when the land 
 breeze l)low8. In consequence of this the rookeries have been less frequented than in former yean. 
 This has given rise to the assertion of the monopolizing Company that the taking of seal by the private 
 vessels is causing a depletion of the seals on the breeding islands. 
 
 " When the methods adopted by the hunters of the sealing-vessels are compared with those of the 
 licensed killei-s, those barbarous butchers, it does not require much consideration to give an intelligent 
 judgment in the ca.se, and determine which method is the most humane and which method is the real 
 cause of the seals leaving the rookeries. 
 
 " When the sealing-schooner is at sea she has a number of small boats of a canoe form, built 
 expressly for sealing. When a seal is sighted a boat is launched overlx)ard, a hunter, with one or two 
 men to pull the Iwat, quietly take their places. The hunter is armed with shot-guns and rifle. The 
 boat is pulled quietly towanl the seal. In nine cases out of ten the animal takes alarm and dives out 
 of sight l)efore the boat is near enough for ihe hunter to shoot, and in no case does a hunter shoot until 
 he is near enough to he certain of the game. As soon os a seal is shot it begins to sink slowly, and the 
 l)oat is pulled rapidly up to it, the carcase is gaffed ahd hauled aboard. This is repeated as long as a 
 seal can be seen. In many instam.'es only one or two will lie killed during a whole day's hunting, but 
 at other times as many as twenty or thirty will be taken. After a day's hunt the boats return to the 
 schooner, the seals are skinned, and the ])elts laid in salt in the hold. This goes on from day to day 
 during the season. A small boat is not a very safe craft in the boisterous water of the Northern Ocean, 
 and the thick logs often spring up and hide the schooners from the hunters' sight, when days may elapse 
 Ixjfore the boats are picked uj), and sometimes they are never found. Thus these hardy sealers pursue 
 the objects of their chase in the ojten sea The seal has a chance of escaping, and the percentage killed 
 is very small. AVlien it is considered that an extent of ocean of nearly 12,000 sijuare miles is hunted 
 over, the chance is slight of the seals being exterminated by the fleet of sixty or .seventy vessels engaged 
 in the seal-hunting business. 
 
 " It has been asserted that only a few seals out of every hundred shot are captuied by the hunters, 
 and the balance sink or escape wounded to die later on. Thia is not so. The ample evidence 
 collected by the Commissioners this season proves that a seal hardly ever escapes when shot. Of 
 course, a few do, but not over live or six out of the hundred. 
 
 "The sealing monopolists of t'_ .uokeries have had reports made by so-called ' experts ' on the 
 condition of the sealing business and on the probable effect on seal life if the present rate of killing is 
 to be kept up. All, or nearly oil, of these ' experts ' have reported that but few seal are left : that the 
 piratical poaching schooners had killed them off, and yet the whole of the persons interviewed by the 
 (Jommissioners, masters of sealing-schooners, Indians along the coast, and traders admitted that the 
 seals are in no ways diminishing in nundiers, but that the present season of 1891 the fur-seals in the 
 North Pacific have been more numerous than for the past twenty years. There is, however, nmch 
 greater ditficulty exfjerienced in capturing them. The wary animals have learned what a sealing-boat is, 
 and at the sound of a gun the animal is on its guard, and it is harder for the hunter to get in range of 
 his quarry. The Indians kill the seal by paddling the canoe silently close to the sleeping animal, and 
 then with unerring aim hurling a barbed spear with a line attached, with which the seal is hauled in 
 and taken aboard the canoe. Seldom or never does a seal escape. 'The white hunters use the gun as 
 described." 
 
 [306] 
 
 2 A 
 
176 
 
 lil 
 
 "ll 
 
 Aliluiiigli Moali Imvi^ iippenred in inurodible nuinlxMH tliia itrcMciit aonHoii of 1H!)I, yd tlin Wfuilior 
 ull tliruiiuli tli(> Hiiriii^ and otirly Hunnnur niontliM wnH uniiHunlly boisti^iouH, and dayn itnd uvcn wi><)kH 
 ()lit])scd din-in^' wliicli time it wns ini|ioHHil)l(! to lanncli a ni^alin^-lKmt m- an Indian canou, consequently 
 the cati'li lias not boon an laine ns was ^jenemlly cxiiected, and leeent accounts from I-ondon sliow tliat 
 the prices broiijjlit for fur-seal skins at tiie j^roat trade Hnhs did not averiij^e over l:i dollars. As |iri(!OH 
 from 17 to 22 dollars were paid in Victoria for these skins, soniebndy has been a f,'reat loser, and the 
 prospect now is that fewer vessels will engaj^e in the business next season, and tha^ prices will rule still 
 lower. 
 
 Of the nii;,'rntory habits of fur-seals but little has hitherto been made known, for those who have 
 had the informiUion to ^jivc have had an interest directly ojtposed to ini|)tirtiny the truth. Hence the 
 fallacious assertion has been made and stoutly niuintainc<l iiy the monopolists and tlu^ir luendaciou.s 
 liirelin;,'s that all the fur-seals of the Noitli Pacific Ocean c(m<,'ref,'nted on the rookeries of the islands of 
 the I'ribyloff >,'roup, and if lliey are allowed to Imj killed by the jxinchers and pirates, whom the ;,'euei'al 
 l)ublic know as honc^st, indu^trious, enerf,'etic tishermen and hunters — the fur-seal will become extinct, 
 and Miss Klora McFlimsey will have nothinj^ to wear, poor ^'irl I Hut the scientific investi;,'ations of 
 tlie United States' and l{oyal Commissions, and i)articularly the latter, who have inailo the migrations of 
 the seals a special study, will show that the habits of all mi<,'ratory animals, liotU liir.ls and beasts, are 
 j,'ovcrned by natural laws. The seals, like the j^reat lu'nls of bullalo, formerly so abundant, an<l thcs 
 myriails of wild fowl from the north, are not (each kind) one single j^reat body. The batt'alo were 
 found in },'reat droves from Tevas to the Assiniboinc and the l!c(l Itiver of the north, but they were not 
 all in one band. The herds from Lower Te.xas never went north to the upper limits, nor did the herds 
 of the extreme north ever seek their feediu|j; j^round in Southern Texas. Kvery band had its own 
 ran};e. So of the Canada j;ee,se and other wild fowl, which were popularly declared to visit the regions 
 of the N'orth I'ole (!very sprinr; to propagate their young. No one thought or dared to assert to the 
 contraiy, but when (Jolonel (Joss, the colelirated ornithologist, f'ounil tlu' nests and eggs and young of 
 the ( anada goose in Kansas, and other observers have discovered these .so-called Arctic breeders rearing 
 their young at the head-waters of the Missouri and Mississij)pi, it was found that popular belief 
 regarding natural histiay is not always scientific fact, and so as to the habits of the fur-seal. They d(> 
 not move in one innnense herd to l>(;hring Sea, but in droves and l)ands or sciuuds like fish, all over 
 • tlie great expnnsi; of the North Pacific Ocean. Dr. l>awson,of the lioyal Conuuission, said, ns reported 
 in the Victnriii " Coloni.st " of the l:!th October; — 
 
 "Very little lins been publishc.l about the migrations of the seals on the North I'acilic coast before 
 they enter the llehring .Sen. and this point is one from which \\c got a lot of interesting matter. We 
 have taken a good deal of evidence about the presence of .seals at Ca[ie Mattery, and have been told 
 
 that they were more mnnerous last spring tiam they have ever been befiu'e I find a peculiar 
 
 idea existing among those who claim to be authorities in regard to seals found in the waters of South 
 America, especially about Tierra del Fuego and the Striuls of jragellim. The notion that they are the 
 same species of f^cal as tliose found in liehring Sea and the N'uth Pacific ij quite erroneous. They 
 are of a different genus altogether." 
 
 So also will tlu!Su scientific investigations show that a portion of the .so-called California .seal, 
 which comes north every .season, does not enter J'ehring Sea at all, and that its habits in many 
 respects diller essentially from those which visit the rookeries nu the Pribyhdf Islaiuh. The.se 
 California seals do have pups somewhere on the coast, either at tlu! Farallones or fiu'ther south, or on 
 the great kelp jtatehes, as is clearly shown by the young pups which annually make their a]>pearniiCe 
 with the herd, and ore takciu and brought into Neali Bay by tiie Indians every .sea.son, and it is further 
 proved that these; pups will swim at birth, and even when taken from their mother before birth, thu.s 
 showing a difl'crenee of habits between the Pribyloff Islands ."^eal and iho.'.e taken at Cape Flattely. 
 These facts alxut the habits of the fin-seals of Cajie Flattery, which I have known for more than thirty 
 years, have this year been jmived to be correct by the lioyal scientists, and will seem to show there are 
 always two sides to every question. While I join with all the scalers with whom I have cohver.sed 
 that there should be a clo.sc sea.son on the rribylofV l.shmds, when no seals should be killed on lho.se 
 islands or in I'.ehring Sea, I equally join with «ome of the more intelligent and ob.serving of these 
 sealers that the hunting of seals along the coast of "Wa.shington, JJritish (Columbia, and South-eastern 
 Alaska does not in any way affect the seal cat •)> ou the Pribyloff Islands, as there is every reason to 
 assume that these coa.st seals never enter Ik'iiring .Scii. 
 
 When we consider how the development o ' Mj fisheries of the North Pacific have been paralyzed 
 by this seal controversy, and our fi.shermen Lave been driven by the mistaken polie-.y of our Govern- 
 ment to seek pre)teetion under the British flag, we may well exclaim, " This is a sorry sight." The 
 fishermen of (ilo\icester and other eastern ports, who were protci.'ted by our Ge)Vernment in their 
 fisheries on the; Atlantic, almost to the verge of hostilities with Great Jhitain, find that when they come 
 around Capo Iforn to engage in the .same peaceful and honourable vocation in the North Pacific, 
 Behring Sen, and the Arctic Ocean, they are elenounced by the same dovernraent as poachers and 
 pirates. They take nothing but the products of the ocean. They rob no man. Yet because a powerful 
 Syndicate of cajiitalists demanels the right to monopedize the taking of seals to furnish articles of 
 luxury for the rich, mw fishermen and hunters are harried and worried by revenue-cutteis and other 
 armeel ves.sels, not for the piiblic good, not for the benefit of the poor, but simply to gratify the avarice 
 of the wealthy few who have secured from our Government a monopoly of seal-catching on Pribyloff 
 Islands, which they arrogantly assume gives them the monopoly of the whole ocean, as well as 
 Alaska. 
 
 When the Hudson Bay Company, which for more than 100 years had lorded it with despotic 
 sway across the whole continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, sought to renew its Charter, those 
 far-seeing statesmen, Gladstone, Labouchere, Lord Bury, and others opposed granting a renewal, and 
 Parliament refused. The course of those wise statesmen against that gigantic monopoly opened to the 
 Dominiou of Canada all that great region which had been represented by the Company as a land of 
 
 Si; 
 
w 
 
 rr 
 
 177 
 
 iuG niiJ Hiiow, of To^g and cold, (it oidy nA an abudu for wild Wtwtn aud thu HtiU wildvr Indimi. liut it 
 liiM liueii found lui aKiiuiiltmid i-u)^'ioii of iinnitinHe valiio, wliich ims bouii o|>ened and dtMnoiislrutud by 
 tlic ('niiiidiiwi I'liriHo Itiiilroiid to lio u fit nhodu for thousnndH of indiistiioiiH whitu itinsonN, wlio luivo 
 found williiu ils honUu's lia)>|>y homes, iiml liave tiniH iiddcd to llu- \v(;alt)i of tlii! Doniiuion. 
 
 8(», too, whon wo (^iin Imvo Htatonnien in CongrcHH wlm can rise aliovi' the sonlid inotives of fiitliy 
 iuL-ri>, and htok into this seal i(u<fHlion and tlu) devidopinent of Alanlia, and of our ^Tciit, tiMiu-ries, tiiey 
 will see tliat tlio sum paid by tin* Company for the lease of the I'rilivlolf Islands is not u i'ciithcr'A 
 wi'ij;ht in the scales of juslice, when we compare this amount, gn at as it is, with the vastly greater 
 iiniount of f;ood tlio nation will derive by K'^'"K every encourajjenient to our fisliermcii to lirin^ in the 
 riuh jinxhiets of the oeean, the whales, tlie seals, the fish, and to o\ir niinei's and otlieis open up and 
 dt^veloji tlie rich treiisiires of Alaska. All this development is itjtarded and paraly/.et' ,, t lie action of 
 the mono|Hilixin>; Companies, just us the Hudson May Company retarded the development of British 
 <'filundiin and all that ^reat rej^ion, clear through to Hudson's Hay aiul the Atlantic. Insteail of 
 emulating the (^\ample of the llrifish Parliament and abrogatijig a |)owerful monojioly, we .>.eem lu iiavc 
 gone back to feudal times and granted rights and privileges to the moneyed Karons which are denied to 
 the peojile. Better that every fur-seal be externnnated than the United States should enter into 
 this unholy alliance with a monoiwly to paralyze our industries anil rob t\v people of their 
 inheritance. 
 
 On the North Atlantic Ocean the hair-seals have been hunted for more thar. two centuries, and 
 «'Very year nuire vessels and larger ones are engaged in this busine:i« \et the hair-seal is luit exter- 
 minated. The habits of t)ie fur-seal and hair-seal are analogous — ^lM>th live ou fish, both an; 
 amphibious; but the commercial value of tho fur-seal is the greatest, and while our lishcrmun can kill 
 nil the hair-seals they wish, the fur seal nnist be reserved for those who have liuigcr puiscs and can 
 « ajole Congress by their sophistries. 
 
 The fur-seals never Mill be extermiiuded. They may and have been driven f'inm their rookeries, 
 but they have found others, ond if they are being driven from the rribylofV Islands, as is asserted, 1 
 predict that when the wholesale butcheries are stojjped and the stench of the rotting carcasses no 
 longer iiollutes the atmosphere of St. Paul's ami St. (ieorge's rookeries, the seals will return to their (dd 
 haunts, as they are now returning to their former rookeries at Cape Horn ami other places in the South 
 Pacific. In all the preceding yeora of the history of the sealing on the Pribyloff Islands, the Captains 
 of the revenue-cutters have not been required to make specific Beiiorls on their observatimis of tur- 
 »ieals off the rookeries, and any voluntary statements they may have made were either pigeon-holed or 
 not considered good form, hence we have no knowledge of any such IJeports. This seas.iii, however, 
 the Captain.*, cave been leijuired to make Kejiorts on their observations of fur-seals and their haliits off 
 of the rookeries, and their testimony, added to the IJeports of the Commissioners, will furnish much 
 interesting information which has hitherto been suppressed. 
 
 Tf the Government will prohibit the killing of fur-seals on the Pribylofl' Islands and in llehring 
 Sea during the breeding season, and will encourage our fisluirmen as they are encouraged ou the 
 Atlantic, the seals will not be driven oft' nor the market overstocked, and, better than all, encourage- 
 ment will be given to the development of our fisheries by furnishing a motive for a fi.shing lleet to 
 congregate on Puget Sound, and by the products of their laliours to enrich our State. If such a course 
 is pursued one will hear no more of American ves.sels being driven under the British Hag for jnotection 
 from the United States' (Joverninent, which should protect them. Our Oovernment is very jealous of 
 injuries and insults put upon our citizens by foreign nations, but not a word is said of the injuries and 
 losses our citizens have iiicui red by our Government in sustaining and jiiotccting a monopoly ou the 
 seal islands. It is a di.sgarceful partnership between the United States and these monoprdists, which 
 should be di.<isolved. It is an old adage that " when thieves fall out hone.st men get Iheiv iliics," and I 
 hope that the pre.sent feud between the two rival Companies may bring Congress to a clear under- 
 st^mding of this matter, and our fLsliermeu allowed the .same privileges and enoourogeineut that they 
 have in the North Atlantic. 
 
 (Signed) dA^lKS G. .SWAN. 
 
 
 Letter from C'apluiii John Jkrcrrn.r, addreastd to Ashkij Froi'dr, J'Jk'j., Secretari/, Ikhrintf Sett 
 
 CommmioH. 
 
 Sir, Gmvinij Dock; J'Jsi/uiuKill, Mn'emlier 10, 131)1. 
 
 In reply to your letter of the 28th ultimo, respecting the habits of the fur-seal along the coasts of 
 British Columbia and ALiska, I beg to report as follows: — 
 
 1. From the early part of iJecember to the beginning of dun^! they are found near the edgi; of the 
 bank of scandings along the coast from south of the Strait of De Fuca to Cape Scott islands ou the west 
 coast of Vancouver Island, and that about the middle of June they disajipear altogether, aud are 
 seldom seen again until late in November or early part of December, when tiie weather is then loo 
 rough for all practical purposes to catch them. 
 
 2. The distance from the shore where they are to be found most plentiful— .s,iy oil' Cipe i'.eale, 
 where the bank extends furthest from the land — is from oO to 100 miles, and in sonn' cases to 
 150 miles ; but these figures must not be taken by any means as a fixed limit, b:i ,usc tlicy are 
 frequently found inshore and up the sounds some 8 or 10 miles inside the headlands, and, in fact, I 
 have seen them in the Strait of Fuca, and on rare occasions in the Gulf of Georgia even. 
 
 3. When they are found along the bank on the west coast of Vancouver Island they are feeding 
 on their natural feeding grounds, where they feed upon all kinds of fish in season — of which wc have a 
 variety on this coast of some thirty odd species — however, the herring is their principal fooil, and then 
 comes the salmon and other varieties, and so long as the fish are plentiful the seal never leaves thu 
 
 [305] 3 A 2 
 
'1 
 
 178 
 
 feeilin<5 ground, but when the herring, salmon, smelts, and others proceed northward and into the 
 inlets, hnrbours, rivers, Ac, to spawn, flie seals follow them, but so soon as they find shoal water 
 they go to sea again. Now some of our inlets on the west coast are from 50 to 100 fathoms deep; and 
 the seal is quite at home in them. 
 
 4. As tar ns my observations have extended reganling the increase or decrease in their numbers, 
 and I have Ixeu on this coast twenty-seven years, all I can say on the subject is tiiat when they return 
 to tiieir feeding grounds after their periotlio migrations they appear to l>e in numbers very similar to 
 the salmon, herring, smelt, oolachan, &c. Some years they are foun ' h. inexhaustible num1)ers, then 
 for a year or two they will be scarcer, only to return in the following year in as great abundance as 
 ever, and it is my fiiTa belief that if the fish never left the banks fringing the west coast of British 
 Cobniibia and Soutliein Alaska the seals would never leave their feeding grounds, for the oidy food 
 the} MIX get in Behriug Sea is codfish, which is l)y no means so plentiful as the herring, smelt, anil 
 oolftchans further south. 
 
 As to the distance they preserve fi-om the shore-line, I do not believe there is any difference, for 
 instance, in the months of November, December, and January the salmon and herrings, &c., are far ofif 
 shore, and as spring advances they approach the laud in shoals and the seals follow them. The 
 herrings come in first, the salmon follows, and feeds upon them, and the seal feeds upon all, although 
 the herring is its favourite food. 
 
 Any other information as to the history of seal-fishing in this province, &c., I can supply if 
 necessary. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) JOHN DEVEREUX, Dock-master. 
 
 
^^^mm^mmmi 
 
 Wr 
 
 ( 170 ) 
 
 APPENDIX (D). 
 
 MlSCKUANKOUS Cduhkspondexce axd Memoraxoa. 
 
 1. Bebring Sea Commissioners to \'.cr Britniinic Mijcsty's Consul'S-Gencral nt Simiigh.'ie, 
 
 Canton, nnd Honolulu. 
 
 2. Her Britannic Majesty'n (Jonsiil iit Snn Friiiicisco to Belirin^ Se;> Commissioners. 
 
 3. Her Kritnnnic Majesty's Consnl-Qf nonil nt Siii«i}{liae tr> Behrinj; Scji Co:iimis«ioneri. 
 
 4. Ht-r Britannic Majesty's Consiil-Gi.Micrn\ nt Ciininn to Bdirinp Sea Commi^8■one^s. 
 
 5. Behring Sea CommipsionTS to Scn'or Naval Offirer, Ksquim.ilt. 
 
 6. Extracts from "Challenger" Iiepoit<. 
 
 7. I^etter fram Mr. F. Chupmnn. 
 
 8. Extract of letter from Baron No!ilcnski<il(l. 
 
 9. Letter from Mr. John Mnrrny. 
 
 10. Report of examination of dead S nl I'm by Dr. Glliitlier. 
 
 11. Memorandum by Sir Snmuci Wilso i. M.l'. (Slieep-bri-eding). 
 
 12. Memorandum by Earl Brownlow ( Deer-brccding). 
 
 13. Memorandum by Professor Flower. CM. 
 
 14. Letter irom Captain Duvid Gray, Peteihcnd. 
 
 1.5. Mr. W. Palmer, on the Killin<; of Seal* upo » the PribyloflT Island^. 
 
 16. Extract from the Melbourne " Aruus," Decemlier 17, 1887 (referred t) by Mr. Cliapmnn). 
 
 17. Extracts from Pamphlet by Mr. A. W. Scott on the Fur-^cals of the Southern Hemisphere, 
 
 1873. 
 
 1. — Letter from the Behring Sea Committiona's to Her Dritannic Majesty's Consul-Oemral at Shanghaa.'* 
 
 Sir, Government House, Ottmca, November IG, 1891. 
 
 Having been appointed British Coinmiiisioners to investigate the facts and conditions of fur-seal 
 life and the sealing industry in the Nortli Pacific Ocean, we find that our inquiry would be much 
 assisted if you could furnish us with information on the following points : — 
 
 1. As to the names and number of vessels sailing from Chinese ports in any given years, which 
 have taken fur-seal at sea or on the rookeries, together with the number of skins taken and other 
 particulars, such as the nationality of the vessels, and the numbers of their crews. 
 
 2. Any information as to the number of fur-seal skins landed at Shanghae, antl the market prices 
 of the same in any given years. 
 
 [t 3. Any information on, or names of authorities for, the very considerable trade in fur-seal skins, 
 both from the North I'acific and the South Seas, which appears to have been carried on at Canton 
 during the earlier years of the present century.] 
 
 We should be much obliged if the above information could be forwarded to us as soon as possible^ 
 addressed to the Behring Sea Commission, care of his Excellency the Governor-General, Ottawa 
 Canada. 
 
 • We have, &o. 
 
 (Signed) GEORGE BADEN-POWELL 
 
 GEORGE M. DAWSON. 
 
 2.— Letter from, Her Britannic Majesty' f. Consul at San Francisco to the Behring Sea Cornmitsioners. 
 
 Sir, San Frawiseo, Jamuxry 5, 1892. 
 
 I am in receipt of your desptitcb, dated Foreign Office, the 10th I'.Itimo, wishing me to obtain for 
 the Behring Sea Comiijissioners the forms of clearance issued at the Custom-house at San Francisco 
 for vessels proceeding on whaling, fishing, and sealing voyages to the North Pacific, including 
 Behring Sea. 
 
 The preci^ ^- pi r:;iK>s usel in clearing vessels at this port upon the.se voyages is shown on the 
 ii"ilosed forms of cleai:<rico obtained from the Custom-house. Those that go hunting and fishins 
 procure a clearance, which states that tliey are " l>ound' for hunting and fishing voyage, having on board 
 stores," and those that go whaling are cleared " for whaling voyage, having on board stores." I am 
 informed by the Deputy Collector of Customs, who clears all vessels here, that these are the only two 
 ' ms of clearance given, and that no sealing or trading clause is inserted in such forms. He says no 
 .essels are cleared for Behring Sea. The steamers of the Alaska Connnercial Company clear for 
 Uualaska, and receive permissicn from the Collector of Customs there to proceed to the Islands of 
 St Oeorge and St. Paul. 
 
 As regards a statement of the number of v ssels clearing from this port for fishing and hunting, I 
 inclose a Memorandum which I have procured fv om the Custom-house at this port. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) DENIS DONOHOE. 
 
 Sent aho (o Uer Un'osly'i) ConsuUGcnenil at Honolulu and Canton, 
 t To Canton only. 
 
 I. 
 
180 
 
 3. — Letter from Her Britannic Majesty's Consul-Oenercl, Shanghae, to thf Behring Sea Cmnmisaionern 
 
 Gentlemen, Shanghae, January 8, 1892. 
 
 In reply to your letter of the 16tli November last, just receivetl, asking for certiiin information 
 with regard to vessels clearing from Chinese ports wliich have taken fur-seal, 1 have the honour to 
 inform you that, as far as I can learn, no vessels liave cleared for that purpose from this country, 
 tliough vessels registered here may possibly have left for Yokohama with the ultimate intention of 
 engaging in the seal fishery. Most, if not all, of the vessels engaged in tlie seal fisheries registered 
 here are built and fitted out in Yokohama, and are only registered in Shangliae because it is the 
 nearest port where English registry can be obtained. 
 
 The Imperial Maritime Customs have kindly furnif?hed nic with the following figures showing the 
 import of .seal-skins : — 
 
 Year. 
 
 1887 
 1888 
 1889 
 1890 
 1891 
 
 Pieces. 
 
 Value. 
 
 
 
 1 llnikwan taels. 
 
 
 973 
 
 ! 1.941 
 
 
 2,381 
 
 1 5,097 
 
 
 3,450 
 
 1 8,1U 
 
 
 502 
 
 1 1.012 
 
 
 SCO 
 
 ' 1,775 
 
 The Haikwan tael is, roughly speaking, equivalent to Cf. 
 
 These skins have all been imiwrted from Japan, and I am unable to say whether they had tlieir 
 origin in that country, or had been previously imported to it. 
 
 I am sending copy of your despatch to Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Yokohama, wlio will 
 doubtless furnish you with nil the information obtainable. 
 
 I iiavc, «S:c. 
 (Signed) NICHOLAS J. HANNEN. 
 
 4. — Letter from Her Britannic Majesty's Consul-General, Canton, to the Behrimi Sea Commissioner r 
 
 Gentlemen, Canton, BeceniLer 28, 1891. 
 
 I have the honour to acknowledge tlie receipt of your letter of the Kith ultimo, in wliich you ask 
 for information about tlie fur-seal trade of this port 
 
 In reply to your first query, I have to state tlat, so far as can be ascertained, no vessel sailing 
 from a Chinese port has ever gone on sealing expeditions. 
 
 As to the second point on w-bich you ask for information, I cannot trace any record of fur-seal 
 fikins having ever been landed at this port. 
 
 On the thir.l point also 1 have been unable to obtain any information. None of the recoitls 
 accessible here have even a nieutiou of a " very considerable trade in fur-seal skins, both from the 
 North Pacific and the South Seas." 
 
 In a Consular Iteport on the trade of this port in 184.'}, Mr. Thoni writes: "Twenty veal's ago the 
 fur trade" (whicli was almost entirely in the hands of the Americans) carried on with China amounted 
 to upwards of 1,000,000 dollars annually. L>ut, owing to the indi.scriminate .slaughter of tiie animals 
 of tlie chase, it has dwindled away so much as to be no longer woith pursuing, and, indeed, during 
 tliese last two or three vears no skins or fiU's whatever liave been imported into China." Mr. Thoni 
 gives the names of the fni's imported into China, and fur-seals is not among tliem. Further, in a 
 llelurn of I'nited States' imports into (,!anton in 1840, other furs are enumerated, b\it not fur-seals. 
 In a previous lieturn (1831) of the United States' trade in furs, 1 find in like manner the names of the 
 i'urs exported to China, and fur-seals is not among these. Ihit in another accHuint I find it stated that 
 the furs usually imported into China by United Stateo' traders in tlie early part of this century were 
 rabljit, seal, sea-otter, land-otter, beaver, and fox. 
 
 The archives of this Consulate-General do not go back to the lu'riod at which the I'nited States' 
 trade in furs with China fiourished. Consetpiently, tliere are no archives to shed light on the subject. 
 The books which 1 have referred to also fail to give ])recise infornuition, and it is doubtful whether 
 anything certain and definite about it can be learned here. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) T. WATTEIiS. 
 
 5. — Behriag )S<« Comm issioncrs to Senior Sural Oj/iccr, I'^tjuuiuiil. 
 
 Sir, Ottav'.', July S, 1891. 
 
 As Her Majesty's Connnissioners ap]ioint,ed to invt'stigate tlie coiidilioiis of seal life in Itehring 
 Sea, it appears to us that information on the following points wouUl be of great value to the Cmnniis- 
 sion if gathered by any of Her Majesty's ships visiting liehring Sea in 1S91. 
 
 We therefore venture to ujjpend, for your consideration, heads of information r,u matters whicli wo 
 have to investigate. 
 
 We Imi'o, &v. 
 (Signed) GEOIMJE l.;.!*l';N-PO>V!-!,L 
 
 GEOIJGE Ai. l)AW?t.A. 
 
181 
 
 Records oj Obseriations oh Fur-Seal Life in the North Pacific Ocean, for the Behring Sea Commission. 
 
 to he entered in a Separate Seal Log. 
 
 1. riaco of each recoi'ded observation (iK)ssibly, marked off on separate chart by reference 
 numbers). 
 
 2. Points to be noted in regard to seals : — 
 
 (i.) Wliether playing, resting, or travelling (if travelling : (a) direction, (/9) pace, (7) whetlier single 
 or in schools). 
 
 (ii.) (a) Sex, age, and size ; (0) whether accompanied by pnps or not. , 
 
 (iii.) State of weather and sea at times of observation. 
 
 3. Obtain corresponding information from any sealing-schooners visited for any immediately pre- 
 ceding dates, and generally record any information applying to seal life. 
 
 This Meniorandnm was communicated to the commanding officers of Her Majesty's ships 
 "Nymphe," "I'orpoise" and " riiea.sant," who kindly caused accurate observations to be made on the 
 points indicated. 
 
 The results of tiiese observations are, so far as were considered essential, embodied in our 
 Report. 
 
 fi. — RHrartsfrom llfjwrt of the Snicnllfic Mv.suUs of the Explorhg Voyage of Her Maje-ifg's SJiip 
 
 " Challenger;' 1873-7f'. • 
 
 " Tlie caves (on Xightingide Ishiiid), with the .slo])ing ledges leading up to them, arc frequented, as 
 was said, by fur-seals. Four years before the visit of tiie expedition, 1,400 seals had been killed on the 
 island by cue ship's crew. Seals were very much scarcer in 1873, but the island was visited regularly 
 once a-year by the Tristan people, as was also Inaccessible Island. The Germans killed only seven seals 
 at Inaccessible Lsland during their stay, but the Tristan people killed forty there in December 1872." 
 (Narrative, vol. i, part i, p. 2G4.) 
 
 " From all sides of the precipitous black cliffs cataracts fall over into the sea, and water is found 
 in numerous ponds all over tlu; group. The islands* are frequented by elephant- and fur-seals, although 
 these are not so plentiful as formerly, and as there i.s no lack of water, there is no danger of ship- 
 wrecked mariners dying of starvation. Tiio blubber of the elephant-seal and tlie skins of penguins, 
 with the adherent fat, furnish the material for tire, and tlie flesh of the .seals and birds, the eggs of the 
 latter, together with tlie Kergueleu ealibage, form a nourishing diet, on wiiich the sealers residing at 
 times on one or other of the islands have usually lived, and with which they appear to have lieen con- 
 tented." (Narrative, vol. i, ])art i, p. 321.) 
 
 " Two of the whaling-schooticrs met with at the islandf killed over .seventy fur-seals on one day, 
 and upward.s of twenty on another, at some small islands off Howe Island to the noith. It is a pity 
 that some discretion is not exercised in killing the animals, as is done in St. Paul Island in 13ehring 
 Sea in the case of the northern fur-seal. J5y killing the y(mng males, and selecting certain animals only 
 for killing, the number of ijcals may e\en lie increased ;J tlie sealers in Kerguelen Island kill all they 
 can find." (Narrative, vol. i, part i, ]>. 355.) 
 
 " In 1800, when Her Majesty's ship ' Tojiaze ' called at the islaud,§ there were only ten inhabi- 
 tants, and the ' Challenger 'i| found forty or Kfty under the control of a Chilean, who paid 200/. a-year 
 rent to the Chilean Government, and who had a few men also at Mas-a-Fuera island ; he was engaged 
 principally with the hunting of the fur-seals." (Narrative, vol. i, part ii, p. 827.) 
 
 "The steam-pinnace left Gray HarbourlTat 4 a.m. with .several naturalists and ofticere, and joined 
 ;i'e ship in tlie evening at Port (irappler. On the way, landing was effected at several spots, and a 
 ;iUnil)er of birds were |)rocured ; a very large number of fur-seals (-IrtVorc^/cf/^-s) wei-e seen, and six 
 v-Te shot, tlic .skins au(l skeletons of which were preserved." (Narrative, vol. i, ])art ii, p. 805.) 
 
 % 
 
 « 
 
 " In the narrative of the voyage it is stated that fur-seals fretpiented Nightingale Island, one of 
 the Tristan da Cunha group; the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Lsland, Juan Fernandez, the Messier 
 (Channel, and Elizalx''' Island, in the Strait of Magellan. Specimens of cared seals, which did not 
 possess the elongated (concave )>alate so characteristic of the genus Otaria in the sense defined on i». 2'J, 
 were procui'ed from the Kerguelen group of islands, in the Messier Channel on tlie west coast of South 
 America, and from Jimn Fernandez. They consisted of the following .specimens from Kerguelen : two 
 carcases of yoiuig fur-seals witliout the skin, [)rocurod from the ' Emma Jane ' at Fuller's Harbour, 
 January 1874 ; two skeletons of fur-seals, also at Fuller's Harbour, which were distinguished from each 
 other as >;o. I anil No. 2 (No. 2 having been killed on Swaine Island). From the Messier Channel 
 were obtained the skin and skeleton of a male and the skin and skeleton of a female ; also two 
 skeletons of males shot on rwks in Jamiary 1876. The specimen from Juan Fenumdez was a skin 
 containing the skeleton of a very young animal." (Zoology, vol. xxvi, part fxvii, ]i. 37.) 
 
 * Crozet lalands, Penguin or IniceeiBibIs Itland, viiited 1878-74. f Kerguelen IiUnd. 
 
 X i. A. Allen— The cired Mwla. Bull. Mub. Comp. Zool,, Tol. it, pp. 1-88, 187071. 
 Juon KernandM. |J Vi»ltod by " Ch»llenger," 1875. 
 
 1 VWUd by '• OlHilI«DK«r," Juwry 1876. 
 
182 
 
 7. — Seals and Seuling in Ncn- Zmluml. 
 
 Through the kindness of Professor T. J. Parker, F.R.S., of the I'uiversity rf Otayo, iJunediii, New 
 Zealand, tlie subjoined interesting account of the seal fisheiy in New Zealand, written at his reiiuest, 
 hos been furnished by Mr. Frederick CImpnian. The communication is in the form of a letter addressed 
 to Professor Parker, and is dated from Dunedin, 24th September, 1891 : — 
 
 " I have endeavoured to get some definite information and original opinions to enable you to 
 answer Mr. G. Dawson's letter of the 23rd June, with reference to the extirpation of our seals, b»it the 
 only person I could think of os old enough to give me first-hand information, yet not too old, has not 
 yet answered my letter. I tliink, liowever, that from a general knowledge of the traditions and litera- 
 ture of old New Zealand, and from books at n»y command, I can give you sometliing to begin with, and 
 I will try and obtain more. 
 
 " Doubtless Mr. Dawson has access to a paper on the fur-seal of New Zealand, by J. W. Clarke, in 
 the Proceedings of the Zoological Society for 1875 (p. OoO), which is in your Museum library. This 
 paper gives some interesting facts, tlie verification of wliich I had previously sought f<ir years. As I 
 know nothing of the seals in Australian waters beyond the fact tlmt tliey were once numerous in the 
 islands of Bass Strait, 1 will come to New Zealand. Seals were formerly numerous on our mainland 
 To get at the numbers taken liere early in the century, one would have to make inquiries of old mercan- 
 tile houses in Sydney, London, and America — the (Jampliells, Enderbys, &c., if any of them exist The 
 old Maori traditions constantly refer to .seals, wliicli were very numerous in the neighbourhood of this 
 port two centuries ago, and may have been plentiful when the century began. Tlie rocky west coast 
 of this island was, h'»wever, the home of numerous seals, and a few are still killed there in quiet 
 places. There was a lieautiful colony at the Steeples, close to tlie Westport lighthouse, but when 
 the Government opened a season for sealing, a few months since, a party went out in a boat from 
 Westport and butchered them. That was already regai-ded as a past place for .sealing when 
 Brunner explored that coast by land in 1846, though Brunner saw a few seals there. It had 
 evidently revived in our tim". The coasts of Foveaux Strait and the we.st coast swarmed with 
 sealers early in this centui yv\ there were some on the west coast about Dusky Sound 
 even earlier. They were shore ^;i ho bagged the seals in great numbers. Dr. Shortlond, who 
 
 visited Mr. Jones' whaling station .i konarti, 20 miles from here, in 1842, frequently refers to the 
 
 sealing, but rather as a past matter. < :r whales were pretty well exterminated by 1850, and had even 
 then long been scarce, and a writer ten years before that repeats the protests of the French whaleia, who 
 were numerous here, against the disastrous j>ractice of the Sydney people, who maintained shore 
 stations, and so utterly destroyed the whales. It is difficult to realize tliat in 1843 there were fourteen 
 whale-ships lying in tliis port, witli all their Ijoats out daily, and four shore stations in active opera- 
 tion, in face of the fact that during the nineteen years I have lived here only one whale has been 
 killed. I have digressed from the seals, but the fact of the whale ex[>laiiis, and more, than explains, that 
 of the seal. 
 
 " Cajrtain Tinnbull, whose book I have never ,seeu, wiites in 1810 of 40,000 seals taken at the Fiji 
 Islands. We don't hear of seals there now. It is quite possible that that locality was mentioned to 
 lead others off the scent. At Macquar:. Island the discoverers killed in one season 80,000 fur-seala ! 
 Our friend Professor Scott visited it ten years ago, and was told the fur-seal never came there. Ever 
 since then it has l>een occupied by sea-elephant hunters, but no fur-seal ever visits them. Tliis suggests 
 that the fur-seals do not come up from the Antarctic ice, as the sea-elephant do. Campbell Island was 
 repeatedly occupied by sealing parties, some of whose gi-aves are seen there. Antipodes Island was 
 occupied in 1824, and I do not know how much earlier or later. Captain Fairchild, of the New 
 Zealand Government steamer, in four or five visits lias never seen a seal there. The Auckland Islands, 
 the largest group, have been visited repeatedly during the last eighty years, and numerous shore parties 
 have lived tiiere. On the Snares, sealers' huts still stand. The coasts of Stewart's Island have yielded 
 large numbers of seals. 
 
 " The Ifev. Wni. Yato, a missionary, in 1828-35, after describing the enormous numljer of whales 
 destroyed (black or inshore whales) writes: 'Tliere are also several establishments for the seal fishery 
 on the coast of New Zealand or on the small islands in the vicinity of the coa.st. A nuniljer of sailors 
 are landed and left to kill and skin the seals, many thousands of which are destroyed in the course of 
 a few montlis.' Earlier than this, in 1815, the llev. S. Marsden, tlie first niissionory in New Zealand, 
 writes narrating the adventures of the Maoii Chief Dimterra and ten Tahitians and ten Europeans who 
 were placed as a sealing i>arty on the Bounty Islands. They suffered great privations, but in a few 
 months, on sixteen rocks witli a total area of about 100 acres without vegetation or water, killed and 
 skinned 8,000 seals. This is enough to show you that once these places were densely peopled with 
 seals. The Chatham Islands were anotlier sealing ground, but of tliem I know very little. All this 
 relates to matters which hai)pened so long ago that sealers are a ilcad race, while, as you know, whalers 
 who came later or lasted longer arc only represented by a very few old men. As for mi'Idle-aged 
 natives like myself, we heard in our youtli of whales, but not of seals. 
 
 " Sealing has Ijeen closed for a good many years, before which the Maoris of Riverton used to 
 visit the west coast and get a few, and tliough poaching never wholly stopped, it did not pay very 
 well. This year a sapient Government has opened a season, and two vessels have been sent to the 
 islands. One reports getting 150 from the Chathams and Bountys, and the other 450 from the Auck- 
 land, but there is some underhand work over it, and more may have lieen got, as the crow are accused 
 of stealing 300 skins. This is by far the largest take for many years, and has, I think, about finished 
 the fur-seal in New Zealand waters. 
 
 " I visited five groups of islands last year in the summer, and saw one fur-seal, and from this and 
 other facts concluded that they were very scarce now. 
 
 " Now, as to the cause of this, there is but one answer. Recklem killing and disturbanco in the 
 rookeries. Mr. Dawson need not trouble himself about pelagic sealing. There is not and never was 
 fiuch a thing in these waters. You could not have it in our wide and aogrjr sea. Calm days are almost 
 
^""»"PWW"¥"^«I»<P» 
 
 m 
 
 183 
 
 unknown where yon get south of New Zealand, and I never heard of seals being seen in the open 
 ocean. Certain it is that ocean sealing is and always has been an unknown thing here. 
 
 " In December 1887 some very interesting articles appeared in the 'Melbourne Atgus' on 'The 
 Sealers at Work/ by a man who was shipwrecked in the ' Deny Castle' at the Auckland Islands, and 
 rescued by seal poachers. I have tried to get these papers, but they are out of print. He describes 
 the modus operandi. They carry a long rope and lower one of the party over the cliffs hundreds of 
 feet high. He gets off at the mouth of the cave where the seals lie, and cuts off their retreat. He 
 then proceeds to club them, and send up their skins by the rope. This ia done because it is so 
 dangerous to put in a boat on the open coast with a fearful sea running. The whales, so enormously 
 plentiful prior to 1840, are, as I have said, almost extinct. This is due to slaughtering them in the 
 breeding bays, and to the occupation of these bays as shipping ports. The off-shore whale (sperm 
 whale) is still lively, though greatly reduced in numbers. Disturbance, as you know, is as great a 
 destroyer as actual killing. I believe it will pay our Government some day to restore the seal fisheries. 
 It would be interesting to experiment with northern seals, as they might migrate, and so people the 
 islands and <3oa8t8, while the facts I have mentioned, and the direct testimony of Captain Fairchild, 
 who assures mo that this is the case, seem to show that ours keep very much to the native spot. If I 
 can see Captain lairehild I will get some further facts from him. I think Filhol could give 
 Mr. Dawson some information, as he told me a great deal about seals wlien he was here, which I have 
 forgotten. 
 
 " This is about all I can tell you at present. Of this I am certain, that unless the American seal 
 fisheries are subjected to some kind of management, they will follow the fate of ours, though it will 
 take longer to effect it in their case." 
 
 8. — Extract from Letter from Baron Nordenskiold to Dr. Dawsmi, dated Stockhobn, S^teniher 2, 1891. 
 
 My personal experience about the higher animal life in the Behring Sea Ja very limited, and all 
 the information I could collect you will find in Cliaptei's XIV and XV of the second volume of the 
 " Vega Voyage," which work, perliaps, can be useful to you by my references to the older literature, to 
 which I had a fuller access than any of the previous authors on the subject. The collections of 
 invertebrates brought from the Behring Sea and the adjacent part of the Polar Sea by the scientific 
 staff of the " Vega " were verv large. 
 
 i! 
 
 9, — Observations on Sealing in the Southern Hemisphere in tlie years 1873-76. 
 
 In addition to the notes contained in the published volumes relating to the "Challenger" 
 expedition, Mr. John Murray has been so kind as to furnish the following information : — 
 
 " Challenger " Expedition Office, 45, Fredenck Street, Edinburgh, 
 'Dear Sir, September 2, 1891. 
 
 " I have been from home for some time, otherwise your letter of the 2nd July would have been 
 answered long before this. 
 
 " I fear I have very little information to convey with reference to the seal fisheries of the south. 
 All the fur-seals that we procured were killed on land, and it was the habit of the seal-fishers we met 
 thus to capture all their animals. We saw very few senls far from their breeding places. We saw only 
 three or four on the southern ice. All the seal-fishers we encountered in the south were from New 
 London, U.S.A. In our time there were no Australians engaged in the trade. There were immense 
 numbers of sea-elephants killed every year on Long Beach at Herd Island. Men wintered there for 
 the purpose of killing them when they came on shore in the early spring. We saw the sealers kill 
 twenty-four fur-seals one day by landing on Swain's Islands where they were breeding. 
 
 " We. found that some fur-sealing was done at the Falkland Islands. Yo\i could get information as 
 to the present state of the trade by addressing a letter to Mr. Deans, StanUsy Harbour, Falklands, or 
 you miglit address a letter direct to the Governor of the islands. 
 
 " Trusting that you will have had a pleasant trip to the west, yours, &c. 
 
 (Signed) JOHN MUllRAY. 
 
 10. — Report of Examination of Seal Pap, hy Dr. G anther, F.^\S., Eritinh Museum. 
 
 The pup fur-seal submitted to my examination was labelled " Found dead on north-east rookery, 
 St. Paul's Island, 5th August, 1891." 
 
 1. Its length from end of nose to root of tail 23 inches : umbilical cord closed at its distal end ; 
 milk-dentition jwrfectly grown. Apparent age of animal about 17 days. 
 
 2. Fur in perfect order ; no signs of external or internal mechanical injury. Body well nourished, 
 with a fair amount of fat in the subcutaneous tissue ; no fat about the abdominal oigans. 
 
 3. Organs of digestion and other abdominal organs healthy. Stomach entirely empty, with the 
 exception of a smooth black pyramidal pebble, size of a small Ijean, and of two or three very small 
 corroded pebbles ; iutestiup empty, with some slight accumulations of mucus in various parts. The 
 animal could not have taken any sustenance for at least two or three days before its death. 
 
 4. The chest had not been opened, consequently paitial decomposition had set in before the 
 [305] 2 iJ 
 
 :ti 
 
IWNerrcitive fluid codld a'l): upon' the orgnna It U'theVo(i>r') difiicult to distiiignnh iietween patho- 
 logical signs and post-nioBtem appef/ances. But so much is certain, that the hmgs were in an inflam- 
 matory condition, especially at the base of the right lung. The inHmnmation extended also some way 
 up the wind-pipe, the mucous membrane of which was covered witii a granular deposit in tho portion 
 Affected. 
 
 6. Both the absence of food as well as tho condition of tiie respiratory organs are sufficient to 
 account for the death of the animal ; but which of the two was tlw primary cause preceding the other 
 is impossible to say. 
 
 6. A small and thin nematoid worm, from 1 to 1| inches long, was found in considerable numbers 
 in the lower halt of the smaller intestines ; one specimen to, perhaps, every 2 inches of intastihe. 
 They could not liave caused any inconvenience to tlie animal, and, in fact, there was not the slightest 
 sign of irritation in tho mucous membrane. 
 
 (Signed) A. (itfNTHKU, 3f.7). 
 
 Britwh Miismm, January 20, 1892. 
 
 11, — Questions in reyanl lo iHieq) in tlie Breeding Season, Idmlly nmwered by Sir Smnuel inison, M.P. 
 
 1. Is it common and easy to make ewes suckle other ewes' lambs ? — Yes. It can be effected by 
 putting the skin of the ewe's dead lamb on the lamb she is desired to adopt, or by liolding lier and 
 getting the lamb to suck her for a few days, when she will take to it as if her own progeny. 
 
 2. Is it absolutely certain that lambs always know their own mothers, and never get milk from 
 any other mother unless forced to do so by man ? — Ewes always know their own laml)3 by smelling 
 them. A ewe will not allow a strange land) to suck her if slie notices it, but sometimes a lamb not her 
 own may come up on the other side while she is suckling her own lamb, and may unnoticed by her 
 suck her for a time. 
 
 There are motherless lambs which go about in this way, and manage to live by what tliey can 
 steal, and the green grass, which they can soon digest, even when a few days old. 
 
 Lambs at a very early age do not, I think, know their own mothers, but will run up to any ewe 
 bleating for the lamb, and try to suck her, wlien the ewe at once knows if it bo iier own lamb, and if 
 not drives it away. Older lambs know their dams by the voice. 
 
 3. Is it usual to lead ewes accidentally depi'ived of lambs to suckle other lambs, whether one or 
 twins, or liaving lost their mothers ? — Where tlie breed is valuable, all lamlw are "mothered " j ewes 
 that have lost tlieir own, and sometimes one of twins is put to a ewe that has lost her lamb. 
 
 Ewes lambing at large in paddocks, however, are left to do as instinct directs, and fewer lambs in 
 proportion are reared than when well cared for. 
 
 4. If so, what are the measures adopted ? — Putting motherless lambs or one of twins to a ewe 
 which has lost he.- lamb. 
 
 5. How many ewes will one ram serve effectively in the season, and how long does the season 
 la.st ? — Ordinarily one ram is put to fifty ewes running at large in paddocks, but a ram tliat is well fed, 
 and only allowed to serve a ewe once, may get 200 lambs in a season. 
 
 Kams are usually kept with the ewes six or seven weeks. 
 
 6. Do the rams eat as much, and the usual food, during the rutting season ? — The rams eat as 
 usual when serving the ewes, but fdll oft' in condition owing to running about after tlie ewes. If fed 
 artificially besides the natural pasture they would, I think, consume more food while serving the ewes 
 than at other times, but this I have not tested. 
 
 7. What is the proportion of male to female landjs liorn ? — The pi-oportions are about C(iual as a 
 rule. In some cases there is a very considerable difference, the causes being imperfectly understood. 
 01(1 rams put to young ewes are saiil to ja-oJuce a much larger proportion of ewe lambs, but I have 
 not endeavoured to alter tlie proportions of the sexes of the progeny, and cannot speak from experience 
 in this matter. 
 
 (Signeil) SAMUEL WILSON. 
 
 P.8. — 80 jier cent, is eousidered a good average increase in merino ewes. 
 
 A Hock of ewes with careful management may double tlieir munbers every two and a-lialf years 
 for a considerable time under favourable conditions. 
 
 S. AV. 
 
 12. — Letter from Earl Brovmlow on the subject of Deer in the Brccdinfi Seamii. 
 
 Dear Sir George, 8, Carlton House Terrace, London, May 8, 1892. 
 
 I am -very glad to give you any information in my power about the habits of deer in the British 
 Isles both in a wild and tame state. This information I have gained in a great degree fix>m pei-sonal 
 observation, but tlie details of management of tame deer in a park I have partly obtained from my 
 park-keeper, who is a man of very great e.vperience, and has a tiiorough knowledge of the subject. 
 
 The habits of deer differ very little in a tame or wild state. 
 
 A stag is in his prime at altout 12 years old, and a bind at about '.• yems old. 
 
 Supix)sing that tho stock in a park consi,sts of 100 deer. 
 
 There should lie forty stags to sixty hinds. Tlnc" stags should be killed each yeai' at 12 years old, 
 leaving a mai-gin of four for loss and accident, and six hinds at 9 years old, leaving a margin of six for 
 loss or accident. From wixty hinds you would prol)ably get from twenty-five to thirty calves pacli 
 your. 
 
 
■■■I 
 
 I8d 
 
 Tlie iirecdiii)? seanoii boi»iiis about tliu 2(lth Sept^mlwr, (iiid lasts till late in October. 
 
 During this time the stags eat veij little. Tii a wild state they begin to eiit white liolieu off the,; 
 rocks early in October. If you kill a staj,' then you will lind the gtuss in his stomach mixed ytith 
 lichen, and later there will be no grass, ami only a handful of lichen. In a park where tliey caunot 
 get lichen they will nisli into the water, and suck the green vegetation from the surface. They Jloon 
 get thin and poor, and when the skin is removed the flesh is rec , without fat, with an oft'ensive smell. 
 They are then quite luifit for food. They take no rest, and spend all tlieir time in hunting and keeping 
 together their hinds. 
 
 A stag will have with him any number of hinds from two or three to thirty. 
 
 At other times of the year the stags and hinds keep separate in small herds, the very yourig>8tag8 
 keeping with the hinds. 
 
 A hind has one calf as a rule, which is botn about May, 
 
 The stags cast they horns every year, and will eat the old horns if they can get them to supply, 
 lime for the growth of the new horn. 
 
 Although a great deal might be written on this subject, no other information strikes me which 
 would l>e likely to l>e of any assistance to you in your inquiry. 
 
 I remain, &c. 
 (Signed) BKOWNLOW 
 
 13. — Mcmwandiim on Ihc Place of the Fiir-Seal in the Clamjimtion of Mammalia, hy Profeaimr 
 Flonrr, V.B., F.R.S., Director of thr NutHrnl HvUori/ Dqmrtments, lirUAnh Museitnu 
 
 All tlie animals commonly spoken of as seals are divided into two very distinct gi-oups :— ^ 
 
 {a.) The true seals {Phocidcc), distinguished mainly by having no e::tenml eare, and by not using 
 tlieir hind limbs when walking on land. 
 
 (ft.) The eared seals (Otariidm), often called sea-lions or sea-beat's, which have siviall external eare, 
 and which, when on land, support themselves and walk on the soles of their hind as well as their 
 fore limbs. 
 
 None of the first-named group have the fine under-fur which makes the skin of 8on\e of the 
 species of the second group such a valuable article of commerce ; it is therefore not necessarj- to speak 
 further of them in the present lleport. 
 
 Up to the year 1816 both groups of seals were included under the generic name of PhMa 
 (Linmeus), l)ut in that year tlie eared seals were separated by Peron* from the others, under the name of 
 Otaria, a name which zoologists, whose tendencies in questions of nomenclature are conservative, still 
 retain for the whole group-f Others have divided it up into nearly as many genera as there are 
 species, founded on trifling modifications of the teeth and skull and the length of the ears, and thus 
 such names as ArctocephaUtu, Callorhinvs, Eiwta.ria, Z(doj)hns, Eumctopiac, Pliocarrton, Halarctttt, 
 Keoplwca, Ardophoca, and Gypsophoca occur as generic appellations of various memliers of the family 
 in zoological treatises on the subject. 
 
 As the various authors who have made a special study of this group of animals do not agree as to 
 the relative importance of the characters upon which these distinctions are founded, there is much 
 difl'erence of opinion as to tiie extent and limits of these so-called generic divisions, and consequently 
 as to the name to be applied to many of the species, hence the confusion of nomenclature which is 
 obvious to any one who compares the different monographs and treatises on the natural history of 
 the seals. 
 
 Besides the difficulties as to the most appropriate names, there aie others which arise from our 
 ignorance of tlie animals themselves, especially the distinctive characters and geographical distribiition 
 of the various species. The number of species is not even accurately determined, as variations due to 
 se.x, age, ot season have often been mistaken for those due to specific distinctions. Indeed, until more 
 complete materials are collected in our museums, including skins, skeletons, and skulls of animals of 
 both sexes and various ages, and from different and well-recorded localities, a complete zoological 
 monograph of the family will l)e impossible. 
 
 The common practical distinction between "hair-seals" and "fur-seals," or those which, in 
 addition to the stiff, close, hairy covering common to all the group, possess an exceedingly fine dense 
 woolly under-fur, does not coincide with divisions based on other and more important structui-al 
 characters. Though all true seals (Phocida') are "hair-seals," some of the Otariidai are "hair-seals," 
 and others " fur-seals." It is the skins of the latter, when dressed and deprived of the longer, harsh, 
 outer hairs, which constitute the "seal-skins" of commeice so much valued for wearing apparel. 
 
 In habits all the Otanida; whether hair-seals or fur-seals, appear to be much alike. As might bo 
 inferred from their power of walking on all fours, they are better capable of locomotion on shore, and 
 range inland to greater distances than the true seals at the breeding season, though even then they are 
 always obliged to return to the water to seek their food, and tlio rest of the year is mainly spent in the 
 open sea far away from laud. They are gregarious and polygamous, and the adult males are usually 
 much larger tluin the females. They are widely distributeil, especially in the temperate regions of 
 both hemisphenis, though their entire absence from the \orth Atlantic is a noteworthy fact. No 
 Otaria has over been found either on the Euiopear., African, or American shores of that ocean north of 
 the Equator. . 
 
 So far as is yet known, each species has a definite and limited area of geographical distribution 
 lieyond which it never wanders. In this respect they follow an ahnost universal law of Nature, 
 applicable to both animals and plants, although the causes of this limitation are, in most cases 
 
 extremely obscure. 
 
 * " Voyage aux Tenes Auitralci," vol. 11, p. 87. 
 t Flower and I^dakker: " Introductton to tli« Hittoiy of MuniiMb, Living and Extinct, 1891," p. 608. 
 
 [305] 2 B 2 
 
\) 
 
 186 
 
 The chances of accurate observations upon the movements of marine animals are so small that wo 
 are stiU and probably shall long remain in considerable ignorance as to the exact pelagic range of 
 many of the species, but as they always spend some months on shore every year during the breeiiing 
 season, and as the number of localities suitable for this purpose is limited, the coast range of each 
 species should be ascertained with a tolerable amount of precision when a sufficient number of 
 reliable data are obtainable. This cannot be said to be the case at present, owing to the difficulty 
 of discriminating the species from the casual extenial observations of uninstructed seamen upon 
 whose information we have mainly to rely. 
 
 These remarks apply chiefly to the species inhabiting the Southern Hemisphere. With regard to 
 those of the North Pacific, our knowledgo is in a more satisfactory state. 
 
 Tt is now ascertained with tolerable certainty that there are in this region three, and only three, 
 very distinct species, and there is no evidence that either of these species is, or has ever been, 
 found elsewhere. 
 
 These are — 
 
 1. Stelleb's S£A-Liok (piaria stelleri a Eumetopiaa stdkri of some authors), the lai]gest of the 
 whole group ; found on the Pacific coast of North America from California to Alaska ; Pacific coast of 
 Asia from Japan northwards into the Behring Sea. 
 
 2. The Californian Sea-Lion (Otaria californiana = Zdophus califomiana = Otaria gUlenpii), 
 inhabiting the coasts of California and Japan, but not entering the Behring Sea. 
 
 These two are hair-seals ; the next is a fur-seal. 
 
 3. The Northern Fur-Seal or Sea-Bear (Oiaria ursina — Callorhimis urdnua) inhabits the 
 North Pacific from California and Japan northwards into the Behring Sen. 
 
 The main character by which this animal is distinguished from all other Otariidm, and which has 
 been considered by Gray and most later writers to entitle it to generic distinction, is the form of the 
 fore part of the skull, which is short, broad, and high, being as it were truncated in front, instep of 
 low and narrow as in all other species. By this general aspect the skull can be distinguished at once 
 from that of any other. The molar teeth are six above and five below on each side. In the two other 
 North Pacific species they are five above and five below. The external characters need not be entered 
 into here, as they have been abundantly and minutely described elsewhere.* 
 
 The distinctive characters and geographical distribution of the species of Otaria inhabiting the 
 seas and coasts south of the Equator, and met with either now or foimerly in all suitable localities 
 round the whole circumfei-ence of the globe, are, as stated above, less accurately determined, nor is this 
 the place to attempt to unravel this purely zoological problem, but the following may be mentioned as 
 best established. 
 
 4. The Southern Sea-Lion {Oiaria jubata), formerly abundant on the Falkland Islands and the 
 coasts of Patagonia and Chile, extending as far north as the Galapagos Islands ; an animal nearly as 
 large as the Northern or Steller's Sea-lion, but easily distinguished from it by the form of the skull, 
 especially of the bones of the palate. This is not a fur-seal. 
 
 5. The South American Fur-Seal {Otaria australia = Otaria falklandica = Ardocephalua 
 australis and falklandicus). South American coasts, from Lobos Islands near the mouth of the Bio de 
 la Plata on the east, to the Galapagos on the west. 
 
 6. The South African Fur-Seal {Otaria pusilla ss Ardocephalus antardicus), from the Cape of 
 Good Hope. 
 
 7. The Australian Fub-Seal {Otaria forsteri a Ardocephalus cinerevs) of Australia, New 
 Zealand, Auckland Islands, &c. 
 
 8. The Australian Sea-Beau {Otaria lobata ss Zalophus lohatui). A hair-seal from the 
 Australian coasts. 
 
 9. HooKEU'a Sea-Liom {Otaria hookeri = ArctoeepJuilm hookeri). Auckland Islands. Also a 
 hair-seal. 
 
 W. H. F. 
 May 1892. 
 
 14. — Letter from Captain David Gray, Peterhead. 
 
 Sir, Peterhead, June 3, 1892. 
 
 I had the honour yesterday to receive your communication, asking for information regarding the 
 hair-seal fishing in the North Atlantic. 
 
 The Jan-Mayen Convention provides that no seals aru to be killed within the limits detailed in 
 the Act, namely, from latitude 68 N. to latitude 75 N.,and trom the meridian of Greenwich west to the 
 Greenland shore. The penalty for killing a seal beforo the 3rd April is 500^., payable to the 
 informant. 
 
 There are no police required to enforce the close time ; each ship's crew looks after their neigh- 
 bours, so that the close time in the Greenland seas has been very strictly kept. 
 
 The effect of the close time on the seals is to protect them during tlie time they are bringing forth 
 their young, and gives them a few days' quietness to nurse them, and is beneficial in so far that it 
 prevents the old seals being killed before the young are born, and also allows a proportion of mother 
 seals to escape to continue the species ; beyond this the close time does not go. The young broods were 
 very often clean swept up, so that not one escaped. 
 
 The Newfoundland seal fishery is conducted in a different way ; the St. John's people, having the 
 control of the fishing themselves, do not allow the ships to leave before a date. This year the 15th 
 March was the day fixed for the steamers leaving. Sailing-ships are allov/ed to sail eight days sooner. 
 
 * 8eo cif ecialljr the ezocllent " Monogrt) h cu Noitb Anwrleu Pinniiwda," b; J. X. Allen, WMhlaglon, Ueo. 
 
Tho Newfoundlanders are becoming more striot every year ; the sailing day was five days' later this 
 season tlion last, and they have to stop fishing on tlio 'JOth April. 
 
 To sum up, the position is this : at Greenland the close time will prevent the seals bein}» extermi- 
 nated, but it will not allow them to inci'ease. 
 
 At Newfoundland their present mode of tisliing means, in a few years, exteniiination. 
 
 I have, t&c. 
 (Signed) DAVID GRAY. 
 
 Sir George Baden- Powell, M.P., 
 
 Foreign Office, I<ondon, S.W. 
 
 15. — Mr. W. Palmer on the killiiiff of Seals upon (he Prilyloff Itlanda. « 
 
 The following are extracts from a paper read by Mr. William Palmer, Taxidermist to the Smith- 
 sonian Institution, before the Biological Society of Washington, in October 1891. Mr. Palmer visited 
 the Pribyloff Islands in an official capacity in 1890. The first part of the paper from which these 
 extracts are made gives some general account of tiie habits of the seal, together with remarks on pelagic 
 settling, with which subject, however, Mr. Palmer was not personally familie.r. The portion of the paper 
 (jHoted below is that giving the result of Mr. Palmer's own observations made on the breeding islands, 
 and is, therefore, of value as a record of the conclusions thus arrived at by him : — 
 
 I 
 
 w 
 
 Natuhai, Histouy. 
 
 Fate of the Fur-seal in America. 
 
 (Read before the Biological Society of Washington, District of Columbia, October 1 7, ami illustrated by 
 
 Lantern Slides.) 
 
 The present condition of the Alaskan fur-seal islands is but another illustration of the fact that 
 the ignorance, avarice, and stupidity of man have succeeded in reducing an overwhelming abundance of 
 animal life, that by careful and considerate treatment would for ever liave Insen a source of immense 
 wealth, to such a condition tliat it becomes a question of great moment to devise me?ns to prevent its 
 extermination, and adopt measures to restore its former abundance. 
 
 But pelagic seal fishing is not the only cause of the decretuse of seal life on the Pribyloflfs. 
 
 Probably, an ecjual cause is tlie unnatural method of driving seals that has been followed on the 
 islands since the first seal was captured. 
 
 The mere killing of seals as conducted on the islands is as near perfection as it is possible to get 
 it. They are quickly dispatched, and without pain. One soon recognizes, as in the killing of sheep, 
 that in the quickntss and neatness of the method lies its success, all things considered. 
 
 But the driving is a totally different matter. I doubt if any one can look upon the painful exer- 
 tions of this dense crowding mass, and not think that somewhere and somehow tliere is great room for 
 improvement. It is conducted now as it always has been : no thought or attention is given to it, and, 
 with but one exception, no other method has been suggested, or even thought necessary. 
 
 Each day during the season, which lasts from the 20th June to the 1st August, there are three 
 killings : one on St. tJeorge, one at the village of St. Paul, and another at North-east Point, 
 St. Paul. 
 
 I have marked on outline Maps of the islands the extent of some of hese drives, which are as 
 follows : — 
 
 Monday, from the Reef ; Tuesday, from Lukannon ; Wednesday, 'I'olstoi ; Thursday, at Half-way 
 Point (the drive being brought from Polavina) ; Friday, ut Zapadnie (when the water is smooth the 
 killers go by Iwat to Zapadnie, but in rough weather the seals are driven to the vil'age) ; Saturday and 
 Sunday drives are made up from some of the places driven from earlier in the week, or a number of 
 small drives from several places are united. At North-east Point drives are made, commencing at one 
 end on Monday and continuing round wherever enough seals ;;an be found. On St. George drives are 
 made from each rookery in succession, the killing ground beii;^ just below the viUnge. Some of these 
 driving trails are from a quarter to a mile long, but the longest, from Zapadnie, is o miles. 
 
 The fur-seal is utterly unfitted by nature for ui extended and rapid safe journey on land. It will 
 progress rapidly for a short distance, but soon stops from sheer exhaustion. Its llippers are used as 
 feet, tiie belly is raised clear of the ground, and the motion is a jerky but comparatively rapid lope. 
 When exhausted, tho animal Hops over on its .side us soon as it stops moving, being unable to 
 stand up. 
 
 Tlie drives are conducted in this manner: as soon as it is light, whicii is between 1 and 2 in the 
 morning, several natives make their way between the seals hauled out near a rookery and tho 
 water, atul cut out as large a drive as possible. As it is the iiabit of the seals wlien alaruied to get 
 as far as possible from any strange object, it follows ihat tiiey are easily drivi.'u in any direction 
 by simply walking bciiind tiiem waving tiio aiuis and making a noise. Tho character of the ground 
 over wliich the seals are driven is in many places utterly unfit lor the purpose : up and down the steep 
 slopes of sand dunes, over cinder hills stud(led witii sliari> rocks, some iilacus being so bad that they arc 
 avoided by the people themselves ; but tiie seals have been driven over the same giound for many years, 
 and on some of the hills deep paths have been worn by tlie passing of tens of thousands of seals. No 
 
 .^i 
 
l;l 
 
 168 
 
 attempU have been iinirlu to remove tho rockM or to lessen tlie ditficuUius of the pn^Hagc, nnit the seals 
 ara still driven pell-mell over hu^e rouks mid down steep inclincH, where many are crushed and injured 
 by the hunying mass of thoHc behind. When the drive reaches the killing gronnd it is ronnded up and 
 left in charge of a man or boy to await the kilting, which begins at 7 A.M. A pod of perhaps sixty seals 
 are then cut out of the drive and driven to the killers, who with long wooden cbibs stun those seals 
 that are of proper size and condition by a blow or two on top of the liea<l. The .seals that are not killed 
 are then driven away by tin pans and a great noise, and while in an excited and over-heated condition 
 rush, as fust as it is possible for i> seal to go, into the icy-cold waters of Behring Sea. 
 
 It will thus be seen that these seals are subjected on an average from 2 o'clock in the morning 
 until 1 to a long drive over very rough ground, then to a dense herding, where they are continually in 
 motion and crowding each other, thence to an intense excitement on the killing ground, and finally in 
 a condition, little better thon madness ru,shing into icy cold water. Uncivilized and partly civi:ized 
 man has no pity for dumb brutes, and as the.se drives nre conducted entirely by the natives, who prefer 
 indolence in the village to the discomforts of a drive in the fog and rain, it follows that the seala arc 
 often driven much faster than they should lie, and absolutely without thought or caie. But this ia not 
 all. Tho seals that are spared scion haul out again near a rookery, and perhai^s the very next day are 
 obliged to repeat the process, and again and again throughout the season, unless in the meantime they 
 have crawled out on a bench to die, or have sunk exhaasted to the bottom. The deaths of these seals 
 are directly caused ns I shall explain, ond, as far as I am aware, it is mentioned now for tho first 
 time. 
 
 A seal body may be said to consist of thi-ee parts, an inner, which is the Hesh, bones, &c., a ring of 
 fat surrounding this of from 1 to 4 or 5 inches thick, and then the skin which curries the fur. I think 
 it will be readily seen that a forced drive for a long distance over rough ground, up and down hills, and 
 over and among huge boulders and fine sand, with a subsequent herding, and then after u most violent 
 exercise a sudden bath in icy cold water, must of necessity disturb that eciuilibiium of vital forces 
 which is essential to the good health of any animal. It is known that the stomachs of the fur-seals on 
 the islands contain no food, and tliat in all probability many of them have fasted for .several weeks. 
 AVhen driven into the water the seals are weak from two causes, the drive and lack of food ; before 
 they can secure food they must rest, and rest is only obtainable at the expense of that most vital 
 necessity of these animals, their fat. I remember looking with great curiosity for tlie cause of death 
 of the firet dead seal that I found stranded on the beach. Externally there was nothing to indicate it, 
 but the first stroke of the knife revealed instantly what I am confident has been the cause of death 
 of countless thousands of fur-seals. It had been chilled to death ; not a trace remained of the fat that 
 had once clothed it.s body and protected the vital organs within. Since the day that it had escaped 
 from the drive, it had consumed all its I'at in the efl'ort to keep warm, and notliing remained but to lie 
 down and die. I opened many after this, and always discovered the same, but sometimes an additional 
 cause, a fractureil skull perhaps. I have even noted those lelt behind in a drive, and watched them 
 daily, with the same result in many cases. At first they would revel in the ponds or wander among 
 the sand dunes, but iu a few days their motions became distinctly slower, the curvature of the spine 
 became lessened ; eventually the poor brutes would drag their hind flipjiers as they moved, and in a 
 few days more become food for the foxes. In every case the fat had disappeared. 
 
 It will be seen also that by this driving process the 2- or 3-year-olds, wliich are the only ones 
 killed for tlieir skins, are culled out almost completely from the seals which visit these islands, and 
 therefore that very few male seals ever reach a greater age ; consequently, there are not enough young 
 bulls growing up to supply even the yearly loss on the rookeries, much less to provide for any 
 increase. 
 
 It should also be tlioroughly understood that until a cow seal is 3 years old she is but a cypher so 
 far as a natural increase of the rookeries is concerned, and that a male seal must be at least 7 or 8 years 
 old before he can possibly secure a footing on the rookeries. During these 3 and 8 years they have to 
 run the gauntlet of the poachei-s. If they escape the driving — and this seems impossible — they have 
 their natural enemies to encounter, sharks and killer whales, so that taken altogether, nearly every- 
 thing is ugainst this increase. 
 
 During the eight years' iiiinority of the few male seals that iiave escaped their enemies it is safe, I 
 think, to as.suine tliat at least four summers were spent in getting an experience of the drives. Does 
 any one think that lliey were then capable of filling their projier functions on the rookeries ? 
 
 But some one is not sntisfieil with the accidental landing of the seals on the beaches, from whence 
 they can be easily driven. Along the sea edge of the rookeries ar;! many small outlying rocks, on 
 which the young male seals congregate in large numbers and survey the rookeries from which they 
 are di.sbarred by their inferior size and strength. An old bull seal will suffer himself to be slaughtered 
 rather than yield an inch of his cho.sen location. The cows are so timid that only the greatest exertions 
 of the bulls prevents their being stampeded, while as to the " holluschickie " the sight, even the scent, 
 of a man or strange object will drive them pell-mell instantly into the water. 
 
 The natives have been provided with whistles, and when a boat finds itself nenr a rookery (and a 
 pretence for its presence is easily found) good use is made of them with a consequent confusion among 
 the seals, and a probable increase in the next morning's drive. And yet a stranger on the islands is 
 bamboozled with the information that his presence a few yards from the village is fraught with great 
 danger to the Company's interests. 
 
 The breeding seals on the rookeries represent the principal of the sealing industry, while the quota 
 of 100,000 skins token annually for the jiast twenty yeors is the interest on the principal. Owing to 
 poaching and the cflects of driving and culling the principal has become seriously impaired, so that it 
 is no longer possible to pay this large rate of interest. The work on the islands has been directed 
 entirely to collecting this interest at any cost. The principal was left to take care of itself 
 
 The decrease in seal life began about ten years ago ; before then it was an easy matter to secure 
 100,000 skins n-year from St. George's Island, the rookeries near the village of St. Paul, and at North- 
 
■ TTT*"^. T""" ".-T7, — V - 
 
 <«i 
 
 ■!?T1^ 
 
 1«9 
 
 :h they 
 
 east Puint. Tlio rookeries at I'ulavina and Zapadnie were theu never driven fruin. But tea years ago 
 it became absolutely necessary, in urdor to secure the full quota of skins, to make drives f^om these 
 places, and the custom has been continued since, to the great injury of the seal business. 
 
 But these drives from Polaviiia and Zapadnie, and the decrease in SL'al life, seem to liavo been 
 carefully concealed from the Governmgnt and others interested in the welfare of the seals ; in fact, it has 
 been strongly put forth in the Keports of the Treasury Agents in charge nnd elsewhere tliat tlie seals 
 have actually greatly increased in numbers ; but a comparison of the sketches alone in Iklr. Elliott's 
 "Monograph of the Seal Islands," made in 1873-74 and 187G, with the actual condition of affairs at 
 present on the islands, will convince any one that the opinions and Repiuts of political appointees are 
 almost worthless wiien de»' .ig with the fate of the fur-senl. 
 
 How I'DU it bo otherwise < Their tenure of office exists only witii tliut of the Secretary of the 
 Treasury ; with every change of that oflice new men who know nothing of seals are sent up, and these 
 men are entirely dependent on the seal Company oven for their passage and board while there. All 
 visitors to the islands are regarded as interlopers and meddlers. 
 
 It niny be interesting for a moment to compare the management of the Russian side of Itehring 
 Sea with our own. I Jr. Stejneger, of the National Museum, who has si)ent several seasons on the 
 Connnander Islands, assures me that, instead of decreasing, the fur-seals there aw actiudly increasing 
 in numbers. A comparison of the Kussiau ideas of sen! management with our own will readily show 
 the reason. Tlie necessity for great care in the driving and management of the drive seems to be a 
 fixed fact in the minds of the Russian otticials and natives of the Connnander Islands, while on the 
 I'ribylofr Islands not the slightest interest is taken in the matter. On the Russian side the imtives are 
 firm in the belief that their interests lie in the proper care of tlie .seals ; consequently, when a drive is 
 made, it is composed of many small drives carefully selected and slowly driven, so that the large and 
 small seals laifit for killing are gradually weeded out, ami when the drive reaches the killing grounds 
 it is composed almost entirely of killablo seals. 
 
 On the American side, on the contrary, the .seals are driven as fust as possible, the only ones 
 weeded out lieing those too weak to go further, while of those nnindcd up on the killing ground by far 
 the greater munber arc allowed to escape. Out of a drive of 1,103 counted by me only 120 were 
 killed; the rest Mere released. On tlie Russian side, it is a settled fact that the islands and seals 
 belong to the Itussian Government, and that the Company taking the .skins has only certain restricted 
 rights for that purpose ; but on the American side it seems to be a settled fact, at least in the minds of 
 the Company's ]ieople, that they own the seals and tlie islands, while the duty of the (iovernment is to 
 collect the tax and apjwint Agents to subserve the interests of the Company only. The natives are 
 utterly dependent on the seal (,'omjiany for their sui)])ort, and while having a very vague idea that 
 somehow the Government is a big thing, they naturally look to the Company for everything affecting 
 their interests. 
 
 Sealers have no doubt about the fate that woidd be their lot if eauglil [loaehing on the 
 (.'omniander Islands, or within 3 miles of their shores, and accordingly have given tiiem a wide berth ; 
 but they have heretofore done as they pleased about the I'ribylofl' Islands, a'nl even on the rookeries. 
 In the absence of the revenue-cutters the islands are utterly defenceless, ann liable at any time tc 
 be raided. 
 
 I have only touciied lightly upon scvend questions of the .sealing indu.stry, and have by no means 
 exhausted the subject; but enough has been .said, I think, to show that if an industry which eifjliteen 
 months ago was expected to pay the Government a net profit of over 2,000 per cent., and is, besides, a 
 great natural exhibit, the only one of the kind America can produce, is to be saved, reform is necessary. 
 For twenty years the fur-seal has been the spoil of politics and the victim of the poacher. In- 
 experience on the one liand, and avarice on the other, have well nigh ruin^id the industry in American 
 waters. 
 
 There are then two chief caase.s of the decrease of seal life on the I'ribyloU' fslanils — poaching in 
 Behring Sea, and the driving and culling of the seals on the islands. The lemedy is simple: — 
 
 1. No seals .should be killed by any one at any time in the waters of Behring Sea. 
 
 2. All seals driven on the islands sliould be killed ; none should be driven and again allowed to 
 enter the sea. 
 
 These remedies are no' new. Nearly twenty years ago Captain Daniel AN'elwter, whose knowledge 
 and experience of sealing are second to none, said, |>ointing to the drive, " Kvery (»ne of them should be 
 killed, none should l)e allowed to return to the water," and gave reasons which, while unsupported by 
 evidence then, and which, in view of the immense abundance of seal life, seemed absurd at the time, 
 are now begiiming to be accepted as true. 
 
 There should also be a close time for at least five years to aLo \ ' -.e rookeries to be replenished, 
 and then by careful nuinagement by a bureau and employt's of the (.iovernment, trained in the know- 
 ledge and care of animal life, a rich and profitable industry will be saved. 
 
 (Signed) WILLIAM I'ALMKK. 
 
 United States' National Museum, ]rashinytan, D.V. 
 
 
 , 
 
390 
 
 ]6.—h'xtr>irt Jrum Ihn MtlUnn-nc " Anjwi" Dereiiib<r 17, 1887, referred to tnj Mr. F. Chapman, 
 
 Skai.kks at Wohk. 
 
 (I'y .rimit's MTihii', Burvivor from tliu wrunk of tlio " Derry C.wtlc") 
 
 Wlien I wioto Uw iiii'oiint of " Life on tliu Aiickliuul IhIiiikIh," wliii'h Iin8 jiwt a|i|K>iire(l in "This 
 ArRus," I puiposeiy enid nothing ii'Mtiit tliu Awnrim iiniichiii>{ si-nln wimii h\w visited I'ort Hoss, and picked 
 us up wliiii* we \U'ie I'DHt iiway there. It did not lieconie inc to tell tales n>{ainflt my benefactor, but 
 inasmuch m the captnin's admission of the poaching' has been jiublislied in all tlie newspapers, I mny 
 as well describe how seal hunting if* done. The work is the most dauHeiflUs and arduous that men can 
 do. It is besides so ill paid, thai, few but Maoris will undergo the risk and tlic Imnlship on' the terms 
 which custom has assigneil to the enterprise. The owner of the soalinjj-vessel yot« nearly nil the 
 l)cne(it if many seals are taken, and if the trip is untfuceessful — which is very seldom the case, owin^ 
 to the surprisinj,' boldness and »'nduranco of the Maoris — he loses comparatively little. The Maoris 
 ogreo to raticm themselves, to work the vessel, and to catch the seals at so nnich iior skin, less the cost 
 of the provisions put on boaul the vessel upon tlie requisition of the crew at the time of commencing 
 the cruize. If only enough .^kins are secured to pay for the stores the Maoris got nothing for their 
 work, while tlie owner has the proKt of the .skins at the price they are worth in the London market to 
 recoup him for the use of the vessel and for paying the captain's wages. The rule, I believe, is that 
 the sealers have far worse than a sailor's life at less than a sailor's pay, but year after year crews are 
 found ready to engage in the chase. The men are engaged by a Headman, to whom alone they are 
 subject, and who directs the sealing operations. The ciew (through their Chief) dotorinino what places 
 shall be visited, and when they shall return home. The captain has simply to navigate the vessel fron> 
 one haunt of the seals — called a " rookery " — to another, in order that the men who are on shares may 
 have the l)est opportunity of doing well a.s far ns they are inclined out of the trip. 
 
 • ••••»• 
 
 We agieeii to go with the sealers, and forthwith all hands set about preparing for the expedition, 
 repairing the whale-bont, cutting .foal-clubj, making bullets, and packing up. Then a start was made 
 for a " whig rookery " at Knderby Island. A " rookery " is a liotne of seals in the interstices of rocks 
 near the water's edge. Wlmt sealers know as a " whig rookery " is one which is only occasionally the 
 haunt of adult .seals, and is not a breeding jdace. The " take " de[iends upon whether the seals happen 
 to be " at home " or not. Thev were not " at home " on this occasion. 
 
 The next "rookery" chosen for a visit was at North-west Cape, 7 miles from Pc "^ IJoss, and 
 across mountains over 1,000 feet high. We found the track blocked up with snow, so " we were 
 waiting for the snow to melt on the hills hunting excursions were made, and three • 'f;s were 
 
 killed. 
 
 The sealer is armed with a club, whicli is u stick with a hook at one end. The club is used to 
 stun the seals liy striking them on the nose at close iiuarters, an<l the hook serves to bring to a halt seals 
 which are esca])iiig from their boles, or rookeries, into the sea when they are attacked by the hunters. 
 To reach the rookcriijs, which nre on the face of steep cliffs, invariably on the weather side of the 
 islands, the seahn's lia\e to travel o\er the mountains from the sheltered side, where their vessel lies at 
 >inchor. The.se journeys, which are made in winter while the snow is falling heavily, and over almost 
 inpossable country, are toilsome and exhau.sting in the extreme. The men can carry little food or 
 bluiikets in addition to the ecjuipment for circumventing the seals, and half starved, and without any 
 sin Iter beyond what the rocks n fiord, thej' for several days ptnsue the seals until all the prey is either 
 killed or driven away. Hut it is in descending the cliffs to reach the rookeries that the most 
 dangei-ous part of the work is done. Sometimes there is a sheer descent of 1,000 feet to the sea, on 
 the edge of which tlu! seals make their home. The men are let down one after another by tlieir 
 companions, some of whom remain above to haul up their comrades and the skins when the hunt is 
 over. When the scene of action is reached the boots nre replaced with a soit of plaited slipper, made 
 by the JIaoris, and which gives a better foothold on the slippery rocks when leaping about after the 
 escaping seals. The rookeries nre formed by ma.sse3 of rock falling from the cliffs. In time they get 
 covered over with efuth, so as to form a sort of roof. It is only in these places that the fur-seal, which 
 is the valuable article of connnerce, is found. The hair-seal is of no value, as the hide is too oily to tan 
 into ordinary leather. The seals go into the rookeries to breed and to sleep after a spell at sea, and the 
 hunters have to creep into the holes and crevices between the rocks to get them. Tlie seal Will fight 
 hard when put to it. The old seols are mostly spared, as their fur is often torn from fighting, or worn 
 off by rubbin'T against the rocks, and they are left to multiply the species. When an old seal is met 
 with the hunter lies perfectly flat, and allows the animal to creep over him. Sometimes the seals get 
 so far back in the rocks that a man cannot follow them, in which case they are pulled out to a more 
 open space by menus of the hook and clubbed. While the hunters are raiding the interior of the 
 rookeries, some of the party stay outside to intercept any that may try to escape, like fox terriers 
 watching the holes of a warren till the rabbits bolt. After knocking all the seals on the nose and 
 sticking them in the first onslaught, the hunters proceed to skin the animals. The carcasses are thrown 
 into the water. If they were left on the rocks the seals would avoid the place for a considerable 
 time. 
 
 The North-west Hookery, which, as I have said, was one of the first visited by the party, can only 
 be reached by crossing a " razor-back," or conical-shaped causeway, which comes to a sharp point with 
 the sea, 700 feet below, on both sides. Some of the man walked it, but others of less iron nerve 
 
tan. 
 
 JHHi 
 
 101 
 
 i.ii)88eil (uttriuldle. Tliu ilun)j;or is increased owing to the friable natun^ o( tiio soil, wliich idipa from 
 
 iiiiiloi' tliu I'lii-t. Tlio 7 iiiik'it walk tu the ruokirv and Itack to Port Hosh jh ouo o( Dw most suvoro on 
 
 tlio isliinil A fo^' uaniu on, mid the party lost tliuir way niuong tlio liills. Thoy divided into pairs, and 
 
 some did not uet buck for liours after tlio others, 
 
 • " • • • • • 
 
 A roiij^h trip was niiido in tlio whale-boat to the Oovernmeiit deix*)t at ('aruley Harljour, in the 
 li(ipi> llmt s6ino l»ooti< would be obtained for our party, who much needed them, but there wore no liootH 
 tiieiv ; but wu not soiiu! cidllies. 
 
 A Htiirt was made ai loss the island next niorniiifj to the Ked Rock Tiookery on the western side. 
 Our loiijjest rope (],()()t) feet) iciiuiied thii.'« nun to carry it, each havinj? a coil on his siioulders, with a 
 slack piece between the beun^is. The total descent to the rookery was 800 feet, and it was undertaken 
 in two loii^tli!), tile first landin}{-)daoo Using at a drop of about 500 feet. The liist man who (tied by 
 the waist) is let down runs }{ivat risk from dislod(;ing loose stones, which may fall upon bis head. As 
 ho giws down, a look-out man, oil a projectiiij,' point, gives the signal to "stop" or to "lower away" 
 from time to time. When live men got on to the fiist ledge, they helped each other lo get to the 
 bottom, while comiiiuiiicatioii was maintained with those overhead by means of notes stuck in a 
 strand of tiie rope, which was hauled up on a signal being given. If firewood is lo 1m> got it is thrown 
 down on to the rocks, but at the rookery I am siieaking of the shore was lined with plenty of fuel from 
 the wreck of tiie " Deny Castle." 
 
 After the sealing party had descended, their comrodes made another trip back to the boat for more 
 recpiisites for camping as comfortably as possible, as this place is the head-<iuarters for attacking all 
 the rookerit's in the b)cality, all of wliich ai-e within a radius of 15 miles. 
 
 On the fourth doy the hunters reappeared, and signified to those who had kept a constant watch 
 on their movements to see if they wanted anything sent down, that the hunting was over. Ihey sent 
 up forty-two .skins, whicli was more than they expected, and when the whole of the party mustered 
 again on the top of the mountain, they were in very good spirits accordingly. 
 
 The next rookery chosen for a raid was called " The I'oiiit," because the lowering is down from 
 the end of <\ promontory. The landing-place is a narrow piece of sward sloping towards the sea, which 
 is about 100 yards lower down. 
 
 The " Cave " Kookory, so designated because the seals are found in a natural cave, and the 
 Nineteen Itookery, whose title indicates the number of skins taken when it was first visited. These 
 were assailed in turn, and while waiting for snow, which put a stop to further active o|jeratipns, to 
 melt, the skins were tluly salted and rolled up in the peculiar manner which prevents the inside of the 
 pelt touching and injuring the fur. 
 
 The next and last rookery visited was of a diffuient nature to all the others. It is " The iSwinger," 
 because the sealers liuve to swing 80 yards acrn a chasm, threugh which the sea surges with great 
 fury, to gel to where the seals are. The cliff is i:lo30 on 1,000 feet high, and overhang.s the sea. The 
 art of getting safely across the chasm is to place the loop for the foothold in the rope at exactly the 
 proper length for the leap, so that you will strike the landing-place, instead of being dashed by the 
 momeiituiii of tlie swing against ihe rocks if the loop is too long, or swing fruitlessly back if it is too 
 .short. Only a few skins were got, and the pnrty were greatly disappointed after all their risk and 
 labour. Tlie total take of .skins was 178. 
 
 A start was made to return to the vessel. Again heavy snow fell, and it was not possible to 
 leave Nornuin Inlet for two days, but finally the schooner was reached. 
 
 1 
 
 can only 
 int with 
 on nerve 
 
 On arriving at the boat from Norman Inlet the question was debated whether we should proceed 
 tj the Cam])iJell Islands and pmlong the trip at least two months, or close it at once and get back 
 iunne. Captain Drew was in favour of coming away, chiefly becau.se the young seal-skins, which were 
 tiie greati.-r portion of the take, were not properly "primed " by age and salt water to be of the full 
 value. 
 
 17. — Extradu fivm I'lim/ih/d /<// Jfr. A. J/'. Scott on (he Fur-seals of the Southern Ifniiis^ihcrc, 1873. 
 
 lu " Jlamiualia, J>eceiil and Extinct," publislied in Sydney by the Government of New South 
 Wales, Mr. A \V. ScoU writes as follows ; — 
 
 "I hiive endeavoured . . . , by devoling as inucli space as my limils would permit, to tiie 
 consideration of the nnimals wliose product.s are of .such commercial value to man, and wjiose extinction 
 W(ai!d so seriously affect his interests, to point out the pressing necessity that exists for devising the 
 ineaiis of jirotectioii for the fur-seals and the sjierm and right wliales of tlie Soutliern Ocean. 
 
 '•'Tlie islands of the Southern Seas, now lying barren and waste, are not only iiunierous, luit 
 admirably suited fur the production ' and manaaement of tliese valuable animaL^j, and iiei'd only the 
 (simple liegnlalionseiiforced by the American Legislature to resuscitate the jiicseiit state of decay of a 
 once remunerative trade, and to liring into fidl vigour another important export to the many wo 
 already possess. 
 
 "A detailed account of the iiabita of the fur-seal of the Auckland Islands lia;i leceiilly been given 
 liy Mr. Mu.sgrave" (narrative of the wreck of the " Grafton," Melliourne, 1805) "which he actiuiifd 
 during a compulsory residence in their midst of nearly twenty months. Of the females, lie relates tha 
 ' their nose resembles that of a dog, but is somewhat broader ; their scent appears to be very acute. Tiie 
 eyes are large, of a green colour, watery, and lustreless. When on shore thoy appear lo be constantly 
 weeping. 
 
 '• ' III the latter part of December, and during the whole of January, they are on shore a great 
 [305] 2 C 
 
 
 
 ! 
 
 I ' 
 
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 'Ik 
 
 !fi"1 
 
 •'■.»L 
 
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 ?\i;:»-.r ;■ "' ■■• • ■ . ! r ■■■■■'>.■; ■■-•.-■"^■•■■•v- >,!■■' ' - •-•"■t» '-■•»-' -■-'-;'■ , ' ■ ■ ■ ' ' ' ■ t ■ • - :7f»V'i>"?< ■-v'S^Ti/.^wjT^A''^ 
 
 102 
 
 (leal, and go wandering separately through the bush, and into the long rrass on the sides of the moun- 
 tains above the bush, constantly bellowing out in the most dismal manner. They are undoubtedly 
 looking out for a place suitable for calving in. I have known them go to a distance of more than a 
 mile from the water for this purpose. . 
 
 " ' Females begin to breed when 2 years old, and caiTy their calves eleven mouths, and suckle them 
 for about three months. 
 
 " ' Before they have their calves the cows lie sometimes in small mobs (from twelve to twenty), as 
 well as while giving suck, and there arc generally one or two bulls in each mob. The cows ara evidently 
 by far the most numerous.' 
 
 " Of the habits of the very young, h"? says : — 
 
 " ' It might be supposed tluit these unimals, even when young, would readily go into the water — 
 that being one of their naturtd instincts — but, strange to say, such is not tlie case ; it is only with the 
 greatest difficulty, and a wonderful display of patience, tliat the mother succeeds in getting her young 
 iu for the first time. I liave known a cow to be tlneo days getting her calf down hHlf-a-mile, and into 
 the water ; and, what is most surprising of all, it cannot swim when it is in the water. This is a most 
 amusing fact. Tlio mother gets it on her back, and swims along very gently on the top of the water, 
 but the poor little thing is bleating all the while, and continually fulling from its slippery position, 
 when it will splutter aboiit in the water precisely like a little boy who gets beyond his depth and 
 cannot swim. Then the motlier gets beneath it, and it again gets on her back. Thus they go on, the 
 mother frequently giving an angry bellow, the young one constantly bleating and crying, frequently 
 falling off, spluttering and getting on again, very often getting a slap from tlie flipper of tiie mother, 
 and sometimes .she gives it a very cruel bite. The poor little animals are very often seen with theii 
 skins pierced and lacerated in the most frightful manner. In this manner they go on until they hfive 
 made their passage to whatever place she wishes to take her young one to.' 
 " The males are ilescribed thus : — 
 
 '• • One of a medium size will measure about 6 feet from nose to tail, and about C or 7 feet in 
 circumference, and weigh about 5 cwt. They by far exceed these dimensions. The fur and skin 
 are superior to those of the female, being much thicker. On the neck and shoulders he has a thicker, 
 longer, and umch coarser coat of fur, which may be tdniost termed bristles ; it is from 3 to 4 inches 
 long, and can be loittled up and made to stand ei-ect at will, which is always done when they attack 
 each other on shore or are surprised, sitting as a dog would do, Avith their heail erect, and looking 
 towards the object of their surprise, and in this attitude they have all the appearance of a lion. They 
 begin to come into the bays in the month of October and remain until the latter end of Februaiy, each 
 one selecting tind taking up his own particular beat in a great measure ; but sometimes there are 
 several about the same place, in which case they fight most furiously, never coming in contact with 
 each other (either in or out of the vvater) without engaging in the most desperate combat, tearing laige 
 pieces of skin and flesh from each other; their skiiis are always full of wounds and scars, which, 
 however, apiJear to heal very quickly. 
 
 " ' At this place wc saw hundreds of seals ; both the aliores and the water were literally swarming 
 with them, both the tiger and black .seal, but in general the tiger seals keep one side of the harbour, 
 and the black seals, which are much ihe largest, the other side, but in one instance wo saw a black and 
 
 a tiger seal fighting." 
 
 " Mr. Morris, of Sydney, for many years a sealer by profession, iu addition to the infonnation 
 already quoted iu p. 15, has kindly furnished me with the following interesting particulars of the 
 history of the southern fur-seal fishery and the habits f the animal, which have the advantage of 
 being derived from his own [wrsonal experience. 
 
 " From liim I learned the following parliculai-s : — 
 
 " ' The females iu September come on shore to pup, and remain until about Marcli The pups are 
 bom black, but soon cJiange to grey or silvery grey. The herd tlien go to sea for the remaining 
 portion of the year, returning again in September with regularity. 
 
 "' During this absence in the sea the male pups have changed fi-oni the grey to alight brown 
 colour, wiiile the females remain unaltered. 
 
 "'In New South Wales the sealing trade was at its height from 1810 to 1820, the first systematic 
 promoter's of which were the Sydney firms of (.!able, Lord, and Underwood ; Rilie and Jones ; Biniie ; 
 and Hook and Campbell. The vessels employed by tliem were manned by crews of from twenty-five 
 to twenty-eight men each, and were fitted out for a cruize of twelve months. 
 
 " ' The mode of capture adopted was : The men selected for the shore party would njimber from 
 si.\ to eighteen, this being regulated by the more or less numerous gathering of .seals seen in the 
 rookery. These men always land well to leewaixl, as the scent of the animal is very keen, and 
 cautiously keep along the edge of the water in order to cut off the jrossibility of retreat ; then when 
 abreast of the mob they ajjproach the seals und driv ) tliem up the beach to some convenient siwt, as a 
 small nook or naturally formed indosui-e ; tliis accompiished, one or two men go in to the attack, while 
 the others remain engaged in preventing outbreaks. As soon as a sufficient number have Iteen slain 
 to erect a wall of the dead, then all hands rush in to the general massacre.' " 
 
ppippipinpfniipipppp"^^ 
 
 ( 193 ) 
 
 mm, 
 
 WliiP 
 
 
 APPENDIX (E). 
 
 
 Seal Peeserv 
 
 ATION EeGDLATIOKS AND OkI)IN\XCES. 
 
 Falklnnd IslnntU. 
 Ciipe of Good Hope. 
 
 Orcenlnnd 3ca». 
 
 Jnpan. 
 Nowfonndlnnd 
 
 
 Falkland Islands. 
 
 
 By his Excellency Thomas Kerr, 
 
 Governor. 
 
 
 No. 4. 1881. 
 
 - 
 
 ■J 
 
 ;'.!i 
 
 ■1 
 
 ; 
 
 ■ 'l 
 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 An Ordinance to proviiU for the cstabHshment of a Close Time in the Seal Fishery of the lulklixwl 
 Islands and their Dependeneies and the Seas adjaeent thereto. 
 
 Whereas the seal hiihery of these islands, which was at one time h soui-ce of profit und advantage 
 to the colonists, has been exhausted by indiscriminate and wasteful fishing, and it is desirable to 
 revive and protect this iadustiy by the establishment oi a close time during which it shall be unlawful 
 to kill or capture seals within the limits of this Colony and its dependencies. 
 
 Be it therefore enacted by the Governor of the Falkland Islands and their dependencies, witli the 
 advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof, as follows : — 
 
 1. No person shall kill or capture, or attempt to kill or capture, any seal within the limits of this 
 Colony and its dependencies, lietween the days hereinafter mentioned (which interval is liercinafter 
 "•efened to as the close season), tliat is to say, between the 1st day of October and the 1st day of April 
 following, both inclusive, and any peraon acting in contmventiou of this section shall forfeit any seals 
 killed or captured by him, and shall, in addition thereto, incur a penalty not exceeding 100/., and a 
 further penalty of 5/. in respect of every seal so killed or captured. 
 
 2. Any owner or master, or other person in chai-ge of any ship or vessel, who shall i)crmit such 
 .ship or vessel to be employed in killing or capturing seals, or who shall permit any jici-sou l)elonging to 
 such ship or vessel to be employeii in killing or capturing as aforesaid during tiie close season, shall 
 forfeit any seals so killed or captured, and, in addition thereto, shall he lialde to a penalty not 
 exceeding 300/. for each offence. 
 
 3. Every offence under this Ordinauc? may be prosecuted, and every itenalty under this 
 Oi-dinance may be recovered, before the Police Magistrate or any two Justices of tlie Peace in a 
 .summary manner, or by action in the Supreme Court of this Colony, together witli full co.sts of suit : 
 Provided that the penalty im^wsed by the Police Magistrate or two Justices sluill not exceed 100/., 
 exclusive of costs. 
 
 One-half of every penalty recovered under this Ordinance shall be paid to tlie i)erson who 
 prosecuted the offence or sued for such penalty. 
 
 All fines, forfeitures, and penalties recovered under tliis Ordinance, where not r)therwi»e herein- 
 before provideil, shall be to Her Majesty, lier heire and successors, und shall be paid to tlie Treasurer 
 for the use of the Government of this Colony. 
 
 For all purposes of and incidental to the triid and |)unishment of any per.son accused of any 
 offence under this Ordinance, and the proceedings and matters preliminary ami incidental to and 
 consequential on ids trial and punishment, and for all purposes of and incidental to the jurisdiction of 
 any Court, or of any constable or officer with reference to such offence, the offence shall bo deemed to 
 have been cOiiiinitted either in the place in which it was actu iMy committed, or in any place in whi';h 
 tlie offender may for the time being be found. 
 
 4. Where the owner or muster of a ship or ves3el i^ ;'ljadged to pay a penalty for an offence 
 under this Ordinance, tlie Court iiiay, in addition to any oHi.-i ^Kjwer they may have for the luirpose of 
 (iompelling payment of such penalty, direct the same to be i-joed by distress or arrestment, and sile of 
 the said ship or vessel and her tackle. 
 
 5. In this Ordinance the expression " seal " means the " fur-seal," the " sea-otter," the " hair-se il," 
 the " sea-elephant," the •' sea-leopanl," and the " sea-dog," and includes any animal of the seal kind 
 which may be found within the limits of this Colony and its dependencies. 
 
 C. This Ordiuunce may be cited as "The Seal Fishery Oixlinaiice, 18KI." 
 
 (Seal) (Signed) T. KV.UU, Governor 
 
 Passed the Legislative Council this 27th day of December, 1881. 
 (Signed) JouN Wkiqht Collins. 
 
 Clerk to the Council, 
 
 CICM time for 
 letl 6i!hMy, 
 and peiultlea 
 (or bmeh. 
 
 Liability of 
 owner aad 
 mualer of abip. 
 
 Prwcculioo <■( 
 oRencet. 
 
 Liability ot 
 sliip tu 
 fcnalty. 
 
 UiAiiitiou or 
 -Hal." 
 
 m ort title. 
 
 [306] 
 
 2 2 
 
iJ.u, '. 'u.-iUilMIVp 
 
 :.^-' -^p<-;.,, j™j^.^(-. 
 
 »:"?^jr— i^i 
 
 104 
 
 C'Ai'K OF Good Hopk. 
 
 Cape Oovernmenl Notice. 
 
 Seal IslaivL 
 
 His Excellency the Governor, having heen pleased to decide that the seal island in Mosscl 13ny 
 shall not be granted on lease for the prese^nt, hereby proliil)its all persons from distnrbing the seals on 
 the said island, and warns them from tresjjassing there after this notice on ])ain of prosecution. 
 
 By Comman<.i of his Excellency the (Jovernor, 
 ■ - (Signed) JOHN MONTAGUE, 
 
 Secretary to Goternment. 
 Colonial Office, Cape of (load Hope, 
 Avril 12, 1844. 
 
 [Tasmania. See p. 158.] 
 
 Jai'an. 
 Regulations for i/u Protection of the Fur-Sml Fishei-y issued hj tlie Japanese Government in Octolm- 187s. 
 
 Article 1. In view of protectuig seal-hunting and checking foieigu poacher.^, n vessel of foreign 
 type shall be commissioned to cruize iu the neighbourhood of Itrup. " Chishimamaru " shall be com- 
 missioned for this purpose for the time being. 
 
 Art. 2. The mode of killing shall mainly be by clubbuig, and the u.se of gims shall be avoided us 
 mnch 'ts possible. 
 
 Art 3. Young .seals shall be spared as much as possible 
 
 Art. 4. The number of seals to be caught within 1 ri of coast-line shall not exceed forty-hve per 
 annum. 
 
 Art. 5. Between the months of May and November the killing of seals within 1 ri of coast'lints 
 is prohibited. 
 
 Art 6. Any person who catches m ounded o: crippled seals washed ashore, even within the 
 prohibition limit, shall be paid in money or in kind according to the quality of the skin. 
 
 Art 7. To prevent the decrease of seals Ly careless chasing and wanton killing, special care shall 
 always be taken, and the preventive method shall L? established. 
 
 Art 8. The number of seals taken will be inspected, and their skins shall fix the proof of their 
 ages. 
 
 Art. 9. The covering and breeding seasons, &c, shall be carefully oscertained by practical 
 observations. 
 
 Art. lU. Practical observations and investigation;; shall be made as to the truth of the seals losing 
 or changing the colour of their fur according to c'iHerent seasons. 
 
 Art. 11. An actual investigation shall be muile as to how many seals can be caught annually if tho 
 use of guns be discontinued, and clubs aud Itows and arrows l)e adopted instead. 
 
 Art 12. While out hunting, if anything occurs likely to form an object for future investigation, a 
 minute reconi shall be kept 
 
 Art 13. While the present Reguiatioi.s shall be strictly obeyed by all those wiio ai-e responsibU- 
 for seal-hunting, they can address themselvts to tlie autliorities to effect recpiired ameudments in r.isi' 
 practical inconveniences shall have been exporienced. 
 
 Seal and Otter Catchimj. 
 
 Wo hereby give our sanction to the Ifegnlations for catching seals and sea-otters, and fur the sab; 
 mid inipmtatinn of their raw skiiirs, and order the same to be promulgated. 
 
 [His Imperial Majesty's Sign-Manual.] 
 [I'rivy Seal.] 
 
 The l-jtli day of the 12th month, l(»th yeor of Meiji (1880). 
 Countersigned by Count Ito Hirobi'mi, 
 
 Minister Presid. I of the Cahinet, 
 Ctiunt Yamaciata Ari jmo, 
 
 Minister of State for Home Affairs. 
 Count Matsukata Masavosiii, 
 
 Minister of State fw Finance. 
 Count YAMAtlATA AniTOMo, 
 
 Minister of State for Atpnculture and Commerce. 
 
 iss^ssss^^ssssssBm^Msmsx- 
 
m¥wifii!im!imf>^^ 
 
 ion 
 
 Jinperml Ordna^ice A'o. 80. 
 
 Regulaliom for Catdiiiig SeaU an I Sea- (titers, ami for the Side and Imp<yrtatioH of their Raw Skins. 
 
 Article 1. I'eraons who liave obtiiine'.l the special periiiission of the Jlinister of State for Agi'icul- 
 ture and Commerce, in ncconlance with (In? seeonil paragraph of Decree No. 16 of the 17th year 
 of Meiji, may eiijjage in catching seals and seal-Qtters . during the term, and within the limits of tlie 
 places, specified for the pui-pose by the Hokkaido Loral (jlovernment. 
 
 Every iieraon catching seals and sea-otters sliall at all times carry a certificate of sucli permission, 
 and whenever, wliether at sea or on shore, any ollicer supervising seal and seal-otter catching, or any 
 police ofticcr, demands to inspect tiie certificate, tlie same shall be immediately produced. 
 
 Art. 2. Any person engaging in catching seals and sea-otters shall, on arrival in Hokkaido, report 
 tlie name and tonnage of tlie vessel and the names of her crew to an officer designated by tlie Hokkaido 
 Local Government Office for that purpose, and shall at all times exhibit, on the mast or in some other 
 conspicuous position in the vessel, a signal specially adopted by the Hokkaido Local Government Office 
 for vessels engaged in catching seals and sea-ottere. 
 
 Art. 3. Any person desiring to sell the raw skins of seals and sea-otters shall produce the same 
 to the officer mentioned in Article 2 hereof, and shall have the seal (n brand may lx> used instead 
 of a seal) of the said officei stampetl thereon. No person shall be permitted to sell skins not bearing 
 such stamp. 
 
 Art. 4. Whenever it is found tliat any person is importing the skins of seals and sea-otters not 
 stamped by the officer, as provided in the preceding Article, into any port of the Empire, or is staying 
 in any port of the Empire with such skins laden on boanl a vessel, or is selling, or attempting to sell, 
 such skins in the market, the Customs or police officers shall seize the same, and shall immediAtcly 
 make complaint to the competent authorities. 
 
 But the raw skins of seals and sea-otters caught within the territory of Kussia or of the United 
 States of America, with the permission of the Governments of those countries respectively, may be 
 imported into the Empire, provided the owner or master of the vessel first produces a certificate issued 
 by a competent authority of Itussia or the Unite<l States, or by a Bussian or United States' Consul 
 residing in Japan. a 
 
 Details of Procedure to carry out the Jiegulations contrdling tlic Seal and Sea-Otter ffuntinff, 
 
 May 10, 1888. 
 
 Article 1. The open season for seal and sea-otter hunting shall be from the 15th April to the 
 3l8t October in each year. 
 
 Art 2. The area of hunting shall be all the islands situated eastward of Itrup, and southward of 
 Shimshu, of the Kuriles, and it will be divided into thive sections, and every year only one of these 
 seetions shall be opened for hunting. 
 
 The first section includes .seven islands, i.e., Itrup, Chirihoi, Buteltchelboa [?], Broughtou, Baikok($, 
 Mushir, and Chirinkotan. 
 
 The second section includes six islands, i.e., Shimsh' ^hiritoi, Ushishir, Sletonepa [?], Bashua, and 
 Matsua. 
 
 The third section includes twelve islands, i.e., Shaniiekotan, Vekkcinia [?], Karreukotan, <lune- 
 kotan, Anos, Makanislii, Shurenwa [?], Pa^uiushir, Holt, Cockscar, Annii, and .Shimshu. 
 
 Art. 3. When o boat is going out for hunting, her name, tonnage, uid the i ames of tlu' crew shall 
 lie reported for inspection to the branch office of seal and sea-otter hunting supurintendiii', authorities, 
 either at Nemuro, in the county of Neinuro, or at Shikotan, in the county of Chishima. 
 
 Art. 4. When the branch office of seal and sea-otter hunting superintending authorities find the 
 report mentioned in Article 3 in due form on inspection, it will give to the boat a flag hereinafter 
 shown. 
 
 Art. 5. Any person who wishes to export and sell the raw hiiles of his catch shull produce them 
 to the Shikotan branch of the seal and nea-otter hunting superintending authorities, and *)hall have 
 them stamiied. 
 
 3 
 I 
 
 ■1 : 
 
 Newfoundland. 
 
 In reply to an inquiry as to the Regulations for the protection of the hair-.seal fishery in New- 
 foundland, information to the following effect was kindly furnished liy Sir Terence (J'lJrien, K.C.M.G., 
 the Governor of that Colony. 
 
 The accompanying Acts will furnish the whole legislation on the matter. 
 
 The Uegulations extend to all vessels imder the British flag, there being no foreign vessels engaged 
 in the fishery. 
 
 The Uegulations are acknowledged to be effectual, and were much needed for the preservation of 
 the seals. 
 
 The means taken to enforce the liegnlations will bo found in the Acts above mentioned, which, it 
 may be added, have no force in extra-territoriol waters as such. 
 
 i 
 
psr-w^ 
 
 -._*!« ■t";''4;";-:,-;''.w»i'-.f^;j'xj;'., i>*;'v-*'-'(fr.. ',. t." 
 
 lOtt 
 
 Newfoundland. 
 Acts respecting the Prosecution of the Seal Fishery. 
 
 Asm QDADBAQESIMO SkCUNDO YiCTORLB liEOINAi. 
 
 Cap. I. — An Act respecting the Prosecution of the Seal FisJiery. 
 
 [Passed Fclmmry 22, 1879.J 
 Section. 
 
 1. 36 Viot., cap. 9, rapnled. 
 
 2. Stnmers not to tail before 10th March ; Penally. 
 
 3. Sailing-vessels not to sail before 1st March ; Penalty, 
 
 4. Seals not to be killed before 12th March; Penalty; Proviso; Kotice. 
 
 5. Cats not to be killed ; Penalty ; DeAnition ; Proviso. 
 
 6. Limitation. 
 
 7. Times of Clearance ; Proviso ; Sundays. 
 
 8. Recovery of Penalties ; Appropriation. 
 
 9. Appeal; Proviso; Reoogniiaooe. 
 
 Enictin; 
 
 3S Vict., 
 etp. 9, 
 repealed. 
 
 Steamers not 
 'to sail before 
 loth Match; 
 Penalty. 
 Bailing-veiKlB 
 not to uU 
 bafera 
 lit March ; 
 Penalty. 
 Saala not to 
 be killed 
 before 
 
 12th March ; 
 Penalty; 
 
 Provito; 
 JTotice. 
 
 Cata not to be 
 killed ; 
 
 Penalty; 
 
 ilefinilion; 
 
 Proviso. 
 
 Limitation. 
 
 Timeii of 
 nle.nranco ; 
 
 Proviso i 
 Sundays. 
 
 Beeovery of 
 penalties ; 
 
 Appropria- 
 tion; 
 
 Appeal ; 
 Proviso ; 
 
 R<!eo3ni7«Qcj, 
 
 Be it enacted by the Qovernor, Legislative Council, and Assembly, in legislative Session 
 convened, as follows : — 
 
 I. The Act passed in the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Her present Majesty, entitled " An Act 
 to regulate the IVt^ecution of the Seal Fishery," is hereby repealed. 
 
 II. No steamer shall leave port for the seal fishery before the lOtli day of March in any year, under 
 the penalty of 2,000 dollars, to be recovered from the owner or other person on whose account the 
 steamer shall have been sent to the seal fisheiy. 
 
 III. No sailing-vessel shall leave port for the seal fishery before the 1st day of March in any year 
 under the penalty of 400 dollars, to be recovered from the owner or other person on whose account 
 such vessel shall have been sent to such fishery. 
 
 IV. No seals shall be killed by the crew of any steamer or sailing-vessel before the T2th day of 
 March in any year, under a penalty of 4 dollars for every seal so killed, to be recovered from the owner 
 or other person as aforesaid, or from the master or crew of the said vessel, or from the parties receiving 
 the same, respectively : Provided, that in case of the owner or other person as aforesaid, that such 
 owner or other person received such seals with notice or knowledge that the same had been killed 
 before the 12th day of March in any year. 
 
 V. No inunature seals, known as cats, shall be killed by the crew of any steamer or sailing-vessel 
 at any time, under a penalty of 4 dollars for every such seal so killed, to be recovered from the receiver 
 of such seals, or from the master or crew of any such steamer or vessel. And it is hereby declared, a 
 young seal pelt of less weight than 28 lbs. shall be considered an immature, or cat seal : Provided, thut 
 no party or parties rafen'ed to in this section shall bo liable t^tlie penalties or fines herein stated, unless 
 it be proven that over 5 per cent, in number of seals taken on board or landed from such vessel are of 
 less weight, each, than 28 lbs. aforesaid. The fines and penalties mentioned in this section to rpply to 
 the excess over such 5 per cent. 
 
 VI. No action shall Ixj brought by any person to recover any penalty provided by this Act after 
 twelve months from the time such penalty shall have been incurred. 
 
 VII. No officer of Her Majesty's Customs in tliis Colony shall clear any steamer for a sealing 
 voyage before the 9th day of Mureh, or any fmiling-vesscl for a seaiiug voyage before tlie last day of 
 February; Provided, that in the event of eitlier of these days falling on Sunday, such vessels may )>e 
 cleared on the preceding Saturday. 
 
 VIII. AD penalties inemred under the provisions of this Act shall be sued for and recovered in u 
 summary manner l)efore a Stipendiary Magistrate, by any jKirson who may sue for the same ; one-half 
 of such |M)nalty shall go to the party who shall sue for and prosec\ile tiie same, and the reir.ainder to 
 the Receiver-General for the use of public hospitals. 
 
 IX. If any person shall feel himself aggrieved by any Judgment of a Stipendiary Magistrate, under 
 this Act, he shall have liberty to appeal therefrom to the then next sitting of Her Majesty's Supreme 
 Co\irt at St. John's : Provided, that notice of tiio same be given to tlie Miigistrate within twenty-four hours 
 after such Judgment shall have Ijeen delivered, and within five days thereafter recognizances, or otlier 
 security, with or without sureties, at the option of such Magistrate, shall be entered into to prosecuto 
 the aame without delay, and pay such amount as may be awarded, AVith i osts. 
 
 ^ 
 
^Pip^'WI^PffPlif'!^^ 
 
 197 
 
 Anno Quadbagesimo Sexto VicTORiiB Begins. 
 
 IS 
 
 
 . > 'A 
 
 Cap. I. — An Act to amend an Act passed in the 42n<l year of the Reign of Her present Majesty, entitled 
 " An Aet respecting the Prosecution of the Seal Fmery." 
 
 [Passed March 'i, 1883.] 
 
 S»;tioii. 
 
 1. 42 Viet, cap. 1, icctioM 2 ind 3> repealed. 
 
 2. Steamers not to mil before 6 a.m.. lUth Haroh; Penalty; ProTiao. 
 
 3. Sailing.veaseli not to nil before 6 a.m., Ut March ; Penaltjr ; Provtio. 
 
 Be it enacted by the Ailiniiiistrator to the Government, Legislative Council, and Assembly, in 
 TiCgisIative Session convened, as follows : — 
 
 I. The second and third sections of the Act passed in the forty-second year of the reign of Her 
 |iresent Majesty, entitled " An Act respecting the I'rosecntion of the Seal Fishery," are hereby 
 repealed. 
 
 II. No steamer shall leave port for the seal fishery before the hour of 6 o'clock in the forenoon on 
 the 10th day of March in any year, under the penalty of 2,000 dollars, to be recovered from the owner 
 or other person on whose account such steamer shall have been sent to such fishery. Provided that, in 
 the event of the said 10th day of March falling on Suuday, any steamer may leave port for sucli fishery 
 at any time after C o'clock in the forenoon of the previous day. 
 
 III. No sailing-vessel shall leave port for the seal fisheiy before the hour of 6 o'clock in the fore- 
 noon on the Ist day of March in any year, under the penalty of 400 dollars, to be recovered from the 
 owner or other person on whose account such vessel shall have been sent to such fishery. Provided 
 that, in the event of the said 1 st day of March falling on Sunday, any sailing-vessel may leave port for 
 such fishery at any time after 6 o'clock in the forenoon of the previous day. 
 
 SntetlDf 
 cImh. 
 
 4Siid Vict., 
 cap. I, Mct. 2 
 and S, 
 repealed. 
 Steamen not 
 to nil before 
 
 S A.II., 
 
 lOtb March ; 
 Penalty ; 
 ProTiio. 
 Sailing-TetMla- 
 not to tail 
 before 6 aji., 
 1st March ; 
 
 Ponalty ; 
 Proviso. 1 
 
 Anno Quinquagesimo VicToHi.t: Kegin.-k. 
 
 Cap. XXIII. — An Act to regulate the tdking of, and Ric/ht of Pmperty in, Seals. 
 
 Section. 
 
 1 . Right of property in seals. 
 
 2. When seals not to be killed ; Penalty. 
 
 3. Second trip of steamers ; Proviso. 
 
 4. Penalty; ProTiso. 
 
 5. Masters' penalty, 
 
 6. Term " seconil trip." 
 
 7. Complaints must be made within three months. 
 
 [Passed May 18, 1887.] 
 
 'I 
 
 ■■* 
 
 
 
 Be it enacted by the Administrator of tiie Government, the legislative Council, and House of 
 Assembly, in I^^gislative Session convened, as follows : — 
 
 I. In any action or proceeding for the recovery of, or in relation to, the property in seals, or seal- 
 lielts, killed by pereous engaged in or prosecuting the seal fishery in steam-vessels going from, or 
 coming to, the ports of this (Jolony, it shall bo held that no property, or right of property, shall have 
 accrued except in seals killed, sculped, panned, or bulked by and in the actual and personal ciiarge of 
 the claimants, or some i>erson or persons for thoin watcliing or engaged in carrying away such seals or 
 seal-pelts. 
 
 II. No seals shall bo killed by any crew of any steamer, or by any member thereof, before the 
 12th day of Mnrch, or after the 20th day of April, nor shidl seals, so killed, be brought into any port 
 in this Colony or its dejxjndencies as aforesaid, in any year, under a penalty of 4 dollai-s for every seal 
 so killed, to I)o recovered from the master and crew by, and paid to, any informer who shad sue for the 
 same, in a sunmiary manner, before a Stipendiary Magistrate. 
 
 III. No steamer shall be x>ennitted to go uimu a second or subsequent trip to the seal fishery after 
 the 1st day of April in any year : Provided that, if it be shown to the' satisfaction of the Collector, 
 Sub-Collector, or other Customs oflicer of the jiort from which the said eteamer sails, that a steamer has 
 been forced, by any accident, to return to port during the first trip, she shall not lie deemed to have 
 gone upon a second trip if she again leaves port before the 10th day of April. 
 
 IV. The master, owner, and crew of any steamer, which shall go on a second or subsetpienl trip 
 contrary to the tiiirtl section of this Act, slwU be liable t<i forfeit double the value of their respective 
 interests in the seals which shall bo brought in on such second or subsequent triim, to be recovered 
 and paid to any informer who shall sue for the same, in a summary way, before a Stipendiary Magis- 
 trate : Provided that, in case the owner or purchaser of such seals, having had notice that such seals 
 were killed on such second or subsetpient tnp, shall be liable and responsible for tlie payment of such 
 penalty, to the extent of the interest of the owner, master, and crew of such steamer : Provided tliat, in 
 cases in which a larger sum than 100 dollars shidl be a^judgeil, against any defendant, he may appeal 
 
 Enacting 
 clause. 
 
 Bight of 
 property fa 
 seals. 
 
 When iCftU 
 nut (0 be 
 killed; 
 Penalty. 
 
 Scuond trip of 
 steamen ; 
 
 Proviso. 
 
 Peniltyj 
 
 FroWto. 
 
 it 
 
Va«t«n' 
 pcnaltjr. 
 
 Term "noond 
 trip." 
 
 OompIainU 
 matt be made 
 within three 
 moodi*. 
 
 198 
 
 to the Supremo Court, upon (if required) giving gootl and autficicnt security within ten days after con- 
 viction, to prosecute tlte appeal and abide final Judgments. 
 
 y. ::>ealing-niaster8 violating the third section of this Act shall l)e incompetent, for two years after 
 conviction for any offence thereunder, to be employed to command vessels of the seal fishery, or to be 
 cleared at the custom-house, as masters of sach vessels. 
 
 VI. For the puiposes of this Act, vessels shall be deemed to be oji a second or subsequent trip if 
 they shall engajje in killing seals on the coast of this island and its dependencies, after clearing and 
 sailing for Davis Straits or Greenland fisher)-, and the ma.ster and owners shall be liable to the same 
 penalties as provided in fourth and fifth sections of this Act. Any complaints, on information under 
 this section, may be made within three months next after the return of the said vessel to a port of this 
 island. 
 
 yil. Any complaint or infonnation, under the foregoing provisions of this Act, must be made 
 within threi) mouths of the time of the alleged breach thereof. 
 
 Enactiag 
 cUntt, 
 
 BepeaUng 
 elaoM. 
 
 AXSO QUINQUAGESIMO SeCUNDO VlCTOULB liEGINiG. 
 
 Cap. I. — An Act to amend the Law relating to the taking of SeiJs and Right of Pnrperty therein. 
 
 [Passed March 7, 1889.] 
 
 Be it enacted by the Governor, Legislative Council, and Assembly, in Legislative Session convened 
 as follows: — 
 
 I. Tlie first section of the Act passed in the fiftieth year of the reign of Her present Majesty, cap. 23, 
 entitled " An Act to regulate the taking and right of property in Seals," is hereby repealed. 
 
 Memorandum respecting the Seal Fidiery of the Greenland Sea, jjrcjvtred at the Board of Trade at the 
 
 request ofttie Behring's Sea Commissioners. 
 
 Roughly speaking, this so-called fishery used to be carried on between Spitzbergen and Iceland, its 
 chief centre being the neighbourhood of the Island of Jan Mayeu. 
 
 As early as the month of February 1873 the late Mr. Frank Buckland, by a letter to the " Times," 
 entitled " A I'lea for the Seals," and otherwise, called public attention to the abuses connected with the 
 pursuit of this fishery. The circumstances would appear to have been as follows : — 
 
 About the time of the Spring Equinox, the seals congregate in iumiense numbers, and the females 
 give birth to their young upon the ice. The young at birth are very helpless, and weigh about 4 llw., 
 but they grow with astonishing rapidity, and it is said that in about a fortnight the weight of each 
 young sefrl is some 70 lbs. 
 
 Owing to competition in the fishery, it had liecome the practice to take {i.e., kill) seals immediately 
 upon tiie birth of the young. In tliis way the mothers were slain or often scared away from the young 
 before the latter were of age to take care of themselves. The young were of small value for commercial 
 purposes at this stage of their existence, and tlio\igh some of tlienx were killed and shipped, enormous 
 numbers were left to die of starvation. 
 
 Conducted in this manner the fishery was a scene of revolting cruelty, the cries of the thousands 
 of yointg dying seals Iniing said to resemble the crits of hundreds of thousands of human infants, and 
 the destruction of tlte fishery by the scattering or extermination of the seals seemed not far distant. 
 The seals in question are not those from which the fashionable fur is obtained, but their skin is mucli 
 used for making boots, es])ecially patent leather boots, and the oil obtained from them is a])plied to 
 various purposes. 
 
 As regaixls the United Kingdom, the fishery was prosecuted from (lie ports of Dundee and Peter- 
 head. Norway was tlio foreign countiy mostly interested. In 1874 the Sweilish Oovernmont suggested 
 to our Foreign (Jtlicc that some international annngement might prit]ierly ))e attempted with a view of 
 imposing restrictive Kegulations to remedy the evils above refened to. 
 
 Tilt) earlier action of the Board of Trade upon this proposal is sot forth in ^ i rliumentary Pajwr 
 No. 7tJ of 1875 (copy herewitli). The result so far was to obtain concurrence on the ])art of th.jse inte- 
 restcil, botli in Great Britain and in Norway, as to the necessity for a close season abjut tiie time of tlie 
 birth of tiie young souls. But there was consiilerable diveigonce of opinion Ixith as to the date for 
 ending and tlie duration of such clo£e season. 
 
 Subsequently, the Boanl of Trade, in considtation with the Foreign Office, framed a Bill, which 
 they introduceil into Parliament, and which became law as "The Seal Fi.shery Act, 1875" (.38 Vict, 
 caji. 18). Tills Act emiiowered Her Majesty, by Order in Council, to fix a <lay before which it would 
 be illegal 1 Ihitish siibjecta in any year to kill or capture, or attempt to kill or capture, seals within 
 an area siitcifiud in tiie Schedule to the Act, and the Act provided heavy penalties for those contra 
 vening its provisions. The area in question \w% that included between 67° and 75° north latitude, and 
 i)° cast and 17" west of Greenwich, in adopting which the Board of TraJe were cliietly guded by 
 Captain David Gray, of Peterhead, one of the most experiencetl of the siiip-mnsteis engaged in the 
 fishery, and by whose graphic representations Mr. Buckland had been put in motion. 
 
 In the meanwhile, the Foreign Office were making representations to other countriea.who might be 
 interested in the matter, with n view of insuring recipitxsal legi> laliou on their part As khvady india 
 
 ;f 
 
199 
 
 cated, the fishery was chiefly conducted by subjects of Great Britain or Norwny, but Ctermaiiy, Holland 
 and Sweden were also, though to only a small extent, concerned. 
 
 In the course of the year 1875 all the Governments of these foreign countries expressed a willing- 
 ness to initiate legislation of the character desired. It was also thought well to provide for the contin- 
 gency of the subjects of Russia, France, Denmark, or tlie United States joining in the tishery. The 
 Governments of these Intter countries were accordingly informed of what was being done, and a liope 
 was expressed that, in the event fif their respective subjects coming, as they might any day do, to fisli 
 within the area in question, similur legislction would be adopted by the Governments, and that, in the 
 meantime, they would not allow their flags to l)e carried by the subjects of countries which had legis- 
 lated in the matter for tht; pui-pose of evading such legislation. 
 
 liie replies of tlie first three of these Goverinnents were generally favourable, but tiiat of tho 
 United States was indefinite. Xcither French noi' Danisli subjects wi-ro, however, engaged in the 
 fishery. 
 
 By the commencement uf the year 1870 the steps towards legislation in Norway and Sweden 
 were represented as apjiroaching completion, and satisfactory assurances as regards legislation in 
 Germany and Holland had been received. An Order in Council was thereupon obtained in this 
 country which brought the Seal Fishery Act into operation, and fixed the 3rd April in every year as 
 the day before which Briti.sh subjects should not commence the taking of seals within any part of the 
 area defined in the Scliedule to tlie Act. 'J'his date was named as a compromise between the views of 
 British and Norwegian subjects. 
 
 The foiiner wisheil for a rather later, tind the hitter for a rather earlier, date. 
 
 This Onler bad hardly been jd-onudgated when a telegraphic intimation was received from Her 
 Majesty's Minister at Stockholm to tiie effect that the Norwegian fJovernment would be unable to 
 obtain legislative authority for fixing a close season as regarded the fishery of the current year. In 
 consequence of this, the British Order in Cotmeil liad to be nsvoked. 
 
 In the course of tlie same year the nece.'?snry legislation was obtiuned us regards Norway. 
 There had, however, licen in tlint country a reaction of opinion as to the need of a close .sea.wn. 
 
 This was probably due to a considevation of whiiMi the I'mard of Trade were later on made aware 
 by Captain Gray, i.i-., tliat the now-lmrn seals, wbicli had formerly liecn of little conunercial value, had 
 now become far more valuable owing to n jirooe'is invented for utilizing tlicir Imir in the manufacture of 
 sham seal-skin. Tlu'V would, in cousiMiucncc, li(> takt'n in as large nunilieis as jins-siiile, instead of lieing 
 left to die of starvation after tlie shiiighter of tlie niotiieis. This, it' a luet, would make it jierliaps 
 unnecessary to interl'eve with the conduct of the lisliury on tlut ground oT preventing oiiielty, Iml would 
 make a close season more needful as regaiils pivventing tlie externiinatioii ol the seals. The Norwegian 
 Government, however, tliought tliem.selves bound in liononr to proceed witii the measure. Strangely 
 enough, during the yirogress of the Bill, there was some idea of making it apjily to a larger area than 
 that contemplated by the English Act, it being lield in Norway that sm h an area wos an unduly 
 restricted mie, and the Bill was pas.sed on the understanding tliat a moditi atioii on this point .should 
 hereafter be made, if necessary. 
 
 In November 187<i a ft-esli Order in Council was obtained in England again fixing the 3rd 
 April as the day for opening the fishery, and .steps were taken for circulating co))ies of it and of 
 the Act amongst those concerned in tlio United Kingdom, and for informing the foreign Governments 
 interested. 
 
 By about the end of March 1877 the Goverinnents of Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Holland 
 had all taken legislative .steps similar to tiiose atlopted in Great Britain, and the close season until the 
 3rd April thus established has Ikh-ii duly oliserved by jKirties of tlie.so nationalities and by British 
 subjects, who were all tliat were engaged in the fi.shery, except possibly .some Itussiiins. It lias not 
 licen necessary to organize any iioliee for the enforcement of the Act. No date was lixed for the 
 commencement of the dose season, though (lermany raised the iioiiit, tlie advisableness of fixing u date 
 for that purpo.se being then doulited by If t? Board of Trad". 
 
 In 1871' I'ussia intimated that she nad iiiqiosed similar restrictions on her own sulijects. 
 
 In 1885 Captain (iray and otiiers (,f the I'etorlieud interest represented that tlie dose season 
 which had been imposed had hail most beneficial results, Imc that further restrictions were to be desired. 
 
 They intimated that a new branch of the fishery, i.e., that for "hooded .seals," had been created 
 between Iceland and Greenland, extending as far south as the latitude of Cape Farewell ; and that, with 
 a view to more eflectually protect the breeding seals and the immature young, the close season should 
 be extended. 
 
 They accordingly proposed that the area for restrictions should in future be that comprise! I between 
 CO* and 76" north latitude, excluding Icehmd and its territorial waters, and between the Greenland 
 coast on the west and the ice margin on the east, that the close time should end on the 10th April, and 
 that a definite date (10th July) should be fixed for commencement of the close sea.son. 
 
 They addeil that there was rea.son to believe tlmt the Norwegians, as the only foreigners then 
 engaged in the fishery, would be ready to concur. 
 
 These proposals were supjiortod by the Fi.shery Board for Scotland, the only part of the United 
 Kingdom from which ships were known to proceed to the fishery. At the instance of the Board < t 
 Trade the proposals were submitted by the Foreign Office to the Governments of the five foreir,n 
 countries who participated in the existing restrictions. 
 
 By November 1886 replies were received from all those countries, with the exception of Bussia. 
 These replies were to the following effect : — 
 
 Gtrmany and Holland. 
 
 The Governments expressed themselves as disposed to favourably regard the Scottish proposals 
 but as awaiting infomiatiou oa to the course contemplated by other Powers. 
 
 [305] 2 1) 
 
200 
 
 Smileti. 
 
 Those interested :eceived tlie Scottish pioijomils mtlier i'avoiivably, but wished, in consideration of 
 young seals moulting in April, that opening of fishery shouhl bo not later than the 7th of that mouth, 
 and, further, that closing day should be the 7th July. 
 
 Norway. 
 
 Those interested thought the lUtli April and 10th July inadmissible as dates for opening and 
 closing, and did ntit wish Iceland and its watei-s cxcludcil from the protected area. They also had 
 projwsals of their own widely divergent from those of tscotland. These were : — 
 
 («.) That to prevent destruction of females, it sliould lie forbidden to kill old seals before the 
 loth April (G A.M.) at the places where the young are taken. 
 
 (/'.) Tiiat in consideration of hooded seals having no young to need protection towards end 
 of close season, the fisiiery for these seals between Cape ravewell and .Spitzbergen shouKl be I'reo 
 until the 15th Jidy (0 I'.M.), after which date it was, according to them, itursued only by one 
 or two ships under conditions ruinous to the fishery, as the seals liaving by tliat date become very 
 wild, immense nund>er3 were then destroyed by .shooting at long range without many being actually 
 taken. 
 
 (c.) Tiait to obviate dangers incident to opening the H.shery innnediately after midnight, the 
 opening should be at G A.M. on tlie 3rd April, or, if that day is a Sunday, at G a.m. on the 4th. 
 
 ((/.) That the limits of jirotected area should be GU° and 78° north latitude, the east coast of 
 CJreenlantl, and 10° east longitude (Greenwich). 
 
 These views were conveyed to the Scottish Ollite by the 15oard of Trade, with an intimation that 
 they were unable to .see tluit future steps towards establislnuent of new restrictions could be taken 
 unless some course coidd bo suggestetl for reconciling the respective views of the Scottish, Xorwegian, 
 and Swedish interests. 
 
 Early in 1887 the reply of the Scottisli interests was received. They thought the point raised by 
 Sweden in connection with young seals moidtiug not material, as the sliort hair skins had now become 
 more valuable than tlie fur-skins. They were willing to accept the area as defined by Norway, and 
 that, on the day of opening, the fishery .should conunence at G a.m. They agn;ed as to need for 
 protecting female seals, but thought opening on the 10th April wouhl insure this, as later the females 
 would get too wild to allow of their being shot, and they agreed as to need for protecting hooded seals 
 late in the season. 
 
 They were, however, firm as to the need fm- making the opening and closing dates for the li.shery 
 as near the loth April and 10th July as possible, and did not .see how hooded .seal fishery could 
 be made free during general close time without endangering the observance of close time i'or other 
 kinds of seals. 
 
 These views were eonnmniicated to the Fuieigu Ottice by the IJoard of Trade in the hope of an 
 understanding being arrived at between Norway and Scotland, so as to form a basis for negtitiation 
 Willi tlio other Towers. At the same time, it was jminted out that the including of Iceland and its 
 waters in the protected area wouhl involve inviting Denmark to join in the arrangement.s. ' 
 
 In March 1888 a further connnunication was received from Norway. It now appeared that, 
 owing to a change observed in the last two or three years in the condition of the ice off Greenland, the 
 Norwegian interests no longer wished the hooded se(d fisheries to close on the loth July. 
 
 They declined to make any concession as regards the day for opening the seal fishery generally, 
 and it was doubtful whether they would adojit any date for closing. (.)n other jioints they now 
 acquiesced with Scotland, to which country these views were conveyed. 
 
 Later in the year Russia intimated that she concurred with Norway on all points. 
 
 Subsequent correspondence affonled no prospect of reconciling the divergent views of Scotland 
 and Niirway, whilst Denmark took excepti(jn to the territorial waters of either Iceland or CJreenlnnd 
 being included in the area of j)rotectiou. 
 
 In these circumstances, the negotiations came to a standstill, and the arrangements made in 
 l87o-70 have been maintained. 
 
 ("i>]>y of the English Act, with the Order in Council, in handbill form, as circulated in the past 
 among.st those interested and now in force, is annexed. 
 
 (Initiidled) J. M N. 
 
 Fehniiini 11, 1802. 
 
 SKAL FLSIIEUV (GUKKNLANDj.— .'JS ViCT., CaI'. t« 
 
 Oi\(tr ill Vvuncit iiHuk the 2Stk dai/ of Noccinhci; 1S7G, for i'i>2>li/iii;l " Tlu .SVc/ Fislurij Aii, l87o." 
 
 At two Court at Windsor, the 28th day of November, 1876. 
 
 Present : 
 
 The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in Council. 
 
 Whereas by "The Seal Fisherj- Act, 1875," it is cnacteil tluit when it ajipears to Her Majesty in 
 Council that the foreign States whose ships or subjects arc engaged iu the seal fishery in the area 
 nujutioned in the Schedule to that Act, or any part (jf such area, have made f)r v ill make, w'tli respect 
 
201 
 
 ciiiiliiiiu!(l ill lliiil Act, il sliall l>i: luuTiil 
 
 Act sliall, afU-r tlio (tiiti> nuMitiniK-iI in 
 
 sui'li |iiirt tlnu'coj' ns iimy lii' sjiccilicil in 
 
 to lliuii' own Hlii|).s and siilijccts, tliu liku |ii'iivisiiiiiti to tl 
 for Hit Aliijesty, liy Order in Council, to direct that 
 the Ortier, aj^dy to tlio si-nl fishery within llio said area, 
 the Order : 
 
 AiuJ whereas il has hcun made to appear to Hitr Majesty in Council that the foreij^n States whose 
 ships or subjects ure at ]>resent eiiga;;e<l in the seal lishery in the area mentioned in the Schedule to the 
 said recited Act hnve made or will make, with respect to their own ships and subjects, the like 
 provisions to those contained in the said recited Act : 
 
 Now, therefore, Jlcr Majesty, in exercise of the power vested in her l>y the saiil recited Act, by 
 and with the advice of her I'rivy Council, is jdeased to direct that "The Seal Fishery Act, 1875," 
 shall, after the date of this present Order, apply to the seal fishery within the urea mentioned in the 
 Schedule to the said Act. 
 
 And Her Majesty, in exercise of the same power, by and with the like advice, is further pleased 
 to fix the 3rd day of April in every year as the day liefore which the master and i)ers(Ui in charjic of, 
 and every jierson belon},'inf^ to, any Ibitish ship, and every British subject, shall not kill or capture, or 
 atteini)t to kill or capture, any seal within t!ie area mentioned in the Sche Jnle to the said Act. 
 
 " The Seal Fishery Act, 1875," is as follows : — 
 
 3S YlC'i'., Cat. IS. — Jn AH to juvrii/f ftn- tin- iduhlialimrnl iif (( ('lull' Tiiiii- in Ihf !<iiil Fiaheri) in the 
 Srii.i (tiljiii'iiif It) till- /'Jas/irii Putisfx of (lirinliiiiil. 
 
 [J, me U, 187"..] 
 
 15e it enacted by the Qu'-en's Most Kxcellcnt Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the 
 Lords Siiiritual and Temjioral, and Commons, in this present I'Miliamenl asstMiibled, ami by the 
 authority of the same, as follows :■•- 
 
 1. When it apjiears to Her Majesty in (,'ouncil liiat tiie fo:ei}in States whose ships or subjects 
 are en<;a^ed in the .seal tislievy in the area mentioned in the Sehcdule to this Act, or any jiavt of such 
 area, have made or will make, with iesi)ecl to their own .shijis and sulijeots, the like provisions to those 
 contained in this Act, it sliall be lawful for Her JIajesty, by Order in Council, to direct that this Act 
 shall, after the date mentioned in the Order, apply to the seal fishery within the said area, or such 
 part thereof as may be specified in the Order. 
 
 Her Majesty may, by the same or any snb.se(|uent Order, limit th(! operation of the Order, and 
 render the operation thereof .subject to such conditions, exceptions, and qualifications as may lie 
 deemed expedient. 
 
 So loni; as an Order under this section remains in force this Act shall, subject to any such limita- 
 tion, condition, exemption, or (jualification as aforesaid, a|>ply to the seal fishery within the saiil area, 
 or such part as may be specified in the Order. 
 
 Her Majesty may from time to time, by Order in-Council, rescind, alter, or add to any Order made 
 in pursuance of this section, and make a new Onler in lieu thereof. 
 
 pAcry Order in Council made in pursuance of this .section shall be laid before both Houses 
 of Parliament within six weeks after it is made, or if Parliament be not then sittinj;, within 
 six weeks after the then next meetinf; of rarliament, and shall also be luiblished in the " London 
 C.azette." 
 
 2. When an Order in Council has been made for applying this Act, then, so lon^ as such Order 
 remains in force, the master or pcrs(ai in charge of or any per.Hon belonginj{ to any British ship, or any 
 Hritish .subject, shall not kill or capture, or attempt to kill or capture, any seal within the area 
 mentioned in the Schedule to this Act, or the part of the area specified in the Order, before such day in 
 any year as may be fi.xed by the Order, and the master or jierson in charge of n British slii]i shall not 
 permit such ship to be employed in such killing or capturing, or jKiniit any person belonging to such 
 ship to act in breach of this section. 
 
 Any person who is guilty of any breach (by any act er default) of this section shall be liable to a 
 penalty not exceeding 500/. fV>r each offence. 
 
 3. Kvery offence under this Act may be prosecuted, ami every i>enalty under this Act may be 
 recovered — 
 
 (1.) In England, before two Justices of the Peace in a summary manner, or by action in any of 
 Her Majesty's Superior Courts at Westminster, together with full costs of suit ; and 
 
 (2.) In Scotland, by action as for a debt in the ordinary Sheriff Court or in the Court of Session ; 
 and 
 
 (3.) In Ireland, before two Justices of the Peace in a summary nmnHer, or by jM-rsonal action in 
 any of Her Majesty's Supeiior Courts at Dublin. 
 
 Provided that the penalty ini'iosed in a summary manner by two Justices shall not exceed 100/., 
 exclusive of costs. 
 
 One-half of every penalty recovered under thi.? Act shall be jiaid to tlie person who prosecutc<l the 
 offence or sued for such penalty. 
 
 For all purposes of and incidental to the tria' nnd punishment of any person accused of an offence 
 under this Act, ai d the proceedings and matters prelinMuary and incidental to and conseipicntial on 
 his trial and piiui; hment, and for all purposes of and incidental to the jurisdiction of any Court or of 
 any constable or officer with reference to such offence, the offence shall be deemeil to have been 
 committed either in the place in which it was actually committed or in any place in which the 
 offender may for the time Wing be found. 
 
 4. Where an offence under this Act is committed, then — 
 
 (o.) If the same is connnitted by the fault or with the connivance of the master of any ship, that 
 master, and — 
 
 [805) 2 D 2 
 
 Ap|>1iciilioi of 
 All Ipy Oilier 
 ill Council iu 
 conjiii.c'l.inii 
 witli fon ign 
 Stiller 
 
 Cioie liinc Tor 
 Hoal lielier; 
 
 Froaeeutioo of 
 oircncca. 
 
 Liabllitjr or 
 owner wil 
 rouUr if (hip 
 in Mi(»ia 
 
 OMM. 
 
*iOi 
 
 LUbilitr of 
 tbip lo 
 penaltjr. 
 
 Deflnidon of 
 " leal." 
 
 Short title. 
 
 (i.) If (lie saiiii! is coimiiittcil l>y lliu luiilt oi-'\vitli tin- coimivimce of tlic ownei- of any nIiIii, that 
 nwiiur — 
 
 sliuU be liaMo to tlic like i>uimlty tu M'liic-li tlio pursuii uoiiiiiiittiii;; mieli on'once in liable under 
 this Act. 
 
 !). Wiiere the owner or master of ii ship is iidjiuiged lo juiy u iicnalty for an ofleiiee under this Act, 
 the Court may, in addition to any other power tht;, amy liave for the purpose of cuiupelling payment 
 of sucli penalty, direct the saiue to ha levied by distress or arrestineut and sale of tiio said sliip ond her 
 tuckle. 
 
 G. fu t his Act the expression " seal " means the harp or saddleback seal, the bladdernosed or 
 hooded seal, the ground or bearded seal, and the Hoe seal or Hoc rat, and includes any animal of the 
 seal kind which may be sitccified in that lichalf by an Onler in ("ouncil under this Act. 
 
 7. Tliis Act may bo cited as "The Seal Fishery Act, 187.'»." 
 
 SCIIEKUI.K. 
 
 Area tu n'/iivh Act (ipplits. 
 
 Tlie area included iHjtween the porallels of G7° and 7r>° of north latitude, and l)etween the 
 meridians of r>° east and 17° west loufjitudo, reckoned from the meridian of Oreeiiwich. 
 
 Norweyian Lair for the isldhlishiiicnt of a Close Time fur Sml Fishiii/ in the Arctic Seas.—Stovkholin, 
 
 Ma It 18, 187(!. 
 (Translation.) 
 
 We, Oscar, I)y tiie f^raic of (Jod Kin^' of Norway and Sweden, the Wends and Uoths, hereby 
 notify that a I'esolution passed by tiio Ordinary Storthing now in session, on the 25th April of this 
 year, of the following tenour, has Inicn submitted to us : — 
 
 1. AVHien it shall appear that the foreij^u States whose ships or subjects are engaged in the seal 
 tishery in the area included between the paiallels of C7° and 73^ of north latitude, and between the 
 meridians of '>° east and. 17" west longitude, reckoned from the meridian of Greenwich, have made or 
 may hereaftiir make the like provision, it shall be lawful for the King to fi.x a time of year during 
 which it is forbidden either for tlic crew f)f a Norwegian vessel or for a Norwegian subject within the 
 area aforesaid to kill or capture seals, including Cyslophora cristata. 
 
 2. Any one guilty of a breach of the prohibition enacted by section 1, or who shall in any way aid 
 or abet such breach, shall be liable to a line of from 200 to 10,000 kronor. But none of the crew shall 
 be held liable except the master in case the said bi'each took place either by his order or with his 
 knowledge, and without his having done everything in his power to prevent the same. 
 
 The provision in the Criminal Law of the 3h1 .Tune, 1874, 2nd cliapter, section 40, lost sentence, is 
 not applicable. 
 
 3. In the event of u breach of tlie present Law taking jdace, it will be dealt with by the Police 
 Court. The vessel will Ije liable for any fine that may be incurred by either the master or owner. 
 One-half of the fines shall go to the informer. 
 
 We have, therefore, accepted and sanctioned, as we hereby accept and siuiction, this Besolution 
 as law. 
 
 (tiven at our Palace at Stockiiohu, tlie IBlh Mav, 187(>, under our haiul and seal of the realm. 
 
 (Signed) (LS.) OSCAR. 
 
 Onliruincc of the Kiinj of ^tcedea ami Norway lo establish a Close Time fur the i^ical Fishery by Swaliah 
 Vfiseh in the Arctic Seas. — Stoclholin, Xovember 30, 1876. 
 (Tiiinslation ) 
 
 We, Oscai', by tlie grace of God King of Sweden and Nonvay, of the Ciotlis and the Wends, make 
 known that, considering that the seal tislieries in the Arctic Seas, especially in the neighbourhood of 
 .Ian Mayen's Island, are conducted in such a numner as to threaten the extermination of the seal in 
 those waters, and the total destruction of the fisherien, negotiations have been initiated by our 
 Kingdom of Norway with the Governments of tliose foreign countries whose inhabitants take part in 
 the said fisheries, and those (.iovernnicnts having now promulgated, or declared their willingness to 
 promulgate, suitable Ordinances to the above effect, and seeing that a certaUi small number of 
 Sv.'cdisli ships also take part in the fisheries, and that, in so far as these Ordinances are calculated to 
 work the desired effect, it is essential that, as has already been ordained elsewhere, the liability for 
 their violation should be of such a character as to outweigh the benefit to be derived from a breach of 
 tlio law, we have now thought it right, in so far as Sweden is concerned, to participate in the said 
 Agreement, and wr have therefore graciously ordained as follows : — 
 
 § 1. In the Arctic Seas, between 67° and 75° north latitude aiul 5° east and 17° west longitude 
 from Greenwich, all Swedish ships and all Swedish subjects are forbidden until further notice to kill 
 or catch seal (including the Fhoca cristata) earlier in the year than the 3rd April. 
 
203 
 
 § 2. All persons infriiiKiug the IJeyiilatious ooatoiiieil in tlio foiegoiiifl parauraiih cr heina in anv 
 luanuer part.ea to such inf. UKon.ont. will bo liublo f, a lino of front 200 to ?0 off kriiSrS 
 
 captain of he ship or w.th ..a knowledge, or without his having done evcrythina in h " i.«wi.!?c cuaSi 
 against ,t. he alono oi all the crew «lmU be liable to the ponafty incurred^ Of tl^f nes" iil,!^^^^ 
 Sl^llTKn^l''"" '" ^"" ^■"-"- *''"""« •-- - -^ ^'^ «-. the-etrs^'iEg'lijii 
 t'ourto.^' '" *'"'"'' °^ '''°'"^'"" ""^ "'** P''^'"^"P"«n« «^ t'»« OnliHunce, jurisdiction lies with the ordinary 
 
 hereu^t!.a£e5ro:ratdter*' '' "" "'"'" '' '""^ •='""^^""- ^"' '"'*'- -'^''•"^^ ^ »'-' 
 
 Stockholm Palace, Novemher 30, 1870. 
 
 (Signeil) 
 
 (r*S.) 
 
 OSUAK. 
 
 ■t ■': 
 
 H*. 
 
 i^ 
 
 L. 
 
 -f4^ 
 
 'fi 
 
( 204 ) 
 
 AIM'KNDIX (F) 
 
 pAUTKM'r.AltH OK I'Et.AHin CATril OH ItniTISH AtiU UnITKD ST^TKS' SKAMNn-VKi^HKLS, 1871-01, 
 
 Memnraniliitn m the Numhrr oj' Fiir-Stal Shim tnken nt Sen in 18!»1, 
 
 l-'ioin till! IJetunis (Tiil)h' A) cfunitili'd liy Mr. Milne, tlio CoUwIor of Cimtoins at Vitttoriti, Britisli 
 Colunibiii, and fnuii iiifornialion I'liinislu'd liy Mr. 1). Oppeiilu-iiiKfr, tlio Mayor of Vancouver, it 
 appears that the number of l!ritir<li vessels engnjjed in sealin<,' in 1891 was fifty, and that their total 
 catch for the year was 4'J,r)ir). These liVturns have been cdnipiled with the gieatest care. 
 
 With regard to the catch of the United States' senling-vessels for the same year, there is much 
 diflieulty in arriving at an estimate of tlie number of skins taken, owing to the fact that pmcticnlly no 
 records were kept by the United States' Customs authorities of the nunibttr of skins landed. The only 
 official Iteturiis supplied to us are those derived from a telegram from the Custom-liousc at Saii 
 Francisco to the Treasury Department at Washington (Table li), which gives certain particular as t" 
 tlie catch of sixteen vessels, and statements from the Collectors of Customs at San Francisco, I'ort 
 Townsend, Astoria, and San Diego, giving the number of sealing-vt-ssels that cleared from those jiorts 
 in 1891 (Table C). 
 
 From the latter Table it ap)iears that the nundier of United States' vesselti engaged in scaling in 
 1891 was forty-two, but no details as to their catch ore given. 
 
 It has been ascertained tiiat 02,500 seal-skins were sold in London in 18t'l, under the clossifl .i- 
 tion of "North-West," this being the termed used for skins supposed to be taken at sen. 
 
 If we assume that these represent tlie whole pelagic catch for the season of 1891 in all parts of 
 the North racifie Ocean, and deduct firm this nund)er those known to have been taken by British 
 vessels, i.e., 49,(iir), tliere remains a bidance of 12,88d skins to l)e accounted for. A certain number of 
 these may have been taken by the Indians in canoes on the coasts of Washington, British Columbia, 
 and South-East Alaska, but their ninnber would probably not amount to more than 3,000. This 
 would leave about l(t,Ott() as tlie eateh of the United States' sealing-vessels. 
 
 It must, however, be borne in mind that the above figure of G2,r>U0 does not represent the total 
 number of skins taken, as a poition of those sent to London are re-exported after having been 
 dressed, and thus would not ajipenr in the sales list, and that, besides, many skins are not sent to 
 London at all to be dressed, l>ut aie prepared i»i America. 
 
 It appears, therefore, that in the alisence of sutlicicnt ollicial records it is impossible to firm 
 anything more than a very a]ii)roximatc I'stimate of the number of seal-skins taken by the lTiiiii<i 
 States' sealing-vessels. 
 
 Taking the average catch of the British Columbian vessels as 1,000, and allowing a similar catch 
 to the United States' vessels, their total catch would amount to about 40,000, but from information 
 derived from unofHcial .srmrces this estimate ajijiears to be too gieat, and after careful considemtion it 
 may be estimated that the catch of thi; forty-two United States' vessels engaged in sealing in 1891 was 
 Ijetween 16,000 and 20,000. 
 
900 
 
 TnMe (A). 
 Hritisii Coluinbinn Sealing; Fleet, 1891. 
 
 t Totul crew. 
 
 * I. ^ Iniide Behring Si'a. O. = Uutsidc liehring iwa. 
 
 ; 399 caught off Kurilo Ishnds. % (^y. Uuats apart rrom canuvi. 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 Craw. 
 
 
 Catch. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Daffl or 
 
 
 Name nf VpimI. 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Dull 
 Warn 
 
 of 
 Ing. 
 
 Return ti> 
 llrllish 
 
 When 
 warned.* 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 j_ 
 
 J 
 
 1 
 
 li 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 Columbia. 
 
 
 Aiiiiif ('. Moure ., 
 
 IIS 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 
 46 
 
 442 
 
 1,5S8 
 
 2,076 
 
 Aug 
 
 6 
 
 Aug. 
 
 30 
 
 I. 
 
 Aiiroru .. ,, 
 
 42 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 
 "l5 
 
 53 
 
 340 
 
 47 
 
 440 
 
 .luly 
 
 7 
 
 ,, 
 
 11 
 
 I. 
 
 Aiiioku ,. ,. 
 
 ;& 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 23 
 
 
 406 
 
 ., 
 
 406 
 
 June 
 
 30 
 
 July 
 
 27 
 
 0. 
 
 XiM 
 
 91 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 16 
 
 
 • • 
 
 1,082 
 
 1,082 
 
 Aug. 
 
 If. 
 
 He|il, 
 
 7 
 
 1. 
 
 Aniiki K. Paint , . 
 
 H'i 
 
 C 
 
 21 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 .. 
 
 151 
 
 154 
 
 June 
 
 29 
 
 July 
 
 2S 
 
 0. 
 
 Healrici' 
 
 66 
 
 12 
 
 ,'i 
 
 22 
 
 "59 
 
 i;i6 
 
 876 
 
 1,071 
 
 July 
 
 23 
 
 Sept. 
 
 27 
 
 1. 
 
 Ikalrico (VancouTcr) , . 
 
 V) 
 
 ,, 
 
 lit 
 
 ,. 
 
 
 136 
 
 20d 
 
 SI2 
 
 II 
 
 8 
 
 Aug. 
 
 29 
 
 I. 
 
 llnnaliK 
 
 37 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 25 
 
 
 473 
 
 l,547t 
 
 2,419 
 
 
 
 II 
 
 31 
 
 
 ('. D. RHiid (Vaiicounr).. 
 
 19 
 
 ,, 
 
 4 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 , , 
 
 July' 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 I. 
 
 CarlottaO. fojc 
 
 78 
 
 G 
 
 20 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 517 
 
 l'.5l9 
 
 2,03(i 
 
 Aug. 
 
 10 
 
 Aug. 
 
 30 
 
 I. 
 
 Carmi'litu «• .. 
 
 99 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 ^ , 
 
 
 751 
 
 1.639 
 
 2.390 
 
 ,. 
 
 H 
 
 St>|>t. 
 
 2 
 
 I. 
 
 ('. 11. Tuppt'r .. 
 
 09 
 
 7 
 
 24 
 
 , , 
 
 
 235 
 
 374 
 
 609 
 
 July 
 
 1 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 0. 
 
 Eliza Kdwardt, iteam-ahlp 
 
 37 
 
 • • 
 
 15 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 I 
 
 49 
 
 50 
 
 „ 
 
 7 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 I. 
 
 (Vancourer) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■<:. B. Man in .. 
 
 117 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 ., 
 
 276 
 
 462 
 
 .. 
 
 738 
 
 ,, 
 
 I 
 
 July 
 
 27 
 
 I. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (Seized 
 
 July 6) 
 
 Aug. 12 
 
 
 
 
 Kaviiiiritc . . 
 
 80 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 35 
 
 337 
 
 2.381 
 
 2,753 
 
 Sept. 
 
 18 
 
 I. 
 
 Ueiicva . . 
 
 92 
 
 6 
 
 23 
 
 
 3 
 
 224 
 
 207 
 
 494 
 
 July 
 
 16 
 
 Aug. 
 
 30 
 
 I. 
 
 Kntlieriiiv . , . , 
 
 81 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 "lO 
 
 ., 
 
 191 
 
 1,224 
 
 1.415 
 
 If 
 
 18 
 
 Sept. 
 
 24 
 
 I. 
 
 Katu .. 
 
 511 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 32 
 
 « , 
 
 1.100 
 
 1,132 
 
 
 
 fl 
 
 28 
 
 
 Lptitia .. ,. 
 
 28 
 
 6 
 
 ,, 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 , , 
 
 .. 
 
 4 
 
 , , 
 
 
 
 
 
 LubrndDr ., 
 
 24 
 
 5 
 
 11 
 
 , , 
 
 ., 
 
 371 
 
 216 
 
 590 
 
 July 
 
 18 
 
 Aug.' 
 
 28 
 
 I. 
 
 Laura., .. 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 ,, 
 
 ,. 
 
 61 
 
 61 
 
 tt 
 
 17 
 
 ff 
 
 24 
 
 I. 
 
 Minnie .. ., 
 
 4 a 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 ?U 
 
 308 
 
 373 
 
 22 
 
 703 
 
 fl 
 
 15 
 
 II 
 
 3 
 
 I. 
 
 Maggie Mai- .. 
 
 71 
 
 7 
 
 24 
 
 • • 
 
 137 
 
 548 
 
 3 
 
 688 
 
 H 
 
 1 
 
 July 
 
 14 
 
 0. 
 
 Mary Tiijilur .. .. 
 
 13 
 
 5 
 
 18 
 
 
 51 
 
 415 
 
 261 
 
 ;g.» 
 
 
 
 Aug. 
 
 29 
 
 
 Mascottc .. .. 
 
 ■«0 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 , , 
 
 7 
 
 ,, 
 
 79 
 
 86 
 
 , , 
 
 
 Not. 
 
 16 
 
 
 Mountain Cliiff. . 
 
 23 
 
 6 
 
 ., 
 
 12 
 
 21 
 
 .. 
 
 ,. 
 
 21 
 
 , , 
 
 
 Au,'. 
 
 29 
 
 
 Mary Ellun .. 
 
 C9 
 
 16 
 
 12 
 
 21 
 
 21 
 
 609 
 
 05 
 
 695 
 
 July 
 
 2 
 
 July 
 
 29 
 
 0. 
 
 .Mand!4. 
 
 97 
 
 7 
 
 24 
 
 , , 
 
 • « 
 
 394 
 
 1,030 
 
 1,421 
 
 tt 
 
 21 
 
 •Si pt. 
 
 26 
 
 I. 
 
 May Bollc 
 
 58 
 
 5 
 
 19 
 
 , , 
 
 ,, 
 
 701 
 
 211 
 
 942 
 
 
 22 
 
 Aug. 
 
 21 
 
 I. 
 
 Ottu .. 
 
 8.) 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 G 
 
 , , 
 
 . , 
 
 48 
 
 48 
 
 Seinril 
 
 .Sept. 
 
 27 
 
 I. 
 
 Ocean Belli' . . 
 
 83 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 t • 
 
 170 
 
 568 
 
 1,170 
 
 1,008 
 
 June 
 
 30 
 
 II 
 
 23 
 
 0. 
 
 Oscar and llallii' .. 
 
 81 
 
 5 
 
 29 
 
 
 54 
 
 4n9 
 
 1,062 
 
 1,525 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 
 22 
 
 
 Penelope . . . . 
 
 70 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 , , 
 
 229 
 
 410 
 
 691 
 
 1,330 
 
 July 
 
 7 
 
 Oct. 
 
 3 
 
 I. 
 
 Pioneer 
 
 66 
 
 6 
 
 21 
 
 ,, 
 
 162 
 
 713 
 
 1,484 
 
 2,358 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 Sept. 
 
 17 
 
 
 Itosie Olaen . . . . 
 
 38 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 IC 
 
 40 
 
 176 
 
 52 
 
 268 
 
 July 
 
 24 
 
 Aug. 
 
 29 
 
 I. 
 
 Sit-rra. . . . . . 
 
 35 
 
 6 
 
 ,. 
 
 12 
 
 886 
 
 .. 
 
 .. 
 
 886 
 
 , . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sappliir.i . . . . 
 
 124 
 
 8§ 
 
 20 
 
 ?13 
 
 30 
 
 974 
 
 2.435 
 
 3,439 
 
 Aug. 
 
 9 
 
 Sept." 
 
 2 
 
 I. 
 
 Sea Lion 
 
 •■iO 
 
 6 
 
 19 
 
 , , 
 
 354 
 
 5H4 
 
 82 
 
 1,020 
 
 July 
 
 11 
 
 Aug. 
 
 1 
 
 I. 
 
 Teresa 
 
 63 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 , , 
 
 . , 
 
 Mn 
 
 985 
 
 1,292 
 
 »» 
 
 17 
 
 Sept. 
 
 27 
 
 1. 
 
 Ttiunipli 
 
 98 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 , , 
 
 I7ti 
 
 666 
 
 171 
 
 1,013 
 
 II 
 
 17 
 
 Aug. 
 
 5 
 
 I. 
 
 Thixtle, steam -ship 
 
 147 
 
 7 
 
 26 
 
 , , 
 
 9 
 
 291 
 
 82 
 
 395 
 
 
 12 
 
 If 
 
 1 
 
 I. 
 
 Uinbrina .. .. 
 
 98 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 , , 
 
 ,, 
 
 405 
 
 504 
 
 909 
 
 II 
 
 23 
 
 Sept. 
 
 9 
 
 I. 
 
 Vonluru ,. ., 
 
 48 
 
 15 
 
 4 
 
 20 
 
 , , 
 
 . , 
 
 659 
 
 059 
 
 
 
 f f 
 
 17 
 
 
 Vancouver Bvlle (Van- 
 
 73 
 
 .. 
 
 27 
 
 ,, 
 
 ,, 
 
 ., 
 
 28 
 
 28 
 
 July' 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 I. 
 
 couver) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Vita 
 
 92 
 
 6 
 
 23 
 
 ,, 
 
 , , 
 
 1,261 
 
 731 
 
 1,992 
 
 June 
 
 30 
 
 Sept. 
 
 17 
 
 0. 
 
 W. P. Sayward.. 
 
 59 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 25 
 
 187 
 
 734 
 
 801 
 
 1,722 
 
 , , 
 
 
 Aug. 
 
 22 
 
 
 Winnifrcd . . . . 
 
 13 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 / 
 
 , , 
 
 98 
 
 105 
 
 July 
 
 15 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 I. 
 
 Waller A. Earlo 
 
 68 
 
 a 
 
 20 
 
 , , 
 
 19!) 
 
 848 
 
 1. 021 
 
 2,067 
 
 Aug. 
 
 12 
 
 Sept. 
 
 2 
 
 1. 
 
 Wanilercr . . 
 
 2.') 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 7 
 
 200 
 
 330 
 
 .')37 
 
 
 15 
 
 ^j 
 
 17 
 
 I. 
 
 Walter L. Rich.. 
 
 79 
 
 7 
 
 22 
 
 •• 
 
 ,. 
 
 519 
 
 21 
 
 510 
 
 June 
 
 29 
 
 July 
 
 27 
 
 0. 
 
 Fifty veiiils. 
 
 3,401 
 
 369 
 
 715 
 
 368 
 
 .3,565 
 
 17,162 
 
 28,888 
 
 49,615 
 
 
 Skins purchased from in* 
 
 
 
 
 
 •• 
 
 *• 
 
 • • 
 
 1,"53 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 diuns at Victoria in 189 1 
 
 " 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 i V 'I 
 
 
 H' 
 
 f -. 
 
 !■'■ 
 
 " 1.1 
 
 m 
 
 ■, Hi 
 
206 
 
 Table (B). 
 I'AliTicuLAliS of United States' Sealinj,' Fleet, 1891. 
 
 N.B. — Them pirticulan nre dorived from inrormation given to the llchring Sea Ccimmistionon by Mr. J. Stanley- B.-owii «t 
 Washington in March 1892, and which he stated «a> all that he wai able to rollrrt from official iourc?i. 
 
 24 lealing-TnMls cleared from San Francisco in 1891, as per telegrams from Collector K. B. Jerome, Fchmary 
 25 and 26, 1892 : - 
 
 Albert Walker. 
 
 llattis Gage. 
 
 Helen Blum. 
 
 Lily L. 
 
 C. G. White. 
 
 Hermann. 
 
 La Nimfa. 
 
 liouis Olsen (s.s.). 
 
 Mattie T. Dvor. 
 C. H. White. 
 City of San Dirgn, 
 J. H. Lewis. 
 E. E. Webster. 
 Liiiie Derby. 
 John Hancock. 
 Mary Gilbert. 
 
 Si>|)hic Muthrrland. 
 8nn DieRO. 
 Annie llarley. 
 Kmma and l/mise. 
 Kosie S>parks. 
 Peatl. 
 Alexander. 
 Thistle (s.s.). 
 
 9 sealing-vesseli cleared from Port Toniitrnd, as piT telegrams from Collector A. Wasion, February 2) and 
 20, 1892:— 
 
 Allie Alger. 
 Emmet Felii. 
 Challenge. 
 
 George R. White. 
 
 Mist. 
 
 >I»Ttlower. 
 
 He'iTy Dennis. 
 
 J. G. Swan (N'eah B> 
 
 Lottie (Neah Bay). 
 
 2 sealing.TesseU cleared from Astoria, ns per telegrams from Collector E. A. Taylor, February 25 and 2C, 
 
 1892:— 
 
 Bessie Rutter. 
 
 Kate and Ann (Yakina Bay). 
 
 3 sealing-Teisel cleared from Han Diego, ns per telegram from Collector John R. Berry, February 20, 1892 :— 
 
 Laiirn. 
 Ethel. 
 
 5 sealing-vesst'ls cleared from miserllaiieoui United Stales' pDiH : — 
 
 Silla {■>). Kailiiik bland (.1). 
 
 l.eii. Nellie Martin. 
 
 i<ilka. Undaunted, 
 
 i', F. Fconey. 
 
 42 total number uf ve.'sel?. 
 
 'J'aMe (C). 
 
 Information talmlnteil from Tek'giain.s fiom the Ciistoiii-lirnise at Siiii Francisco to the Treasury 
 Dejmrtnirnt, Wii.shinf;t(in, diitctl IVlnunry lt>, 1892. 
 
 (Taken from Manifests ; and Mr. Staidcy-lirown states is all that the Custoui-huiise is able to 
 
 furnish.) 
 
 Name of Vessel. 
 
 J. H. I.enis 
 Roeie Sparks 
 Sophie Sutherland , 
 San Diego 
 C. H. White 
 C. G. Wiliton 
 Mattie Dyer 
 C. G. White 
 Alexander 
 Ditto 
 
 Lily L. . . 
 Hermann , , 
 Helen Blum 
 E. B. Webster 
 Pearl .. 
 Emma and Louise 
 La Nimfa 
 
 Date of Arririil. Skins reported. 
 
 March 7 . 
 
 I AuguKt I, 
 
 I " \l 
 
 I ., ai. 
 
 I .. 21, 
 
 flepteniber I, 
 
 I .. H, 
 
 I December 28, 
 
 ' Septi'mber 10, 
 
 23, 
 
 21, 
 
 October 3, 
 
 H, 
 
 9, 
 
 Noremlier 9, 
 
 18U1 
 
 7 
 
 U» 
 
 17 
 
 4C.% 
 
 438 
 
 23 
 
 Ij 
 
 1,080 
 
 9 
 
 lU 
 
 01 
 
 31 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 894 
 9 
 
 The followin),' skins weri; taki'ii In |hii1.s in Ahiskii, mid iiriivcd at Sail l'"nmci.sco in coasting- 
 vessels : — 
 
 Name of Vessel. 
 
 Date. 
 
 Cargo. 
 
 88. Bertha 
 
 Undaunted 
 N.Thayer 
 
 Blakeley 
 
 SB. Jennie 
 Arago .. 
 
 July 31, 1891 
 August 4, „ 
 14. „ 
 27. „ 
 October 8, „ 
 •"iTemhor 9, ,. 
 
 17 cam of skint. 
 16 bamlt. 
 150 package*. 
 
 21 skins. 
 42 bundlei and 1 box. 
 
207 
 
 
 V'S 
 
 ScMMAKY Statement of the Approximatp Number of Fur-Senl Skins taken by Pelagic Sealers from 
 
 1871 to IS'Jl. 
 
 
 Number of 
 
 
 AppFoximite 
 
 
 
 
 Year. 
 
 British 
 
 Cnlumbiau 
 
 Vetul*. 
 
 Calcli. 
 
 Number of 
 
 United SutM' 
 
 Veuels. 
 
 Approximate 
 Catch. 
 
 Catch of Foreign VesKlfl. 
 
 ApproziD!\t« 
 
 18711 
 to ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 About 3 
 
 ? k.OOO 
 
 1 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 2,000 
 
 1878 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1879 
 
 4 
 
 ? 4,800 
 
 . » 
 
 . , 
 
 • • 
 
 4,800 
 
 18»n 
 
 4 
 
 ? 4,800 
 
 ., 
 
 ,. 
 
 • • 
 
 4,800 
 
 1881 
 
 5 
 
 ? G,000 
 
 ,, 
 
 
 • • 
 
 6,000 
 
 1882 
 
 8 
 
 ? 12.000 
 
 , , 
 
 
 • • 
 
 12,000 
 
 1883 
 
 9 
 
 i 13,500 
 
 1 
 
 2,*S00 
 (in Uekring 8ea) 
 
 1 German (catch unknown) 
 
 16.000 
 
 1884 
 
 II 
 
 ? K>,300 
 
 3 
 
 . . 
 
 ■t •• i» 
 
 16,500 
 
 1885 
 
 13 
 
 ■>I,I89 
 
 .. 
 
 , , 
 
 1.756 
 
 25,935 
 
 1886 
 
 IG 
 
 21,344 
 
 in 
 
 ll.niiu 
 
 605 
 
 36.000 
 
 1887 
 
 17 
 
 20,2fiC 
 
 32 
 
 16,UU0 
 
 1,350 
 
 37,500 
 
 1888 
 
 21 
 
 24.329 
 
 8 
 
 Unknuwn 
 
 1,214 
 
 25,000 
 
 1889 
 
 22 
 
 27,8«H 
 
 33 
 
 13,300 
 
 1.701 
 
 42,870 
 
 1890 
 
 29 
 
 39..'i47 
 
 12 
 
 11,000 
 
 1,031 
 
 51,560 
 
 1891 
 
 SO 
 
 49,615 
 
 42 
 
 18,000 
 
 •• 
 
 68,000 
 
 
 l. 
 
 Since 1885 correct tluta of the British Colmnl>iiin sealing- ves.sels have been preaerved ; previous to 
 that year the figures given ai-e api)roxin!ate. 
 
 All figures given for the United States' sealing-fleet are upproximate, no reliable records having 
 been kept. 
 
 The catch f)t' the German vessel (" Adi^le ") mv correct, she having landed her cargo at Victoria. 
 
 i' 
 
 Aiiiuml Ji'ipuifii <•/ Xiiiitlur loid Cafcli nf JJfi(in/i fnliiuiliiiiii itfn/intj FlevI front ISTl (<> liS"J(l. 
 
 Si;\i.i.Nti liciKiil fniiu yt'iirh I.STI tn ISTS. 
 
 \'UM«I«. 
 
 I'HVdiirite 
 Thoniton 
 .\niia lltrrk 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Crow. 
 
 80 
 29 
 
 .t-j 
 
 14 
 
 H 
 
 The iitiovi' vesst'ls at this time wvw not regularly engaged in scid-huntiMg, but were visiting the 
 trading .^itatiiius of their owners, when' many of the skins weif oUtaincil by b;irter from the Indians 
 along the west iM>:i-t of Viinconver Island, tihieen ('harhitte Islands, ItelLi Hella, iJella Coula, and other 
 |ioinls on tlie lii'itisli i'oiiimbian coast. 
 
 The owners being >iiy reticent, no reliable information could be obtained; euiisei|uently, the 
 nundier of skins and the extent of the industry were not known at that time. 
 
 The probable cati'h of tlie Indians and abovt^ vessels wotdd be aliout from i>,('^0 to 5,000 .skins 
 yearly, and the price at this lime was low, aliont from ."! to 4 dollars )ier skin. 
 
 It was repotted in tlu' years 1874 and l.S7."> that the Anu'rican schooner "Cygnet," ('a])tain 
 Kindierly. went to lii'liring Sea and olilained go(jd catches This is probably incorrect, as the chief 
 object of hei' voyage was sea-otter bunting, she once bringing ihem to A'ictoria. 
 
 .SiAi.iMi l!ep(al for years jSys to 1S80. 
 
 Kavourite 
 Ttiornton 
 Anna Back 
 Onward 
 
 VuKieU. 
 
 Tom. 
 
 Crew. 
 
 80 
 
 14 
 
 29 
 
 8 
 
 .16 
 
 » 
 
 35 
 
 9 
 
 These vessels were enaged in the coast sealing only, with an average catch each of about 1,2C0 ; 
 price of ukins then in Victoria from 4 to 6 dollars each, the Indian catch being akait 2,000 to 2,500 
 skins yearly. 
 
 [306] 
 
 E 
 
208 
 
 Seauno Erport, 1881. 
 
 FaTonrite 
 Thornton 
 Anna Beck 
 Onward 
 Mary Ellen 
 
 Vt>aiela. 
 
 Tonii. 
 
 80 
 29 
 36 
 SA 
 63 
 
 Crew. 
 
 U 
 8 
 !l 
 9 
 
 12 
 
 These vessels were only eiifjaged in sealinj,' ou the west const of Vancouver islnnil, about l,2Uil 
 skins being the uverage catch. Value at \'ictoria about '> doilavs jter skin. 
 
 No oflicial IJeport made liy above vessels, and no memoranda at Custom-house. 
 
 About this time the Indians would kill and brinp; to Victoria for sale about 2,i'5O0 .skins yearly. 
 
 Se.\lix(1 Hepokt, 188: 
 
 Vi-jsels. 
 
 Tona. 
 
 F«Touriti> . . 
 Thornton , , 
 Anna Beck 
 Onwnril 
 
 Grace , . 
 
 Alfred Adams ,. 
 \V. P. Hayword 
 Mary Ellen ,. 
 
 Crew. 
 
 su 
 
 14 
 
 29 
 
 » 
 
 36 
 
 9 
 
 3.-1 
 
 
 
 77 
 
 12 
 
 69 
 
 14 
 
 59 
 
 12 
 
 63 
 
 12 
 
 Tlie.se vessels welt' only i'n!j;iij,'ed in ."feiilinji on the west coast of Vancduver l.slaiid, and did not 
 go to nehriiig Sea. The avcrune catcli would Ijc about 1,500 skins for each vessel, and the ]iiices low. 
 about froiii ."• ilollars to 5 dol. 50 c. per skin. 
 
 Vessels at this time considered in tlie coiisting ti'iidc, and no otliciid iJciiort kept. 
 
 Skai.ixc liEi'oitr, 188.",. 
 
 Vessels. 
 
 Tons 
 
 OfW. 
 
 Mary Kllen 
 
 
 -1 
 
 63 
 
 12 
 
 (jraco .. 
 
 
 
 77 
 
 U 
 
 W. P. .?avwat.l 
 
 
 
 .'•9 
 
 12 
 
 Anna Heck 
 
 
 • *• 1 
 
 at) 
 
 10 
 
 Thornton .. 
 
 
 ..1 
 
 28 
 
 9 
 
 Dolphin 
 
 
 • •• 1 
 
 60 
 
 12 
 
 Kate.. 
 
 
 • •• i 
 
 58 
 
 12 
 
 Alfred Adunn ,. 
 
 
 ..1 
 
 69 
 
 U 
 
 Favourite •• 
 
 
 ..| 
 
 80 
 
 16 
 
 None of tbe.se vessels clt'ared for or entered I'chring .S'li. liul contined their operations to hunting 
 ou the west coast of Vancouver Island. Xuiiilier of seals taken liy eaeh schooner not recorded. The 
 average ciitch for each vessel would be aliotit 1,500 nkins ; vidiu' at N'ictoria about (1 dnlhirs eiich. 
 
 in this year tlu^ American schooner " (.'ily of .'^mi Diego,'' llaniel McLean, muster, and his lirother 
 Alexander, mate, and a crew of tlnrteen men, entered Hehring Sea to hunt .seal.f, iind had a successful 
 catch of li,5U0 skin.s. This ves.sel titled out in Sim l-'runeiseo and. proceeded ilirect to Itehriiig .Smi. 
 
 In this year the (iernnin schooner " Adele," which came from .lapaii, was caught trespa.ssjng near 
 seal islands in Mehring Sea, and was seized, but was afterwards relea.-^ed. TIk' seizing vessel confis- 
 cating the skin.s, ivported the skins take'i at about :«00. 
 
209 
 
 SKALIXG IfKI'ORT, 1884. 
 
 
 Vejai'ls. 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Cnw. 
 
 1 
 
 
 Thornton ., ,, ,, 
 
 29 
 
 U 
 
 
 Dolphin 
 
 
 
 60 
 
 10 
 
 
 Onwaril 
 
 
 
 35 
 
 9 
 
 
 Kate. . 
 
 
 
 58 
 
 12 
 
 
 Anns Beck . . 
 
 
 
 36 
 
 9 
 
 
 Grace 
 
 
 
 77 
 
 18 
 
 
 W. P. SaywanI 
 
 
 
 59 
 
 12 
 
 
 Alfred Adamfi . . 
 
 
 
 6» 
 
 16 
 
 
 Black Diamond 
 
 
 
 81 
 
 19 
 
 
 Mary Ellen . . 
 
 
 
 63 
 
 17 
 
 
 Favourite , . 
 
 
 
 80 
 
 19 
 
 All the (ibove reported as iiaviny entered Beliriiig Seu, but no returns reijorted. Aveiaf,'e in 1884 
 about l.nOO skins per vessel. Havo earefully examined the records, and can find no particulars of 
 catch. 
 
 « 
 
 The foUowiiij; I'oreij'n vos.sels also cleared from Victoria, British (,'olumbia, but did not retinn : — 
 
 , M\ 
 
 I ' 
 
 Veaaels. 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Crew. 
 
 City of San 1 )iego 
 
 Aleiander ., .. .. 
 
 Ott.T 
 
 AdcM. 
 
 40 1 
 
 45 
 
 38 J 
 
 50 
 
 .. I American. 
 10 1 German. 
 
 p 
 
 ('ATcii of !Wtisli Columbian Sealing-vessels, lS8i5. 
 
 
 
 
 .Men, 
 
 
 Catch. 
 
 
 Vowls. 
 
 Tons. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Coast. 
 
 Brliring 
 
 Sea. 
 
 Total. 
 
 RuiUer .. 
 
 2S 
 
 5 
 
 1,450 
 
 
 1,450 
 
 Kate 
 
 
 58 i 14 
 
 1,675 
 
 
 l,67.'i 
 
 Favourite. . 
 
 
 80 18 
 
 1,720 
 
 , , 
 
 1,726 
 
 Onward . . . . . . 
 
 
 35 
 
 9 
 
 1,094 
 
 , , 
 
 1,694 
 
 Dolphin . . 
 
 
 01) 
 
 15 
 
 1,833 
 
 , J 
 
 1,833 
 
 Black Diamond .. 
 
 
 81 
 
 15 
 
 1,426 
 
 ,, 
 
 1,426 
 
 Alfred Adams , . . . , , 
 
 
 69 
 
 18 
 
 1,512 
 
 3U0 
 
 1,813 
 
 Grace 
 
 
 .77 16 
 
 1,8011 
 
 
 1,80U 
 
 Thornton.. 
 
 
 ■J9 
 
 9 
 
 1,425 
 
 , , 
 
 1,425 
 
 W. P. Say ward 
 
 
 59 
 
 16 
 
 1,900 
 
 , , 
 
 1,900 
 
 Mountain Chief . . 
 
 
 26 
 
 l,2J5 
 
 
 1,225 
 
 Anna Beck 
 
 
 1 36 ! 7 
 
 1,234 
 
 
 1,234 
 
 MaryElU'n 
 
 
 03 1 18 
 
 1,489 
 
 500 
 
 1,989 
 
 (Tliirlmi vessels.) 
 
 701 j 166 
 
 20,389 
 
 800 
 
 21,189 
 
 Olher SJHhi lauded al V 
 
 'icteria, 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 Adi-lu (German) . . , . . . , , . . I 50 
 
 1,350 
 
 400 
 
 1,750 
 
 [aotf] 
 
 2 E 2 
 
210 
 
 Catch of l^rifisli (.'olmiiliian SeHliiif^-vessels, I.SSf'i. 
 
 
 Hnata 
 uiid Ciinaes. 
 
 
 Cat.h. 
 
 Vfiwif. 1 Tons. 
 1 
 
 Cifw. 
 
 Coast. 
 
 Behring 
 8ea. 
 
 Total. 
 
 Marf Ellen 1 63 
 
 6 
 
 24 
 
 1,200 
 
 2,353 
 
 3,5.'i3 
 
 Pathfinder .. 
 
 
 66 
 
 6 
 
 22 
 
 750 
 
 950 
 
 1,700 
 
 Dolpliin 
 
 
 60 
 
 5 
 
 18 
 
 1,040 
 
 960 
 
 2,000 
 
 Penelapo 
 
 
 .; 70 
 
 6 
 
 20 
 
 600 
 
 650 
 
 1,250 
 
 Orao' 
 
 
 • 1 77 
 
 6 
 
 21 
 
 600 
 
 1.100 
 
 1,700 
 
 Anna Beck . . 
 
 
 .{ .36 
 
 9 
 
 18 
 
 541 
 
 601 
 
 1,142 
 
 W. I. Sayward 
 
 
 59 
 
 ., 
 
 21 
 
 750 
 
 850 
 
 1,600 
 
 AlfrcJ Adama 
 
 
 69 
 
 10 
 
 22 
 
 650 
 
 750 
 
 1,400 
 
 FaTOtirite 
 
 
 80 
 
 12 
 
 28 
 
 650 
 
 2.231 
 
 2,8HI 
 
 Black Diamond 
 
 
 81 
 
 12 
 
 24 
 
 350 
 
 378 
 
 ■28 
 
 Tere»> 
 
 
 63 
 
 .*» 
 
 18 
 
 800 
 
 1,400 
 
 2,200 
 
 Arctica 
 
 
 42 
 
 4 
 
 16 
 
 1,.300 
 
 ,, 
 
 1,300 
 
 Kate 
 
 
 58 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 1,000 
 
 , . 
 
 1,090 
 
 Thornton* . , 
 
 
 29 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 500 
 
 ,, 
 
 500 
 
 Onward* . . 
 
 
 . ' Xi 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 400 
 
 • • 
 
 400 
 
 Carolina*, .. 
 
 
 
 32 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 700 
 
 
 7(0 
 
 (Siiteen veasela.) 
 
 92(» 
 
 101 
 
 314 
 
 11,921 
 
 12,423 
 
 24.344 
 
 Adele (German) 
 
 • •• 
 
 • 
 
 50 
 
 4 
 
 16 
 
 433 
 
 132 
 
 605 
 
 * Thete Teswit were leited and ronfitcated Ht the United Statei' Government. 
 
 Catch of llritish Columliian Sealiii},'-vesself<, 1887. 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 Crew. 
 
 Catch. 
 
 Venels. 
 
 Tunt. 
 
 i 
 
 Boat!. 
 
 Coaat. 
 
 Behring 
 Sea. 
 
 Total. 
 
 W. P. Say ward* 
 
 Anna Beck* .. 
 Grace* 
 
 Dolphin* 
 
 Alfred Adams* 
 
 Ada* 
 
 Lottie Fairfield 
 
 MarjTaylor.. 
 
 Pathfinder .. 
 
 Penelope .. ,, ,. ., 
 
 Triumph 
 
 Favourite 
 
 Blaek Diamond 
 
 Mountain Chief 
 
 Tereia .. ,. ., 
 
 Kate 
 
 Mary Ellen 
 
 59 
 36 
 77 
 60 
 69 
 64 
 125 
 43 
 66 
 09 
 98 
 80 
 81 
 26 
 63 
 58 
 69 
 
 12 
 4 
 6 
 5 
 
 IS 
 
 I 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 5 
 7 
 7 
 8 
 8 
 
 24 
 12 
 18 
 18 
 
 r> 
 
 24 
 
 24 
 18 
 21 
 23 
 24 
 28 
 21 
 15 
 23 
 20 
 2« 
 
 477 
 210 
 410 
 330 
 525 
 512 
 400 
 450 
 1,000 
 800 
 
 630 
 250 
 700 
 S.-iO 
 743 
 515 
 
 "l26 
 359 
 
 288 
 854 
 
 1,364 
 
 »,600 
 550 
 
 1,300 
 700 
 480 
 
 1,257 
 245 
 
 696 
 
 'ins 
 
 477 
 
 336 
 
 769 
 
 618 
 
 1,379 
 
 1,876 
 
 3.000 
 
 1,000 
 
 2,300 
 
 1.500 
 
 480 
 
 1,887 
 
 495 
 
 700 
 
 1,246 
 
 743 
 
 1,460 
 
 (Seventeen ve»wl«.) 
 
 1,143 ' 123 
 
 361 
 
 8,502 
 
 ii,;ui 
 
 20.266 
 
 Adele (German) 
 
 50 ;> 
 
 20 
 
 720 
 
 6:io 
 
 1,350 
 
 • .Seiied by United States' Governmi-nt in llrhrinif Sen. 
 
211 
 
 m 
 
 Catch of British Ciiluiiibiati Sfiiliii},'-vessels, 1888. 
 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Boats. 
 
 Crew. 
 
 
 Citdi. 
 
 
 Vessels. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Coast. 
 
 Bi'hring 
 Sea* 
 
 Totsl. 
 
 Mary Kllen . . . . . , 
 
 69 
 
 12 
 
 30 
 
 805 
 
 910 
 
 1,715 
 
 Fcnelopo ,. .. ., ,. 
 
 69 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 1,410 
 
 1,937 
 
 3,347 
 
 Juanila ,, ., ,, ,, 
 
 40 
 
 13 
 
 28 
 
 177 
 
 1.017 
 
 1.194 
 
 Mountain C'liipf ., .. ,. 
 
 26 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 400 
 
 825 
 
 1.225 
 
 San Jnsu . . . . , , . . 
 
 52 
 
 4 
 
 16 
 
 107 
 
 .. 
 
 107 
 
 Sapphire 
 
 124 
 
 9 
 
 22 
 
 1,200 
 
 
 1,200 
 
 Viva 
 
 92 
 
 (i 
 
 21 
 
 806 
 
 2.069 
 
 2,876 
 
 Black Diamond 
 
 81 
 
 !» 
 
 20 
 
 231 
 
 863 
 
 1,094 
 
 Mary Taylor,. 
 
 43 
 
 9 
 
 24 
 
 392 
 
 , , 
 
 392 
 
 Triumph 
 
 98 
 
 12 
 
 29 
 
 ,, 
 
 2,470 
 
 2,470 
 
 Annie C. Moore . . , . . , 
 
 IIS 
 
 ti 
 
 23 
 
 ,, 
 
 715 
 
 715 
 
 MaegieMae 
 
 71 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 125 
 
 1,299 
 
 1,424 
 
 FBTOUritC! .. 
 
 70 
 
 13 
 
 30 
 
 300 
 
 1,834 
 
 »,134 
 
 Annio ,. ., ,, ,, 
 
 25 
 
 5 
 
 11 
 
 156 
 
 1,039 
 
 1,195 
 
 RosieOlsen.. 
 
 39 
 
 4 
 
 13 
 
 100 
 
 500 
 
 600 
 
 Pathfinder ., 
 
 66 
 
 9 
 
 22 
 
 600 
 
 650 
 
 1,250 
 
 U\J 
 
 68 
 
 12 
 
 22 
 
 93 
 
 ,, 
 
 93 
 
 O. 8. Fowler.. 
 
 34 
 
 3 
 
 12 
 
 230 
 
 ,, 
 
 230 
 
 Minnie .. .. ,. 
 
 46 
 
 12 
 
 26 
 
 209 
 
 525 
 
 734 
 
 Aurora 
 
 41 
 
 11 
 
 23 
 
 335 
 
 • • 
 
 335 
 
 Araunaht 
 
 71 
 
 6 
 
 20 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 (Twenty-one vessels.^ 
 
 1,347 
 
 170 
 
 442 
 
 7,676 
 
 16,653 
 
 24,329 
 
 Adele (German) .. ,, ,, 
 
 50 
 
 8 
 
 20 
 
 392 
 
 822 
 
 1,214 
 
 * The Behring Sea natch for this and previona yeara includes a certain number of skins taken on the coast of British Columbia 
 to the north of Vancouver Island, the schooners having no opportunity of landing the skins before entering Behring Sea. 
 f " Areunah " seiied by Russians near Copper Island (Parliamentary Paper C. fi253, p. 80). 
 
 i; 
 
 
 Catch of British Columbian Sealing-vessela, 1889. 
 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Boats. 
 
 Crow. 
 
 Catch. 
 
 Vessels. 
 
 Spring. 
 
 Coast. 
 
 Behring 
 Sea. 
 
 Total. 
 
 Pathfinder .. 
 
 Teresa 
 
 Annie C. Moore . . . . 
 
 Viva 
 
 Penelope 
 
 Sapphire .. .. 
 Auroiu ,. ,, ., 
 Juanita ., .. 
 Mary Taylor.. 
 
 Minnie 
 
 Wanderer 
 
 Ariel 
 
 Lily 
 
 Black Diamond 
 Kate .. 
 Favourite .. .. .. 
 
 Mountain Chief 
 
 Sierra 
 
 W. P. Say ward 
 
 Winnifred ,. ,. ,. 
 
 Heatrico 
 
 Maggie Mac 
 
 66 
 63 
 
 113 
 92 
 70 
 
 183 
 41 
 40 
 42 
 46 
 15 
 90 
 68 
 81 
 58 
 79 
 20 
 10 
 59 
 10 
 67 
 70 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 18 
 
 11 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 II 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 12 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 24 
 23 
 23 
 22 
 21 
 39 
 22 
 29 
 18 
 21 
 15 
 22 
 25 
 29 
 24 
 25 
 13 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 22 
 25 
 
 384 
 284 
 313 
 589 
 384 
 754 
 330 
 103 
 383 
 2U0 
 178 
 
 2*80 
 .147 
 
 U24 
 
 2*10 
 
 80 
 
 • • 
 
 22 
 500 
 
 164 
 
 558 
 198 
 489 
 H72 
 
 610 
 
 486 
 
 32 
 
 364 
 
 841 
 2*82 
 340 
 
 557 
 
 613 
 
 48 
 828 
 1,318 
 2.182 
 1,796 
 1,626 
 
 *29 
 
 500 
 
 "g44 
 74 
 
 55 
 
 800 
 1,764 
 
 • • 
 
 M43 
 
 '700 
 1,290 
 
 990 
 
 1,310 
 
 2,130 
 
 3,643 
 
 2,180 
 
 2,990 
 
 816 
 
 164 
 
 747 
 
 700 
 
 178 
 
 1,685 
 
 354 
 
 684 
 
 1,424 
 
 2,104 
 
 210 
 
 80 
 
 2,200 
 
 22 
 
 1,200 
 
 2,067 
 
 (Twenty-twc vessels.) 
 Adi'le (Grrniun) ., .. 
 
 I.3i9 
 
 179 
 
 481 
 
 6.129 6,242 
 
 15,497 
 
 27,868 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 240 ! 1,461 
 
 1 
 
 •• 
 
 1,701 
 
212 
 
 Catch of British Colum1)inii Sailing-vessels, 1890. 
 
 
 
 Tona. 
 
 Boats. 
 
 Crew. 
 
 
 Catib. 
 
 
 Vmwola. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 White. 
 
 Indian. 
 
 Spring. 
 
 Coatt. 
 
 Behring 
 Sea. 
 
 Total. 
 
 Mwjr Taylor 
 
 43 
 
 ,, 
 
 G 
 
 18 
 
 ' 104 
 
 302 
 
 592 
 
 998 
 
 Pioneer 
 
 till 
 
 5 
 
 . 20 
 
 ,. 
 
 23!k 
 
 716 
 
 984 
 
 1.935 
 
 Vl»« 
 
 n 
 
 fi 
 
 23 
 
 ., 
 
 262 
 
 436 
 
 2.015 
 
 2,713 
 
 Iriunph • • • • ■ > 
 E. aMarriii 
 
 98 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 • • 
 
 1 182 
 
 1,018 
 
 473 
 
 1.67S 
 
 117 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 ,, 
 
 3<8 
 
 878 
 
 918 
 
 2,164 
 
 Sapphire .. 
 
 124 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 36 
 
 119 
 
 1,378 
 
 745 
 
 3.242 
 
 C.H. Topper 
 
 9!i 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 ., 
 
 1 
 
 1 •• 
 
 571 
 
 796 
 
 1.367 
 
 Kate 
 
 58 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 22 
 
 I 156 
 
 5!1 
 
 1'30 
 
 897 
 
 Favourite .. 
 
 80 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 26 
 
 856 
 
 981 
 
 1,116 
 
 2,453 
 
 
 42 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 
 19 
 
 165 
 
 797 
 
 ,, 
 
 962 
 
 Beatriet 
 
 6r. 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 25 
 
 220 
 
 710 
 
 854 
 
 1,784 
 
 Katberjnc .. 
 
 HI 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 
 18 
 
 380 
 
 345 945 
 
 1,670 
 
 Lily 
 
 fin 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 122 
 
 5flO 
 
 622 
 
 Penelope .. ,, ., 
 
 70 
 
 ."» 
 
 •J2 
 
 , , 
 
 148 
 
 578 . 445 
 
 1,171 
 
 W. P. Sayward 
 
 59 
 
 1.) 
 
 C 
 
 16 
 
 154 
 
 339 459 
 
 952 
 
 Maggio Mac 
 
 71 
 
 C 
 
 20 
 
 ,, 
 
 .. 
 
 1,200 752 
 
 1.952 
 
 Juaiiitn ., 
 
 40 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 16 
 
 07 
 
 311 770 
 
 1,178 
 
 Annie C. Moore ., ., 
 
 113 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 , , 
 
 90 
 
 703 ! 630 
 
 1,423 
 
 Teresa 
 
 C3 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 ,, 
 
 175 
 
 569 450 
 
 1.194 
 
 Ariel 
 
 91 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 34 
 
 220 
 
 349 : 1.137 
 
 1,706 
 
 Minnie 
 
 46 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 16 
 
 300 
 
 764 1 1.467 
 
 2,531 
 
 .-Va Lion ,• „ ,. 
 
 50 
 
 5 
 
 18 
 
 ,. 
 
 254 
 
 817 ! 774 
 
 1,845 
 
 MtcrL. Rieb 
 
 79 
 
 C 
 
 20 
 
 ,, 
 
 122 
 
 562 1 633 
 
 1,317 
 
 Oc an Belle.. .. 
 
 83 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 ,. 
 
 ,, 
 
 94rr ' 480 
 
 1,426 
 
 Wanderer .. 
 
 25 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 82 
 
 
 82 
 
 Tcnturc .. .. 
 
 48 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 • • 
 
 94 
 
 , , 
 
 ,, 
 
 94 
 
 Mary Ellen.. 
 
 70 
 
 1 
 
 23 
 
 • • 
 
 115 
 
 951 
 
 .. 
 
 1,066 
 
 Mountain Chief 
 
 23 
 
 4 
 
 • • 
 
 10 
 
 60 
 
 
 60 
 
 LeUtia 
 
 28 
 
 5 
 
 •• 
 
 12 
 
 70 
 
 •• 
 
 •• 
 
 70 
 
 (Thirty TCiscla.) 
 
 1,994 
 
 246 
 
 372 
 
 293 
 
 4,658 
 
 16,7.'52 
 
 18.165 
 
 39,547 
 
 Adele (German) 
 
 - 
 
 7 
 
 220 
 
 811 
 
 1,031 
 
 Approximate Number nnd Catch of United States' Senliii" Fleet, 1886-91. 
 
 1886— 
 City or San Diego . . , . I 
 
 SyKia Handy , , ,, y Lande<l at Victoria 
 
 Vandtrbilt ,. .. ..J 
 
 About ten others, with total catrh <if, lay , . , , 
 
 Total for 1886 (tbirtren vessel) 
 
 18b7— 
 Cily of San Diego .. .. "1 , .,.„.. 
 
 Vanderbilt .. .. _, | Landed at V. dona 
 
 About thirty others, with tolri ratrh of, say ,. 
 
 Total for 1887 (thirty-two vestela) .. 
 188( — 
 A')out eight veitels, catch nnknown. 
 
 1889' «• 
 
 WilterL. Rich .. .,> 
 
 i'an Diego ., ,, j 
 
 Veituru .. ., ..I 
 
 Alii I Alger.. .. .. I 
 
 lie' ry Dennis . , 
 
 Lo'iic ,. ,, 
 
 Mjlly Adams .. 
 
 Bessie Ratter .. 
 
 J.H.Lewis 
 
 About twesity.four other veeseli.with total catch of, say 
 
 Total for 1889 (thirty-three veisels) .. 
 
 ItM— 
 Mattie Dyer 
 San Diego . . 
 Oeo.A.WbiU 
 Henry Dennis 
 Venture ,. 
 About seren nthi-rs, «itb total catrli of, sny i. 
 
 r Landed at Victoria 
 
 • Landed at Victoria 
 
 16,000 
 
 5,741 
 
 .1,116 
 
 Total for 1890 (twelve Teasels) 
 
( 218 ) 
 
 ?■<:■': 
 
 » 
 
 
 
 APPENDIX (ii). 
 
 I ;> 'V 
 
 MiSOELLANKOUa TABtKS. 
 
 1. Arerago I'rioot realized Tor Alaska Salted Fur-Seal Skins at Public Auction in London. 
 
 2. Statement of Fur-Seal Skins obtained in trade from Indians by the Hudson Bay Com- 
 
 pany oi the coost of Uritish Columbi:i l)etwcen I'ort Simpson and tlie nortlipm end 
 of Vancouver Island, 1R52 to 1890. 
 
 3. Skins taken fur Shipment from CoMtmnndcr Islands, 1802 to IS'JI. 
 
 4. Shipment of Fur-Seal Skins from T^bos Islands, ••oniinunieatcd by Mr. Alfred Lafoiic. 
 
 M.P. ^ 
 
 5. Particulars of Fur-Seal Skins in London Market, from Mc>8rs. C. M. I^tnipso i and Co. 
 
 I. — AVERAOR Prices roalizod for Alaska Salted Fm-Seal Skins at Puljlie Auction in London, rnriiished 
 
 hy the Hiidson Hay Company. 
 
 YesT. 
 
 1871 
 1872 
 1873 
 1874 
 1875 
 1876 
 1877 
 1878 
 1879 
 I8<l() 
 1881 
 
 Sklna. 
 
 104.H99 
 96,28.1 
 
 103,721 
 99,150 
 99.634 
 90,276 
 75,410 
 99,911 
 
 100,036 
 
 100,101 
 9'J,92l 
 
 Priis 
 
 Yc»r. 
 
 1. ll. 
 
 : 
 
 42 2 
 
 1882 . 
 
 44 10 
 
 1883 . 
 
 52 
 
 1884 . 
 
 52 (! 
 
 1R85 . 
 
 SO 9 
 
 1 188(i . 
 
 :ii 4 
 
 , 1887 . 
 
 39 11 
 
 1888 . 
 
 69 2 
 
 1889 . 
 
 81 
 
 1 1H90 . 
 
 91 5 
 
 ' 1H91 . 
 
 79 9 
 
 
 SMna. 
 
 Prire. 
 
 
 ». d. 
 
 100,100 
 
 53 7 
 
 75,914 
 
 82 9 
 
 99,994 
 
 51 9 
 
 99,874 
 
 57 7 
 
 99,947 
 
 69 S 
 
 99,949 
 
 56 
 
 100.037 
 
 77 11 
 
 100,031 
 
 66 11 
 
 20,994 
 
 146 S 
 
 13,494 
 
 125 4 
 
 ATo/f.— Pretidus tci 1.J71 fur-fcal skinn Wfri' inM iirivatcly, and it it inipoasiblp to olitnin enrrprt nvcrajr prices. 
 
 
 :J. — Statkmknt of Fiir-Sual Skins ohlaiutMl in Tiiulc Irmii Iiuliaus i.y the iliulsoii li.iy L'DUiiiany on 
 tlu! Coast of Ikitish Colniiiliin lietwoen Port Sinijwitn autl tiic Novtiieni End of Vancouver 
 Island, 185LMU». 
 
 
1i»5Sr 
 
 liWfl" 
 
 IBH 
 
 V 
 
 
 ai4 
 
 3. — Skinfi taken for Shipment froui Conininnder Island!*, 1862-91. 
 
 Notot. 
 
 ^^1 t^J pop* killed 
 
 Alaika Commerei*! Compiiny'g firtt term began ' 
 
 llliolt nakei nteb 3,6U, but tbii doubtleu ■ 
 miiUke, 
 
 Stopped killing jiupi (or fuoU 
 
 Approiimate eitiamU) •• .. 
 
 Approiimate estimato , , . . 
 
 End of Alaika CuniuicrcinI Coniiany'ii leate 
 
 I87& 
 1876 
 1877 
 1878 
 187» 
 1880 
 I8HI 
 1882 
 1R83 
 I88t 
 1885 
 1886 
 1887 
 1888 
 1889 
 IBUU 
 
 Number. 
 
 Notei. 
 
 4,000 
 4,S00 
 S,00l) 
 4.000 
 4.000 
 4,000 
 12,000 
 31,000 
 
 27,500 
 3,413 
 
 29.318 
 30,396 
 31,272 
 
 36,274 
 26,960 
 21,5.12 
 31.340 
 42,752 
 48.604 
 43,522 
 44,620 
 28.696 
 52.652 
 41,737 
 44,500 
 46.754 
 45,000 
 55,4»:l 
 55.727 
 
 8r2.40St 
 
 ' liicluUini IlubbeD Island. 
 
 Without Kiibben lilanil, from which no 
 skins wiTC taken. 
 
 Including 1.453 taken on Robbun Isliud, 
 
 Including 50U taken on Hoblien Island. 
 
 * 1865 to 1891 from official figurca obtuinnl by u:. un Coniiuuiider UIiiikU. 
 
 f Tlip skins nlittiini'd by rnidiT" ii|ioii Rdlibrn Ulaiiii iiiui oil the C'ummander IiluuJs arc nut iiuluilcJ in the figurui above given, 
 *hieh merely reprewnt tliu annual catch iis ulticiully rt-coriicd. 
 
 
 Autea (jii the Ki/litii/ v/ J''iir-i)ttils vn Ihc Vuiaiiuimlcf Jultiiiiln. 
 
 The fiifU aviiilalili' for llie I'liiiier vi'iirs afti-r the liiscoveiy of tliesc islands arc very iucouiiilelt', 
 but the following; notes may he citi'il: — 
 
 In 17r>l-j.'l, .luiiot, anion,' kins liroiijihl Inmi lichiin;; J.-ilund, hml L'.lM:.' I'lir-.sfiil skin.-!, and in 
 1762 and ll'to lliu crew of ti vessel lieloiiLiin).' to 'J'laiie/.nikoll', an Irkutsk meich.int, took 'J.'ii'i) fiir-seid 
 skins on liie same islaml. \" Xcue Nachrichteii vun ilcnen Xeiieiildecken JiLsuln," ijnoted liy Nordeii- 
 skiijld, in " Voyiii,'e of the \Vj,'a,"vol. ii, ji. 2Tti.) 
 
 lielurns of cavj^oes of skins IVoni the CJoiumamlri Islands, (|Uoled hy ISaniioft ( J'laneroft's AVorks, 
 vid. xxxiii, jiji. 1 1 1-IUI ), show that hel ween I 7"2 and ITfiti (the la.st year not ineliitleil) at least H.'i.TOS 
 skins were shi]i]ied. .Most of these Were o))taii»d Iroiii the (."oMiiaaiider J.slaiiiis, njjon which alone tlui 
 iietnal killing; ilnnliiless eNreedcd this liiiiiri'. piohaMy Very eonsideiahly. It was not till 18Stj tlmt the 
 lirst .skins weir taken on the I'rihylolf Islands. 
 
 Klli(jlt .-.late.^ that he lielieves thi'ie vas an interie;,'miiii I'clv.ien ITliil and 1 7><t), <liiriii>; wliieh the 
 fur-seals weie driven Iroin the Coniniander Islands, and no skins were taken (Census Jfejioit, |i. 10!)). 
 This is, however, inaiiifestly an ern r, in view of the statements of individual cargoes ujion wiiieh the 
 above total nmoiini is haseii, and from whieli it. would apjiear that the Commander Islantis never een.sed 
 to produce a cerlaiii numher of skins. Kllioit I'nrthcr states that he (h)es not know when the seals 
 returned, but is " inclined to believe " thai they did not reajivear in any coiisidernble number till 1837 
 or 1838. Ill 1>SG7 the liiissians did not think that more than 20.0tiil skins eould be secured on the 
 Couiuiuuder Islands annually. Since 1SC7 (to 1880) the cajmcity of the (Vniniander Islands <,'raduiilly 
 increased from about 1. '1,000 to 50,000 skins \h.'v annum, doubtless because ol' the careful nianagcnicnt 
 of tho industry ou these islands. (C'eubus liu^iort, p. lUi).) 
 
^T'^'^l^Hir'^^^! 
 
 
 ?^!^v^^^^^B T • '^n 
 
 S10 
 
 4.— Shipment of Fur-Seal Skins ttom Lobos Islandal ooirmnnio«ted by Mr. iifred Lnfone, M.P. 
 
 Ymt. 
 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 li 
 
 t 
 
 
 TMd. 
 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 li 
 
 J] 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 
 IM7 .. 
 
 »M 
 
 Its 
 
 1S4 
 
 ssa 
 
 l.IOS 
 
 8,660 
 
 6,488 
 
 • • 
 
 344 
 
 21 
 
 14.849 
 
 1*88 .. 
 
 SOI 
 
 25S 
 
 6S4 
 
 1.480 
 
 1,660 
 
 7.088 
 
 6.915 
 
 • • 
 
 333 
 
 23 
 
 17,711 
 
 UN .. 
 
 lU 
 
 134 
 
 266 
 
 741 
 
 1,851 
 
 S.9SS 
 
 3.618 
 
 93 
 
 488 
 
 106 
 
 IS.20S 
 
 1890 
 
 17S 
 
 17S 
 
 403 
 
 988 
 
 1,084 
 
 S,901 
 
 4.898 
 
 • • 
 
 502 
 
 9S 
 
 14.144 
 
 1891 
 
 224 
 
 IIS 
 
 867 
 
 C94 
 
 1.093 
 
 6,333 
 
 3.(00 
 
 • • 
 
 10 
 
 40 
 
 12,776 
 
 ToUli 
 
 l.IOl 
 
 842 
 
 2.314 
 
 4,4S0 
 
 6,683 
 
 30,937 
 
 24.319 
 
 93 
 
 1,677 
 
 28) 
 
 72,739 
 
 'Total Catch of Salted Lobos Island Seal Skins, 1870-91, communicated by Mr. Alfred Lafone, M.P. 
 
 Yw. 
 
 Skiu. 
 
 Year. 
 
 SkiM. 
 
 IR.*6 
 
 
 
 
 11.353 
 
 1884 
 
 
 14.580 
 
 1877 
 
 
 
 
 13,066 
 
 UM 
 
 
 
 10,862 
 
 1878 
 
 
 
 
 12,301 
 
 1886 
 
 
 
 14,980 
 
 1879 
 
 
 
 
 12.295 
 
 1887 
 
 
 
 14,849 
 
 IRhO 
 
 
 
 
 14.865 
 
 I88S 
 
 
 
 I7,7IH 
 
 1H81 
 
 
 
 
 13,596 
 
 1889 
 
 
 
 13,205 
 
 IS((2 
 
 
 
 
 13.200 
 
 1890 
 
 
 
 14,211 
 
 1881 
 
 
 
 
 12,422 
 
 1891 
 
 
 
 12.776 
 
 5, — Partiailan of Fur-Seal Skins in London Murket.from Messrs. C. if. Lampson and Co. 
 
 Dear Sir, G4. Qtietn Street, Loiulon, Man 23, 1892. 
 
 We have tlic pleasure to inclose herewith particulars of fur-seal skins sold in liondon, for which 
 you asked us when wo had the jtleasure of seoin^' you here. 
 
 We ore, &c. 
 (Signed) C. M. LAMPSOX and Co. 
 
 Sir fleorge Baden-PowoU. K.C.M.O., M.P., &c., 
 8, St. Ueoige's Place. 
 
 (A.) — Salted Lobos Island Fui'-Senl Skins sold in London. 
 
 Y«r. 
 
 8kina. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Skim. 
 
 1873 
 
 
 6.956 
 
 1884 
 
 16.258 
 
 1874 
 
 
 8,509 
 
 1885 
 
 
 10,953 
 
 1875 
 
 
 8,179 
 
 1886 
 
 
 13,667 
 
 1876 
 
 
 11,353 
 
 1887 
 
 
 11,068 
 
 1877 
 
 
 13,066 
 
 1888 
 
 
 20,747 
 
 1878 
 
 
 12.301 
 
 1889 
 
 
 8,755 
 
 1879 
 
 
 12,295 
 
 1890 
 
 
 18.541 
 
 1880 
 
 
 14,865 
 
 1891 
 
 
 15,834 
 
 1881 
 
 
 13.569 
 
 1892(toiUte) 
 
 4,800 
 
 1882 
 1883 
 
 
 13,200 
 12,861 
 
 
 
 
 TdUI .. .. 
 
 247,777 
 
 [£oel 
 
 aF 
 
 :-sa 
 
 ■,' 
 
 1 
 

 916 
 
 ^B.)— Salib of Cape Horn Baited FuivSeal Skitu. 
 
 Ymt. 
 
 Bkiai. 
 
 YMr. 
 
 Bkini. 
 
 1870 
 
 
 «• •• •• 
 
 6,306 
 
 18S6 .. ,. 
 
 909 
 
 1877 
 
 
 
 
 7.631 
 
 1887 
 
 2,762 
 
 1878 
 
 
 
 
 8.287 
 
 1888 
 
 4,401 
 
 1979 
 
 
 
 
 12.180 
 
 1889 .. 
 
 3,021 
 
 1890 
 
 
 
 
 17.562 
 
 1890 
 
 2,450 
 
 1881 
 
 
 
 
 13.164 
 
 1991 
 
 3.114 
 
 1892 
 
 
 
 
 11.711 
 
 1992 (to data) 
 
 3,966 
 
 IMS 
 
 
 
 
 4,651 
 
 6,743 
 
 
 
 1884 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 112,209 
 
 1885 
 
 
 
 
 3,404 
 
 
 
 (C 1.) — SAtTiD North-west Coast Fur-Seal Skins sold in London prior to Pela({ic Sealing in 
 
 Lehring Sea. 
 
 Year. 
 
 8kia«. 
 
 Year. 
 
 BkiM. 
 
 1872 
 
 1873 
 
 1874 
 
 1875 
 
 1876 
 
 1877 
 
 1878 
 
 1879 
 
 1,029 
 
 4,949 
 1,646 
 1,042 
 
 • • 
 
 964 
 
 12,212 
 
 1880 
 
 1881 
 
 1888 
 
 1883 
 
 1884 
 
 Total 
 
 8,939 
 9.997 
 11,797 
 2,319 
 9,242 
 
 64,366 
 
 (C 2.) --Salted North-west Coast Fur-Seal Skins dressed and dyed in London (but not sold there) 
 taken prior to Pelagic Sealing in Behring Sea. 
 
 Year. 
 
 •Uat. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Skint. 
 
 1872 , 
 
 1873 
 
 1874 
 
 1875 ., 
 
 1876 
 
 1877 
 
 1878 .. ■ .. .. .. 
 
 1879 
 
 699 
 40 
 
 122 . 
 
 578 
 1,062 
 
 772 
 2,434 
 2,397 
 
 ID80 
 
 1881 
 
 1883 .. .» .. .. 
 
 1883 
 
 1884 
 
 Total •• •• .. 
 
 4,562 
 
 5,890 
 
 11,159 
 
 6,385 
 10,115 
 
 46,215 
 
 (C 3.) — Dry North-west Const Fur-Seal Skins sold in London prior to Pelagic Sealing in Beliring Sea. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Skim. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Skint. 
 
 1868 
 
 
 
 
 2,141 
 
 1878 
 
 
 • 
 
 912 
 
 1869 
 
 
 
 
 1,671 
 
 1879 
 
 
 • 
 
 918 
 
 1870 
 
 
 
 
 684 
 
 1880 
 
 
 »• 
 
 • • 
 
 1871 
 
 
 
 
 12,495 
 
 1881 
 
 
 • 
 
 686 
 
 1872 
 
 
 
 
 14,594 
 
 1888 
 
 
 • 
 
 321 
 
 1873 
 
 
 
 
 891 
 
 1883 
 
 
 • 
 
 390 
 
 1874 
 
 
 
 
 2,772 .. 
 
 1884 
 
 
 • 
 
 785 
 
 1875 
 
 
 
 
 I,S&1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1816 
 
 
 
 
 993 
 
 1 
 
 rotal 
 
 , 
 
 42,767 
 
 1877 
 
 
 
 
 1,173 
 
 
 
 
 
 ...-flClUiklnitnM !■ 1371 and 1872.*! 
 by them after the pnrdiaic of Alaika bjr the United Statot'. 
 
 loCtha-l 
 
 Recapitulation. 
 
 Salted to-Mal ikina told in London, 1872-84 
 
 ,. draaMdanddyadiaLoiidaa, 187S-84 
 
 Dry fcr>Mal akint aold in Loadon, 1868-84 . . . . 
 
 OnMdIotad ••' 
 
 64,366 
 
 46,915 
 42.767 
 
 163,348 
 
IPPPF'^^WP^^J^^^IN^'w^ppil'fpf^^ 
 
 tn 
 
 ^0 40— Dbt Nortli-WMt CoMt Fur-Seal Skins mid in London after commencement of Pelagic Sealing 
 
 in Behring Sen. 
 
 ■^ ■■;? 
 
 T«w. 
 
 BkiM. 
 
 Y«r. 
 
 ■klM. 
 
 Uf5 
 1816 
 1H7 
 ISM 
 
 1819 
 
 
 
 
 1,530 
 
 979 
 
 3,84S 
 
 1,252 
 
 228 
 
 1190 
 1891 
 
 • • •• 
 
 • • at 
 
 Total 
 
 • • 
 
 • * 
 
 • • 
 
 • • 
 
 •99 
 
 i.eis 
 
 8.604 
 
 
 ■i^a 
 
 Baltkd North-west Coast Fur-Seal Skins dressed and dyed in I<ondon (but not sold tliere) taken 
 after commencenieiit of I'elagic S^Iin^; in Beliriiig Sea. 
 
 Yen. 
 
 Skim. 
 
 Ymt. 
 
 Bkini. 
 
 k%ob •• »• •« •• 
 
 188C 
 
 1887 
 
 16,167 
 15,087 
 3,589 
 
 1888 •• «• •• •• 
 
 1889 
 
 ToUl 
 
 1,930 
 2,017 
 
 39,290 
 
 In Hlditioii to tbo above it ii etlimiled that from 15,000 to 30,000 ikini biTo been dmicd ■iid dyed in tbe United Slam. 
 
 (C 5.) — Salted North-west Coast Fur-Seal Skins sold in London after commeuceiucnt of Pelagic 
 
 Sealing in Beliring Sea. 
 
 Yew. 
 
 Skina. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Kkini. 
 
 1885 
 18dC 
 1887 
 1888 
 I8S9 
 
 
 2.078 
 17.909 
 36.907 
 36,818 
 39,563 
 
 1890 
 
 1891 
 
 1892 (to date) of catch or 1891 
 
 ToUl 
 
 38,315 
 54,180 
 28,298 
 
 254,068 
 
 • 
 
 Recamtulatiox. 
 
 Drjr (kini told in London, 1885-91 
 
 Salted ikini dretwd and djred in London, bat not loM there, 1885-89 . . 
 
 „ „ Unitrd Sutea. eitimatcil, 1885 -89 
 Salted ikina loM in London, 1835-92 
 
 8.604 
 
 39,290 
 
 30,000 
 
 254,068 
 
 Grand total 
 
 331,962 
 
 (D ) — Sales of Alaska Salted Fur-Seal Skins. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Skina. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Hkint. 
 
 IH7I 
 
 
 
 104,899 
 
 1883 
 
 
 
 75.1*11 
 
 1872 
 
 
 
 90,283 
 
 1884 
 
 
 
 
 
 99.994 
 
 1873 
 
 
 
 103,724 
 
 1!>85 
 
 
 
 
 
 99,871 
 
 1874 
 
 
 
 09,150 
 
 1886 
 
 
 
 
 
 99,947 
 
 1875 
 
 
 
 99,«S4 
 
 1887 
 
 
 
 
 
 99,919 
 
 187C 
 
 
 
 98,270 
 
 1888 
 
 
 
 
 
 100,037 
 
 If;? 
 
 
 
 75,410 
 
 1889 
 
 
 
 
 
 100,031 
 
 1878 
 
 
 
 99,911 
 
 1890 
 
 
 
 
 
 20,994 
 
 1870 
 
 
 
 100,036 
 
 1891 
 
 
 
 
 
 17,052 
 
 1880 
 
 
 
 100,161 
 
 
 
 
 1881 .. .. 
 
 
 
 99,921 
 100. lOO 
 
 
 
 
 1882 
 
 
 
 T 
 
 uUl 
 
 1,893,897 
 
 [305] 
 
 2 F 2 
 
™^^^ 
 
 'WP'.WWM<(l|,i|^IWJS.(.i .WPIiPyjPI 
 
 i 
 
 ;! 
 
 218 
 
 (E.}— Salm of Co|ipe> Islud Salted Fuf-SmI Skinn 
 
 V«r. 
 
 •klM. 
 
 T«r. 
 
 Mat. 
 
 itn 
 
 
 
 
 M.1M 
 
 IM4 
 
 
 M,«ll 
 
 1174 
 
 
 
 
 »M* 
 
 INS 
 
 
 
 
 II.Mf 
 
 Itn 
 
 
 
 
 u,m 
 
 IIM 
 
 
 
 
 4I.7M 
 
 in* 
 
 
 
 
 SS,1H 
 
 1M7 
 
 
 
 
 M.M4 
 
 int 
 
 
 
 
 t>,MO 
 
 KM 
 
 
 
 
 4«.m 
 
 im 
 
 
 
 
 U.«M 
 
 IMS 
 
 
 
 
 47.411 
 
 im 
 
 
 
 
 M,ai5 
 
 INO 
 
 
 
 
 M.7M 
 
 IN* 
 
 
 
 
 M,MO 
 
 ini 
 
 
 
 
 M.7t4 
 
 INl 
 
 
 
 
 45.109 
 
 im 
 
 
 
 
 M.<M 
 
 IMt 
 IMS 
 
 
 
 
 SMll 
 S6,4N 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 TbUI (• • •• 
 
 7l].tl9 
 
mmmmKmimmm 
 
 ( «i» ) 
 
 Ari>KM)lX (H). 
 
 ArnuAvrra rkutino to I'elaoic Sbauno. 
 
 Mr. itiliu to Afr. Tapper. 
 
 Sir, Cuitomt, Canatfa, Victorvt, R.C., January 22, 1892. 
 
 I linvu tlie lionnur to ntkiinwledm the receipt of your coniiniinicntioii of tlio 7tli iiiatant relative to 
 a joint letter frutii 8ir George Batlen-t'owell niul IJr. Ooori^ M. Dnwsoii, Deliriiig Sea CominiBaioners. 
 
 1 lieg to Htnto tlint I Imve emlenvotired to supply the iiifomintioii, and herewith transmit the first 
 ot of alH<lavit8 of some of the most reltuble of our Henlin]; men, and I am contiuning to take all I can 
 obtain, which will bo forwarded from day to tlay. 
 
 I trust the information is what is wanteti, a« I have en«Ieavoured to frame the questions so that 
 the answers would siiow reasons for their intelligent auiwers on the three questions : — 
 
 1. The proimrtion of seals lost as comparoti with hit. 
 
 2. The proportion of females to males killed in the diftercnt months. 
 
 3. The alwtention of ('anadians from all raiding, Ac. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) A. R MILNE. ColMor. 
 
 Dqwsitions uden before A. R MUnt, CvUtctor of Customs, Port of Victoria, B.C. 
 
 Ccreno Jones Kelley, master of the Ganadiali schooner " C. H. Tupper," of Shelboume, Nova 
 Scotia, having been duly sworn — 
 
 1. Jfr. Milne How many years have you been engaged in sealing, Captain Kelley ^—A. I have 
 been sealing for two years us master of the " C. H. Tupper." 
 
 2. Q. Have your voyages been reasonably fortunate, in comparison with those of other vessels 7 — 
 A. About an average. 
 
 3. Q. Have you gone south of Cape Flattery iu hunt for seals ? — A. Yes, Sir ; and have followed 
 the seals all along the coasts of British Columbia to Behring Sea. 
 
 4. Q. During last year, to your observation, were the s«Us as plentiful from the coast to Shumagio 
 Islands ns they were tliu previous year ? — A. I think there was no material difference. 
 
 5. Q. Did the seals lost year appear to be frightened or more timorous timn in previous years on 
 account of the nunilwr of vessels ? — A. I observe<l no material difference. 
 
 C. Q. In shooting seals, what is your experience ? — A. My experience is that unless a seal is 
 mortally wounded — hit in a vital spot — it is practically uninjured, and appetirs to be as full of vitality 
 OS befora it was shot. The shot-wounds will rapidly close up if not made in a vital part, and the seal 
 will swim away as tiioiigh nothing had happeneil. The flow of blood stops very quickly, and the seal 
 moves off at a very rapid rate. I picked shot from the bodies of seals, previously wounded in other 
 than a vital part, antl the animal in every other way apt)eared to be in a licalthy comlition. 
 
 7. Q. So you lieliove that a seal when shot, if not mortally wounded, does not sink or seek a place 
 —a ixwkery, or some place to die ? — A. A wounded sea! 'A'ill not alter its course in the slightest. It 
 will go ulong the same as before, its wound healing rapidly, very rapidly, too. It is astonishing how 
 quickly such wounds will heal. I once shot a senl which had been speared by Indians, and the spear 
 had made an apparently moital wound. There was a cut aliout 2^ by 3 inches a little above the side 
 behind the Hipper. This wound appeared to have been made about three days previously, and in that 
 time it had healed hulf-an-incli all round. 
 
 8. Q. Are thee more seals shot sleeping than iu motion ? — A. I should say that the laigor 
 proportion of seals are shot whilst sleeping, that is, us far as my own experience goes. 
 
 9. Q. What do you consider the vittd part of a seal 1 Where do the hunters aim for generally — 
 the head or the heiit ? — A. It depends lai^ely upon the position of the seal The vital parts are in 
 the head, in the vicinity of the heart, and, if a seal is shot so as to bleed internally, the hunters are sure 
 of securing it. The head is the usual mark. 
 
 10. Q. What is usually a safe shooting distance 1—A. It depends largely upon the circumstances 
 of the case. Somewhere between 10 and 30 yards would be about the distance. I should say that it 
 is the aver<ige with sleeping or travelling seals. The sleeping seal is often approached to within even 
 less titan 10 yards, but the average is from 10 to 20 yards for sleeping seal, and from 10 to 30 yards 
 for travellers. 
 
 11. Q. The seal is very sensitive, is it not ? — A. Yes ; we have to approach them from the leeward 
 always. Their sense of smell is very acute. 
 
 12. Q. Do the seals generally travel far when wounded ? — A. That will depend upon where it is 
 wounded. If it is vitally wounded in the head, it will hardly move from its position, for it is likely to 
 die right there, but it will not sink. This is from my own observation. There is only one way that a 
 seal will sink after being shot, that is, when it is shot in such a manner as to be thrown tmckwaids, 
 sinking tail first, thus allowing the air to escape out of its mouth. I might say, further, at I have 
 never seen a seal sink which was shot while sleeping. 
 
 13. Q. Will you state the proportion of seals lost as compared with those hit in sealing ? — A. My 
 own personal experience during the past two yean is that my loss by seals sinking would not average 
 
I' 
 
 220 
 
 |- 
 
 i 
 I 
 
 8 per cent. During the lost yenr (1801) I uutiially lost ouly two seals out of aoventy-seven — that i), 
 I shot seventy-nine, and securefl seventy-seven. 
 
 14. Q. In hunting seals, what is the dircitiun in wliieh they usually travel ? — A. In the spring 
 months they arc leisurely tiavellin<; towarils the north, who^i they change their po.aition. 
 
 15. Q. In hunting seals, have you ever met with i>ups in the water ? — A. Not gonerally ; h'.it 
 (luring the season of IS'.Ml, while off Middleton Isliiud, the hunters reported seieing two seal pups, 
 probably n week old, but they apj)eared to be only just bom. 
 
 16. Q. What is your opinion of the pro]K>rtion nf males to females killed darinu the hunting 
 season ? Ai-e there any months in the year when there are mom females than males liilled ? — A. It 
 depends upon circumst^inces. My e.xjMjrienco is that groups of bachelor luill:i will travel together, auvl 
 sometimes groups of females, including Imrren cow.s, will tnivel together, and ag.iin gi-o'.ijis of yeurliug 
 pups ap;iarently travel together. That in my exjierience, and tlie exjHuieiiue of a nunilier of others. 
 The catch of any schooner coming into contoct witli groups of bnllH, or of females, would be no 
 criterion of the catch of other scliooners as regaitls the numl)er of females. In the year 18i)0, while 
 in Ilohring Sea, one day we took seveutj five .seals, and the next day we took eighty, and in the whole 
 of that number 1 observed only one female, and the huiitera particularly infornie<l me that they did 
 not see any female seals at all ; that they were all vigorous young bulls. 
 
 17. Q. Wouhl anything lead you to think, Captain Kellcy, that tliere is a likelihood of more 
 females than males Insing kilitul between hero and .Shumagin Islands ? That is, from January to 
 June >—A. I can safely say that my |)ersonal experience has been on the side of the males, largely- 
 both on the coast and in the Itehring Sea the numl)crof seals caught is made up largely of males. 
 
 18. (,'. Are tliei-o any nmnths of the year liiirvig which there are more fonudes ciught than males ? 
 — A. I should say tiat, as tar as my own observation has gone, there is no difference ; but in every 
 month, during my voyages, I have had more males than females. 
 
 10. Q. l>o yon know of any (,'anadian vessels who have raitled the seal islands during any year in 
 which you have been engaged in the .sealing imiu.stry >. — -•(. I have every reason to lielieve that none of 
 the C'jinadian fleet have ever mided, or attenipteil to raid, or made any ))reparations to raid, any seal 
 islands in the Itehring Sea. If any such a thing Itad happened, I should most certainly have heard of 
 it, and I lielieve it to lie true that the AmcriciUi schooners '* (Jeoi'ge I*. White " and " Daniel Webster " 
 did laid these islands, as also the " MoUie Adams." That they did mid tht; .seal islands is a fat^^t well 
 known to all Canadian sealers. I also hoard that the CSerman schooner " AdMe " raided the I'rihylolf 
 Islands, which action met with the strong disapprobation of every Canadian sealer. 
 
 (Signe:!) C. J. KKf.LKY. 
 
 Sworn to at Victoria, llritisl. Columbia, this 22nd ilay uf Januaiy, 1892. 
 (Signed) A. IJ. Un.SK, C'ollidvr <i/ Ciigtoinii. 
 
 Jie/ore A. It, Milne, Vullidor of Custuiim, Vieloria, li.C, JKiiimri/ 2:5, I8'.)2. 
 
 Captain William I'etit, present ma.ster and part owner of the steamer " Mischief," having l)een 
 sworn : — 
 
 1. (J. {Mr. Mihu\) — Ca)>tain I'etit, how many years have you lieen engaged in .sealing? — A. Six 
 years, Sir. 
 
 2. Q (Jontiunously. — A. Yes, Sir. 
 
 3. V. What vessels did y(ai connnand ? — A. In 1880 I commanded the " W. 1'. .Siyward," in 
 1887 the steamer "Grace," in 1888 the schooner " Sain.hire," and in 1880, 1800, and 1801 the " Mary 
 Taylor." 
 
 I. Q. Have your catches during these six years liccn reasomihly successful in comparison witii 
 other vessels t — A. Alnint an average. 
 
 .'>. Q. Yirti have sealed south of CajK! I'lattery, have you not, and followeil the seals'Tidong the 
 coast of nrilish ('olund>iaand into llehring Sea '.—A. Yes. 
 
 ."»*. Q. During last year, to your ohservatiim, were the seals npiiarently as plentif\il from the coast 
 to Shumagiii Islands as they wen? in previous years >. — .1. I found tlieni more plentiful jast year than 
 I have any year since 1S>^(>, that is. Cape Flattery north. 
 
 (i. Q. How did you tind them in lUthring Sua ? — A. I fo'ind tln'in there in Divining Sea as 
 plentiful as in former years. 
 
 7. Q. .\ie tiie seals now more fiighteiuid or nioii! timorous tliau tliey have lieen on aiMiount of 
 more ves.sels, or from any other cause >. — .(. I have seen no material ditfcrcnce. 
 
 8. Q. In shooting seals, what is your experience '.—A. My experience is th;il nnless a seal is 
 mortallv wounded — hit in the head or in the n^gion of the heart — the shot does not a|ipear to 
 injure if. 
 
 0. V- Do yon believe that a seal, when siiot, and not mortally wounded, <!>>es not siid;, or .seeks 
 some place to die — a rookery, or .some snch place? — A. .No, Sir; a woumled scid will not alter its 
 co'irsi! in tiie sliglu'st. It will move along as hefore, its wound healing rapidly. 
 
 lit. y. What do yon consider the vital jiail of a seal >. Where do the hunters generally aim 
 for ? — A. For the bead or the heart ; it depends npon llie |)ositioM of the seal, lint usually the head. 
 
 II. if. What is the distance at whi('h yon siioot .scids ' — A. It depends upon circniustaines. 
 
 12. V. .Are more seals shot wiiile sleeping than in nioljoii '. — A. Tlu're aiv more shot shutping, 
 Sir. it is my opinion that the larger proportion of seals are shot while slei-ping. The seals taken liy 
 the Indi.ins are nearly all killed whih; sleeping. 
 
 l.'i. Q. What is the shouting distance? — A. It depends upon circumstances; 10 to 20 yards fur 
 sleepers, and u little :• jre, 10 to ;t0 yards, for travellers. 
 
1' 
 
 PW III 
 
 221 
 
 14. Q. You have seen the hunters and Indians approach even nearer thnu 10 yanls, have you ?— 
 A. Yes, I have seen tlieni approacli to within less than 10 feet. 
 
 If. Q. Wiien si'nls arc vitally wounded, say in the head, will Uicy move far from the position in 
 wliicli they are shot ? — A, No, Sir. 
 
 10. Q, They aiv likely to die "ight there, are they ? — A. Yes, Sir. 
 
 17. Q, Ami they will not sink ? — A. With few exceptions, such as when a seal is shot and thi-own 
 biickwaiils, thus nllowin<; the air to escape out of its mouth. 
 
 15. Q. Will you state your opinion, Captain Petit, of the proportion of seal lost by sinking after 
 Iwiinj; shot ? — A. Aly |iersonnl experience during lost season with white hunters would not exceed 
 ') pur cunt., and with Indians in (ornier years I douht if it amounts to even 1 per cent. The raason of 
 tliis jieroentage in favour of Indians is because they were ca*.>f.'ht with u sjieur, and consequently could 
 not get awny. 
 
 10. Q. Have you ever seen a senl shot while sleeping sink ? — A. I have never knovvn ono 
 to sink. 
 
 20. ^. Then you itre clearly of the o])inion that seals will not sink for some time unless 
 thrown baekwanls >. — A. I am. When they do sink, even to 10 or lo feet, they can be reached with 
 the gair. 
 
 21. Q. Wliiii the hunters i-eturn to the ve.sael nt iiifiht, do they usually discuss tlicir day's 
 prweetlings, mid jwirticularly mention the lo.ss of seals, when sucli loss oihmms ? — A. Yes. 
 
 1:1.'. (J. Then, (.'nptain I'etit, J ou conscientiously adiiere to the .statement that the loss by sinking 
 of st'ols hit will not exceed 5 ymv cent. ? — A. I certainly do; but there are seals hit and not mortidly 
 woundetl, and these escajK', but they aie not "Wt," as they are quite as vigorous as luifore, liecanse 
 tlieir wounds heal very ra])idly. I have often foinul siiot in the skin. 
 
 2:5. Q. What is your opinion of the proportion of females to males kille<l during the last hunting 
 seasiMi?— /f. List year, out of my catch of 7 >". I had only 18 females carrying young — not quite 
 2J per cent. Of course, oa in other seasons' cliches, we had a mniiber of barren cows — about the 
 usual run, 10 ]ier cent... and 12^ per cent, of grey pups. These grey pups are always bulls, and 
 one year old. 
 
 24. <j. Yiiur catch, then, would lie aliout 75 per cent, of nudes last season^ — A. Yes, Sir; 
 including the yearlings it was more than 75 jier cent. 
 
 1'."). Q. You say grey pu[»s an^ always nudes ; will you explain this >. — A. The Indians called my 
 attention to this fact years ago, but the reason is not quite known, still it is a fact. 1 have obsi>rved 
 very cliwely, anil have never yet .seen a female grey pup one year old. I try to accomit for this by 
 the su|)|M)sitioii that the yearling grey male pups ait; driven early out i>f Itehring Seu by the 
 old bulls. 
 
 20. ^>. Ijist year, did you hear any remarks alnnit Mie nuniliev or jtroporiion of the juales to 
 females caught from any one or any source ( — A. Yes, Sir; I heunl that a nmch larger percentage of 
 nudes were caught last year than in any former year. 
 
 27. Q. I would ask you, Captain I'etit, if in any former years there was a simitar prcfionderanco 
 of moles — do you remember of any such fact ? — A. Yes, I do. In 1880, when off Barclay Sound, in 
 one day we bad ttiken 104 seals, of which 3 only were females. In the following year, 1887, when off 
 Tortlock linnk, we took 79 in one day, and only 2 females were found in that numlier. 
 
 28. Q. How do seal cows travel '. Singly or in pairs '. — A. They tmvel singly or in jmirs. 
 
 29. Q. How do bulls travel ? — A. They travel in bands, as do also the bull ]iupa. They travel 
 singly too. 
 
 30. Q. Are female seals carrying young very timid ? — A. Yes, Sir ; they are. They sink their 
 liotlies so that nothing but their noses and eyes are out of water, and are therefore snndler nutrks for 
 the hunters. 
 
 31. ii. Barren cows travel with bulls, do they? — A. Yes, Sir; banvn cows usually trovel with 
 the bulls. 
 
 '.V2. Q. Are then! n :y months in the year during which tliciti are more females than males 
 killed ? Any imiticuiar time that you have observed ? — A. No, Sir. 
 
 lilt. Q. '-: it your candid opinion that there are more iNUTen cows killed than seal-liearing cows ? — 
 A. Yes, Sir: I tbin'K theiv are more. 
 
 34. <J. l>o those barren cows, from the knowleilge you have of seals— tlo you think that they ever 
 liecome U'lrinjr ? — A. 1 think they do. 
 
 35. V. That they will have jieriods of bearing ' — A. I don't think that a seal will licar before she 
 is 4 years old. 
 
 30. Q. How hmg does a seal carry her young t — A. It is understiMMl Ui lie eleven months. 
 
 AT. Q. Were there any circumstances <K'curred to you ujion your last voyage which wnuKl indicate 
 a marked decrease in the nundwr of .seols t — A, None whatever. Sir. (In the contrary, I should say 
 there wert» mon-. There seemed to be nuire last year, at least we saw more that year than for seveiid 
 years previously. 
 
 38. V- I" y^w observation as to the habits of the seals, they appear t.i be like the sidmon — that 
 they return fn»m no known cause in larger numbei's f — .1. W<'11, I ilon't know, Sir ; I think that they 
 have their annual migrations ; but thent is <|ue8tiiui whether tln^y follow tlii^ same track eve- v year. 
 Ycm will tind them on some gnnnuls one year, and in other years on other giuunds. 
 
 39. V- I'oyou think that the number of fenude seals killed in the hunt is materially injuring the 
 n'priMluction of seals ? — A. No, Sir. 
 
 40. y. Can you give a reason for that ? — A. From the small {lercontoge of females kill* 1, I don't 
 think it would injure -reproduclion in ony way. 
 
 41. V- Were you in lichring Sea lust year, and wej« you onlered out I— A. And was ordcrad jut 
 by the I'niteil States' ship "Corwin.' 
 
222 
 
 42. Q. Before being onleretl out, wliot waa your usual fishing distance from land ' -A. CO to 
 100 miles. 
 
 43. Q. You found seals nil along that distance from land ? — A. Yes, in large n'Kilwra. 
 
 44. Q. You had the prospect of a fair catch ? — A. Yen, Sir ; I had the jtr .tpects of a very fair 
 catch up to the time I was warned. 
 
 45. Q. Yuu consider it a very material loss, being warneil at the time out of IWhring Sea?- 
 A. I do, Sir ; I consider it a very heavy loss. 
 
 40. Q. You still adhere to the statement that (he seals between GO nnil 100 miles from land were 
 as plentiful as in any previous years in your exiHirience ? — A Ah pleutifu' iis they were in any year 
 since 1886. 
 
 47. Q. Did you obse; .'e in your catch in Behrinp Sea any preponi'jmnce of fi-mnk's over males, 
 or vice verad f — A. Yes, Sir; the males were in excess. 
 
 48. Q. Can you state fiDm recollection an average day's hunt in llehring Sen ? — A. Forty-eight 
 was about tiic largest I made while in Hehring Sen. 
 
 49. Q. Do you remember hearing nny of tlie hunters speak .if Icsing niiy seals by sinking ? — 
 A. No, Sir; I don't renienilier nny instnnces of such loss. 
 
 50. Q. Did you cross fi-om the American side of the Bel'.ing Sen into tlie liussian side ?---•(. No, 
 I didn't; I came straight home to Victoria tiirougb Oiinima). rnss. 
 
 51. Q. During the year, did you lienr from any source lint any rnmulian vi's.seis liud rnidt <\ tiuf 
 seal islands or any of them ? — A. No, Sir; I never beartl nf any llritisb nr ('iinMiiian vcss.-l.s, not 
 during the past year, or anj' year I have lieen engaged in sealing. 
 
 52. Q. (.'a])tnin I'etil, do you believe nny of the stories tliut iire tnhl abnut llic '"(li-o. I!. \Vbit'','' 
 the " Daniel Wel).ster," and tiie •'Mollie .\ilanis" raiding these ishnuls .' — ./. Yi's, Sir; I lielicvc llioso 
 rejwrts. 
 
 53. Q. These were nil American vessels, wore tliey not ? — ./. Yes, Sir. 
 
 54. Q. During tlie last two years, it is reported tbnt tlie American seiiooners '-.I. Ilniiiilto'.i Lewis," 
 formerly tile llritisii sclmoiier "Aida," and the " Cilv of .^iin Diego," luided (he t'o|']ii'r I liiiids ? — 
 A. Yes, Sir. 
 
 55. Q. Do yon iK'lieve tluit is true? — A. I do, ,Sir: and also in lS.»(f or IS.S7, llie .Viiieiieaa 
 schooner " i.ook-oal " raidetl tiie I'riliylolV Islands, so tliut the history of rniiliiig the sjs.l islniul.s is 
 peculiarly .American, and solely by American schooners. 
 
 5(>. Q. Was not the llritiMli schooner "Aula" .sei/.ed by the Americnn < lovirimi 'iit an.l soil ?— 
 A. Ye.s, Sir. In 1887, and renamed the ".I. llamilton b-wis." 
 
 57. Q. Is not this .same vessel, the 'J. llamilton I^'wis," tlie same vessel as w.is seized liy 
 the Itussians this year, in the vicinity of Copper Island '. — A. Yes, ,Sip , uiid .seivctl liei li^^lii too. 
 
 58. y. If any of the Canadian vessels had raided either the .Aiiierii'aii uv ItiiMsjan .sen! i.slaiid.^, 
 your long ex|)erieiice ill the sealing fleet here would liavi' insured vour beini' a« are of it ?--,(. Yes, 
 Sir; I should certainly have heard of it- learned it from hunters, masters, or seamen. It would have 
 been sure to have leaked out. 
 
 59. Q. Is it your o])iiiioii that .ship-masters («• ship-owners have been nio-i! careful in iiistriKtiiii; 
 their ma-stem or captains to avoiil any interlerenee whatever with the seal islamls '.--A. I have ser\ 'd 
 with ditferent owners, and 1 have been in.structcd to caiefully avoid a))proaehinL,' tin' islands within the 
 international limit. In fact, all the sealing I have conducted has been done ontsiiie at least ol tin' 
 20 miles from land. 
 
 Mi: il/i7;u'.— That will do, Caiitain IVtit. Thaiilc you verv much. 
 
 (Signed) WIl.UAM I KTir, .l/.'.v/,r. 
 
 Sworn to before me, at Victoria, British Columbia, this 2.'bd day of tlanuary, IS',t2. 
 (Signed) A. 1{. 'Shx.^V., CidUrtor oj' L'ndomx. 
 
 lifforr A. I!. .UHiii', CnUertor o/ dixhmi.'i, Viilm-iii, ll.C , Jiniin'ri/ 22, lS'.i2. 
 
 Captain Weiitworth Kvelyn Maker, present master of the Canadian lichooner "C. II. Tiipper," and 
 formerly master ot ilio schooner " N'iva," of X'ictorin, being dulv sworn : — 
 
 1. Afr. Miliii'.^Wuw many years have you been eiigageil in sealing, Captain Maker? — A. I'our 
 years. 
 
 2. Q. What r'anadiiiu sehooners have vou connnan led during those four years ? — A. The seho.jner 
 " Viva." 
 
 3. Q. During the four years have you been mon; than rca.sonably sneccssl'id as a seal-hunter / — 
 A. Y'es, Sir. 
 
 4. y. How many white men wiadd your vessel usually cjiny ?— .(. Twi'iily-three, all told. 
 
 5. Q. Y'ou have hunted nil along the coast, and also every year in lieliring Sea f — A. Kvcrv year 
 excejit 1891. During last year I was always mitside of tlu! line of demarcation between liu.ssiaiiand 
 American waters. 
 
 0. (J. During last year, to your olwervatiiai, were seals as plentiful along the coiwls to Shuniagin 
 Islands (M they were the year before? — J. In some places 1 tbniid them as plentiful; in others I 
 found ibeiii r..iin' |>leiitiful. In some places where I never f.aiud any before I I'onnd .hem last vear, 
 anil 1 found none where I iiad previously found some. 
 
 7. Q. Then, Captain Maker, you think there is no material dilfcrence, on tiic average, during the 
 four years ? That is to your observation ' — .f. I should say, to my observation, there wan no material 
 diflerenco. 
 
^■Pl" 
 
 223 
 
 8. Q. Your coast catch last year was equal to tliat of former years, was it ? — A, It was equal to 
 tlie first two years, ami better than the tliird year by almost as iiiony more skiuH, Imvinf; 6!)8 skins in 
 1890, and in 1891 I liad 1,2G0 skins. 
 
 9. Q. Owing to the number of vessels, do the seals appear to Imj more timomns ? — A. Well, I did 
 uot find them so, except in Mome plac^cs. It is a <jrreat deal o^ving to the position in which you find 
 them. I found tliat the nearer the coiut the wilder they arc, and the further at sea you go they don't 
 aeem to lie any wilder than previously. I think tliat what makes them wilder alon^ the coast is the 
 increase of traftic, steamers and so on being very numerous. 
 
 10. Q. It is said that seal travel in groups of females and groups of l)aeheh>r bulls and young 
 bulls — not mixed. Is that so i — A. I have always found it so. 
 
 11. Q. Ho you think that the number of male or female seals caught would ilei)end entirely upon 
 the schooner falling in with group of males or females ! — A. Entirely. 
 
 12. Q, How is that ! — A. It is much harder to keep>lhe •lun of females than of the males or 
 barren nows. Females with young appear to be much mora timid, and when you get among them and 
 commence shooting, they disapfiear very quickly, and show only the nose and ey(>s alxive water when 
 travelling, and do not exi>08e their ImkUi^s as nuiuh above the water (id the bulls and liarren cows do, as 
 if the maternal instinct to preserve their young was appan>nt. Th/s fact is well known to all seal- 
 hunters. I have often lieen in a group of cows with pui>8 during the afternoon, and at night they 
 would all disap]iear, and, apparently from maternal im^tinct, they will travel away as quickly as 
 {mssible. 
 
 13. Q. Do yr I consider it moit! difKcult t4i slumt females, so little ex{Mised as tlit'y are, than 
 males ? — A. It is decidedly mori! difficult, particidarly on the coast. 
 
 14. (J. You have olwerveil a numlter of liairen females f — A. Ytis ; quitt- a [ ^ ]. 
 
 1'». V How do they travel? — A. Usually by themselves, or mixed with bulls; I have never 
 found a cow with pups among the bulls. 
 
 IG. Q. Have yon any idea what the )iercent4ige would be of the nnmlier of barren cows to the 
 number of .seals caught ? — A. I cotdd uot say exactly, but the percentage is coiiHiderable. 
 
 17. V- What is the iiccepted theory amimg the sealera as to thu barrenness of cows f — A, I don't 
 know as I have heard ot iiny theory — unless they are like other aniiimls. 
 
 18. V' VVbeii you speak of Imiitcii cows, you mean those who have U'en liiore tlinn niio season 
 barren f — -(. Ves , Imhuus*! Iielin'e thai ihey are cAlled \m\>if. The lianen cows are those who are old 
 enough (o have ]>ups, but didn't. 
 
 l!l. V- ^'"" 'ii^ quite of a clear opinion, then, Cajitaiii Kiikev, that there is a cmisidemblo 
 ]H!rcentago of barren cows ? — A. Yes, Sir. 
 
 2U. V- '<^i'e tlicie iiiott^ suiils shot, whilst slee|iiiig tiiaii in nintioii > — A. Yes, Sir; my experience 
 has been that there are more hciiIs shot whilst slet^ping, and iliat is the experience of most of my 
 hunters, by their report. 
 
 2i. ^i*. What do ymi consider the vital part of a seal >. — A. The lieiid or liie liciirt, or in the neck. 
 
 '2'2. ij. l)o your biintcrs prefer to shoot the .seal in tlie bend '.—A. Yes, .Sir ; on account of 
 pre.ser'^ing tlie skin, and also thai, tlie moment the seal is shot in the bead, the bead sinks and the 
 wind (*aiiiiot escape. 'J'liun, if tlie seal is not killed, the shot will stun it, and its liead will drop below 
 water, .so that it cannot sink. 
 
 ■_'5). y. \Vliat is usually a .•^al'e sliiHiling di.stance '.-A. For sleejiinj.! .seals the distatice would lie 
 aliont III yards, and for travelliii'^ seals the ilistance would lie about ID to .'!ll yards. 
 
 24. (J. Considering that the seals ai-e shot in the bead, and the nivnter portion whilst sleeping, will 
 you state the proportion of seals lost, iis compared with those hit, in sealiiii.' '—A. 'I'lie propia'tion is 
 Very small, Ikmiiiisc, as the iisiml liistniire for shooting is alioiil Id ynrls lor a sleeiiing seal, we most 
 always kill tlieiii instantly, and licing so noiir the seal- even if tlu'v iire iiidiiu'd to sink — they are 
 galled liefo'c llicy hiivi^ time to sink. It'tliey ewn ilid sink l."> feet, suy, we coidd catcli them, us when 
 sinking Ihvy ^o xeiy slowly. The only lime 1 kno« of when .i senl is likdv in sink is niter it has 
 In^eii chased aroniid in the boats iind winded, then sli"! again, -><> as to lie ilirown l.ickwards, allowing 
 the wind to escape I'mni its mouth, when it sinks tail first. F.very lioat is siippl'isl wilh a long pole, 
 alHiitt 1') feel, and a spear and gall' on the I'lul, so that we can reach ihat distiince. It is very seldom 
 thiti a seal will get away, I would .say, therefore, from pei-sonal experience, that the jK'rcenliinc of loss, 
 as coni|iared with those hit in .sealing, would not exceed ."> per cent. List year I killotl. mysell', on the 
 I'liast, fifty -live seals, and out of that number I lost only one \>\ sinking. 
 
 iTi. \j. As a geiieiid thing, is the |K'rceiitage of loss more now than it was four years ago, or ia it 
 smaller '. — A. From personal ex|ierieni'e, I think a'nout the snnie. and from lh<' lepmis of the hunters I 
 should ,iiidge it was the sanie, as tliev all re|Miil lliiir experiences on their reluili to the vessel each 
 night, ami when 'i seal is lost it is always s]Hiken ;ii"iiit. From a recoid kepi by hunters during two 
 voyages the aggregate loss Ky eacii hunter is sIiosmi, and the jx-iieiitai^'c is not !,'i'eatei', on an average, 
 than .') jMir cent. , 
 
 2t). Q. Mow many hunters do you iiKiiully carry '— A. S'.x ; and I liiintetl myself. The ship's 
 comiMiny consists of twenty-three persons. 
 
 27. ','• What size shot do yon ii»e in slnK>»iiig -eal ' -.1. No. 2 Imck-shoi, nr "S" Canadian 
 shot; and the gims are of the very U-st material iii.ii very expensive, I'osliii',' from ~\) to |(ii> dollars. 
 
 28. (,>, What do you 'hink is the ]iro|Ha'liiin of females to mules in lli<' niiniin'r killed in ihu 
 diflerent montliiii of the llshing .season ' - A 1 don't know, I ant .mi'.c. Il di piuds upon < iiruiiistaniri.'s. 
 My experience last year was very laiycly on the bull sidi> on the co»~t ; tii;it is, the piii|iortiou taken 
 were largely male seals. I can i >iii.scienlionsly say tliat il must have lieeii thive bulls to one female, 
 and I had a larger niiinber of «eals than any other vessel on the spring catcli 
 
 29. Q. In the llehring Sea, to yoiir obscrviilKai, were the males or females in the preponderance ? — 
 A. My experieni'.i- is that they are very much as they are on the coast. Sometimes I would meet 
 
 vith groups of all bulls, and again with gitnips of all cows 
 
 [Sfir.] '2 V, 
 
 I 
 
 
^srssrri 
 
 JTrsETTTrrc" 
 
 ".tiiiii:^--*ni\ 
 
 224 
 
 30. Q. While in Behriii^ Soa last ytiar, what would lie your usual sealing' distaiico iW>in the 
 land ? — A. I was not in Belinng Scu last yuur, Imt in pi-ovious yetuv it would bu from about 30 to 90 
 miles from land. The usual distance is about (iO miles. Sometimes wo arc inside of that, sometimes 
 outside of it. 
 
 31. Q. ' liOst year, I understand you to say, CapUiin linker, you weiv not in the Ituhring Sea cu tlte 
 American side ? — A. No. 
 
 32. Q. Do I imderstiind you to say tliat on the Ilussinn side the same ubservations will apply to 
 the habits imd shooting of seal na on the cojist ? — A. Precisely the same as to their grouping and 
 habits. 
 
 ;{3. Q. During the four years tliut you have been sealing, C'ajitain liaker, I would like you to 
 state cxplicith' if you saw or heard of any Canadian vessels iiiiduig the American seal islands ? — 
 A. No, Sir. To my knowledge I linvu never heard of any, and I have every reason to believe that 
 there has never l)een any (.'anadiun suluioner raiding any of them. 
 
 34. Q. If anything like this luul lutp|)ened, you would have heanl of it ? — A. Most certainly I 
 would have. 
 
 lio. Q. You liave never licard iiny information of any of our setdei's conniving to mid the seal 
 islands ? — A. I never ilid. 
 
 'M. (J. Two years ago it was ri.>[)orted that some American scliooiiers hud rallied seal iHhinds. Did 
 you hear such a report ? — A. Yes, Sir ; 1 heard a rcjiorl thiit certain American schoonei-s had mided 
 these islands. The "(Jeo. 1{. W'iiite," "Daniel Webster," "Mollio Aiioms," and for two years the 
 " J. Ffamilton l^wis," have Ih^cii milling the Copper Islands on the Kussian side, and it is re|)orled 
 that the American .schooner "City of San Diego" also raided the Copper Islands last year. 
 
 37. V- You have heard of the German schooner "Adele" raitling these islands/ — A. Yes; in 
 IHSy, with jtoor success. These illegal acts meet with the strong disiippitjlialion of every Canadian 
 staler. 
 
 38. Q. And if Canadian sealers had done acts of that kind, you think it would most certainly 
 have leaked out ? — A. It most cert^iinly would have. 
 
 30. (J. You are quite S4itist)ed, then, that not a single Canadian schooner at any time has raided 
 the .seal i.slanils >, — A. Not to my knowledge. I don't know of one single case. 
 
 4(1. V- What WAS your entii-e catch last season '. A. l,W)l for tlie whole .season. 
 
 41. V (^living your opinion in contidcncc, what is ycnir opinion of the seals on the const and in 
 liehring Sen > Arc they decreasing or incitiasiuj; ? — A. Fiiun my exiierience, I have not seen any 
 lU'crca.sf, but 1 have noticed also that they change their grounds fitun time to tisiie, and where you tind 
 them tills year you may not Hnd them tiie next. Tills was very rcmarkalile during thejear 1890, for 
 the seals wiMe nil found to the eastward of rrlliyloU' Islands, while in former yeai-s they were found to 
 the westward. 
 
 42. (/ \\\n'H did you find them to the eastwani of St. Taul's Island ? I un<lerstand you to say 
 that you I'oimd them very numerous ? — A. More no than I ever did Isffoit'. 
 
 43. V- Hnvt^ you any opinion to oH'er as to the return of the seals to the coast hist year? — A. I 
 havM no (liiect opinion, but certainly the seals were more plentiful on the northern coast last year than 
 the previous venr.s. 
 
 (Signed) W. K IIAKEH, AfusUr. 
 
 Sworn to U-fore me, ai \ ieUtrin, Ihitlsh Cobnnbia, this 22ml day of January, 181*2. 
 (Signeil) A. li. M\l.VK, ColltTtoriif CiitUiiiiin. 
 
 Juniuiij/ ID, lSlt2. 
 
 Clarence Nelson (ox, master of ilie schooner " K. IV Marvin," of Victoria, examined by Collector 
 Milne : — 
 
 1. V- What vessels have you commanilcd mi this coast and in neluinj,' Sen, Captnln ('ox ? — A, 1 
 have lu'cn two years ninsler of the "Triumph," nnd one year mate of the "Supiihlre" with my 
 brother. 
 
 2. (^. This nmkes your liftli oi sixth yenr ' -./. This mak.'.s my fourth yeni. I wns in Uehring 
 Sea so Inle Inst year; that is ])rolinlily why it iiiny seem I linvc lieeii out oftener lluci others. 
 
 ;t. (,). The inipilry, Cnptnin Cox, is to eliiii, lirst, the number of senls lost by being hit. It is 
 alleged tlint you losi^ n lnrt;e proportion of tlmse liiat me shut, .iini we wi»li to gel nt the InctH. Also 
 to establish the inniiiier of I'emales cnuijjit ibiriiiji the last ami ]iii'vioiis y.-;iis, nini niso to investigate 
 if there were any Cannilinii senleis milling the seal isliunls. In the s|nin,i.' of the year, wleii ymi leave 
 port, you go down to nn-el the senls nlmig the roasj t--A. Yes. 
 
 4. V. I have been itiven to niuKrstnnil that the .seals trnvel in liaiiils ' -.(. Yes; all the I'ows 
 together, nnd nil the bulls together, nnd (he ;;rey pups together. 
 
 ft. (,'. I suppose they are (jllitr slisl iiietly separnteil ' . (. N'e'^ , We ;r,.| the grey pll]is closer to 
 shme, ahvn\s inside ol tie lalge senls, 
 
 ti. (,'. .\s ii untttei of liirt, yon (|u not ijoil many I'einalc senl> l»iilMi^; \iaini; linvellin^; with the 
 bull senls '. .1. 1 Ih.M- ne\ei seen llnui in < onipany togethei. 1 ha\e tinnnl the iMireii lows and bulls 
 in com]Niiiy. 
 
 7. (,'. This sepnnitiini is from natural seleetiini, or instiin't ^ -.'. ^■es ; while eiirryiug their 
 youii',' they n!e never loiiinl with the Inills. The barren cows ocensioiially do trnvel with the bulls. 
 
 rt. (J. ll'irmg what nnniibs have yon I'onml more fenndes cnrrying young ns comiNiivd with 
 other mouth* of the Mailing sesson ? — J. in the wiiili'i, when we llrst go out — Kebrunry, Riaivli. nnd 
 April. 
 
226 
 
 I'liriii^ 
 
 tln'ir 
 Is. 
 
 I Willi 
 
 li, itnit 
 
 9. Q. Tliut iH, I)Ot]i beAi'ing cdwh uiid linrrvn cows, ton? — A. No; Ijeariiig cows. There are also 
 grey pups about at that time. 
 
 10. Q. What do jnu mean by " , ','_, pups " ? — A. The yearling seal. Alter that it is called a 
 " brown pup," then a " two-year- old." 
 
 11. Q. Along the coast, from the time you strike them in the spring, do you shoot tho larger 
 pro|»ortion of the swils sleepiu},', <ir are then! mon- shot while tnivelling? — A, Yi's; the larger poiiinn 
 of the seals killed during thit sea.son iiru shot while sli'euinj{. 
 
 12. Q, You SUV you find the Iniuring cows tmvciling continually 7 —^1. If the weather is rough, 
 they are travelling, hut if fine, they nre usually .seun sleeping m- resting. 
 
 13. Q. Is it a fact that the females with young swim low <lown in the water {—A. Yes; tho bulls 
 and IwiTen cows keep tlicii' heads wi-U up, looking around. 
 
 14. Q. When you come upon a group of seals, your catch, then, wiU dci>end upon whether tho 
 group is com])oscd of males or females ? — A. Yes ; very nmcli. 
 
 15. Q. As a matter of experience, (.'iintain Cox, have you come u])oii more groups of males than of 
 females during the last year, say ? — A. 1 have caught nu)re bulls tlu; last season — a great deal more. I 
 had 848 seals coming u]) the const before entering liehring Sea, and of these about 70 per cent, would 
 be nmles. 
 
 16. y. IIuvo you any private opinion as to the rcasor of (his preponderance of tho males last year 
 as compoi-ed with previous yeai's ' — A. I cannot account ff>r it. In fact, I coidd hart'.Iy advance any 
 idea of the causi*. 1 get the most rif them from Queen Ciarlotte Island coast northwaids. 
 
 17. y. You think, though, with s<ime of the other seiilurs, that at about May the cows are well in 
 advance, going to liehring Sea, to tho breeding grounds, consetpiently the males woultl be left 
 licbind ! — A. That is the oidy reason I can see for it, because wo get very few fomides " with pup " 
 in May. 
 
 18. Q. What do you consider a sufficient shooting distance, that is, suflicieiitly close range 
 for sleeping seals (—A. A gj-eat many are shot inside of 15 yai-d.-f. 1 think aliout 15 yni-ds. 
 
 11). Q. As a professional sealer, what is your honest and candid o|iinion aiioiit Ibe percentage of 
 seals lost, that is, the nunilHr hist after lieing hit — those that sink t — A. With the Indian liiinters it 
 would not amount to one in a bundixid. They kill with the spent, and 1 know it would not amount to 
 1 (ler cent. I wii.s only one season with Indian hunters. Ltst year 1 had Wiiites. I do not think the 
 loss would lie more than 4 or 5 per cent, with shmiting by the white hunters. 
 
 2(1. Q. The spear of the Indian .<^ealer is Imrlted, is it not, and fastens in the niiimal ? — A. Yes, it 
 has two barbs and a line attached, so that tliey are sure of their seal unless their line breaks, or tiie 
 spbur is not stuck in far enough to hold, neither of which hapfieuF often, 
 
 21. Q. You can <|uite confidently state that the lo.ss of seals killed by while hunters would not 
 exceed 4 or 5 per cent. ! — A. I can. 
 
 22. Q. This you liase upon your own jiersonal knowledge ? — A. Yes. 
 
 2'^. Q. How many of a crew do you cany on your vessel ? — A. Six lioals, that is, six hniding lioats 
 and n stern lioat ; seven in all. 
 
 24. Q. Your ship's comjiiiny would Is! how many f — A. Twenty-three men. 
 
 25. V- And the n\nnlKtr of hunters? — A. Six hunters, or, counting the stern boat, seven 
 hunters. 
 
 20, V. Your ctitch liwt year was how many skins i — A. On tho coast 848 skins. 
 
 27. Q. Of tbnt number how many would be breeding seal ? — A. I do not think there would be 
 more than 10 per cent. — alN)ut 12*3 female skins. 
 
 28. Q. Wliat percentage of them would lie barren female skins > — .f. AlMiut 10 per cent. 
 
 29. Q. Is the iMucentage of bearing cows grmiter than that of barren cows ( — A. Yes ; every year 
 in my experience there have la-en more liearing cows than barren. 
 
 30. Q. AIkiuI 15 per iriit., then, would be lieariii^' cows, and 10 ))er cent, barren ones ? — 
 A. Yes. 
 
 31. Q. You .stated that it wii\ild entirely depend upon flie giniips you struck along tiie coast 
 whether you got males or females '. — .,/. Yes. 
 
 32. Q. Anil you ba.sc your ligiii-es uihiu fmir years' experience ? — A. Yes. 
 
 33. (^. Ther. you know the ]iereeiita<;e of lieariiig cows would be 15 jier cent., and the barren cows 
 10 per cent. ? — A. Yes. The first year 1 was with inv brother I believe we had not more llian 10 per 
 cent of cow seals; one of our .sensoiis we lind at iea>t 'M) )H'r cent, bulls. 
 
 34. Q. That statcnieiil apidies lu I'lelnini,' Sea'— .(. Ves. 
 
 35. Q. Wiiat year wiis tlial ^ — A. IH.S'.t, when I wivs with my brollier as mat.! of the " Saiipliii*." 
 The catch on the amni up to Ik'lirini,' Sea was almiit '.HI |>or cent, bulls. 
 
 30, Q. In tile Hehring Sea, what iierieiitiige of fenuiles liad \ou, as compared willi males — 1 
 am l<dd there are less bulls ^—vl. 1 think the percentage of liulls in Heliring Sea is less tliaii on the 
 coast. 
 
 37. Q. llaehelor liulls f — A. Yes. The greater jierceiitage wotdil be cows — bearing cows ; after they 
 have drojiiH'd their young we don't get tiieiii in ISeJiring Sea. 
 
 .">;-!. (/ Do you not tind a bit of Imchelor liiills hovering about the outskirt - of the nioups of seals f — 
 A. Yes, we get .some, but tlu re are more foniales in Iteliriiiii .Sea, 
 
 ;i'.i. (,'. Kid you tind it so last year ( — .1. Of i;oiir.',e, I was not in Itebring Sua long cuoukIi to 
 know. 
 
 40. 
 
 41. 
 A. Yes ; 
 
 42. 
 
 Q. Yonr remarks, then, would not apply to last .season f—A. No. 
 
 (,/. Voii think tliere would be alHiut an ccjiial iiuniber of cows and bulls in liehring Sen '— 
 I think that the liidls and cows are about c(jually divided. 
 Q. It is well known among sealers liiat the old bulls keep their bonis, and drive tin.' ' Imchelor " 
 
 bulls off ?—^. Yes. 
 [306] 
 
 i (< 
 
 I M 
 
99e 
 
 i 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 43. Q. Do you tinil many groupfi of liauhelor ImlU in Tkliring Soa? — /f. Wo do not find tliem so 
 much in ((roups as on the coast. 
 
 44. Q. Taking your wiiole catch fur the ]iUHt your, skin for skin, wlmt percontAL'o of funiHles had 
 you ? — A. We had not uioro than 25 per cent, barren and hearing cows. That would leave us altout 
 75 per rent, bulls. 
 
 4"i. <J. '2') p'U" cent. feiuiUes, includinK barren cows t — A. Yon. 
 
 46. Q. In the yonis lioforti last would that jHjrcentago hold goo«l < — A. I think t\u'. previous years 
 would not difl\'r very much. 
 
 47. <t>. In the months of February, March, and April, you think that thf ft>nm1es killed are 
 inoiv numerous than in IJehrinn Sea '! — A. I think so. We jj*''' =* fftenl many more jovy pup^ in the 
 winter. 
 
 48. Q. Among ail tlie huntei-s it is pretty well known that the average of loss by l>eing hit would 
 not exceed ."> to o jtcr cent. > — A. Yes ; that is well known. 
 
 49. Q. Wounding a seal so that it escapes, yo\i don't consider that losl ? — A. No ; they carry a lot 
 of shot, and the hunters don't Just shoot at it and leave it if it does not die on the spot, Imt give chase, 
 and if wounded badly it has not nmch uhunce of getting away. 
 
 fiO. Q. Considering tlie hiuardous occupation of sealing, the men get very expert in it ? — Yes ; I 
 have a man alioaixl who does not hme live seals during the whole season. 
 
 51. Q. Is it your opinion that the female seals with young ani suincwluit timid, and more on the 
 alert than the old bulls i—A. Yes ; they arc. 
 
 52. ^>. That is one reason why the [)ercentage of females is so small, I sup)HMe f — A. Yes. 
 
 53. (^. In llehring Sea you say the percentage of loss would Ik- more than on the const ? — A. I 
 think the percentage of loss in I^ehring Sea is less than on the coast, becau.se the sealers get more 
 seals asleep in the sea. They seem to 1h> right at liomo there, and not travelling idmut so much. 
 
 54. Q. Have you at nuy time known any of our vessels (that is, Canttdiaii vessels), registere<l 
 Canadian vestels, landing on the seal islands ('<ir the purpowf of raiding and killing seals f — A. I i-an 
 conscientiously say that I have never known of any of our vessels landing there. 
 
 55. (J. And have never heard our mastei-s or sailoi-s encourage that sort of practice f — A. No. 
 
 50. (^>. Have vou lieanl of anv ve.s.sel having done so < — A. Yes; I have. 
 
 57. Q. What Vessels (—A. The " Mollie Adams," " tloorge }{. White," and the " O. S. Fowler," 
 of San Francisco, I heard, raided tht I'ribyloff Islands. 
 
 58. Q. That fact is well known to the whole fleet ;■ — A. Yes, Sir. 
 
 . 5it. Q. You were not in Hehring Sea last .season? — A. I was in, but didn't stay long; I was 
 ordered out of it. 
 
 titl. y. You left as soon as onleiwl lo leave; f — A. 1 did; came direct home. 
 Q. Who warned you ( — A. The Uritish sleanu'r "I'lieasant." 
 (Jl. You didn't try to seal after that .'~J. No. 
 
 y. Or lowered your Iniats ? — .1. 1 didn't lower any lioats after receiving the onler. 
 Q. You have heanl of some American schooners raiding Copper Island f — A. I have. 
 Q. Do you know the .Mel.ean brothers? — A. Yes; and the "City of San Diego" here, and 
 the "Webster" and 'J. Hamilton Lewis," three American vessels who ndded Copper Island. 
 
 Gt). (J. You have no idea of why the seids wei^e more plentiful along the coast last year than other 
 seasons ? — A. I have no iilea. 
 
 t<7. y. There ha.s been no practical tl»eory advanced as to why last year tlic seals were more 
 plentiful close in shore than in other years ! — A. 1 have none, excei)t that it is on account •)f their food 
 fish. The seal follows the fooii. The earlier those tish strike along the coa.st, and the closer in shore, 
 the earlier and closer to the coast we get the seals. 
 
 (Signcil) C. N. COX. 
 
 Sworn before me, this 18th day ul .lanuary, a.d. 18'.»2. 
 (Signed) \. \{, "SUi.sy., ''ollnhir of Ciixlomx. 
 
 61. 
 G2. 
 63. 
 C4. 
 
 65. 
 
 Captain Alfn-d Hissett, master i>\ the Canadian schooner " .\nnie K. I'aint," «( Victoria, llrilish 
 Colundiia, being ilidy sworn, says: — 
 
 '2U. .1//'. Milnt. — How many years have you lieon engaged in sealing ? — -•/. Two years; this is my 
 third year — have lH;en tna.ster, mate, and hunter. 
 
 'Jl. Q, You have had aliout average luck '. — A, Yes; about the aveiiige. 
 
 22. y. You have follnwed the seals fhim south of Cape Flattery north, haven't you ?— 
 A. Yes, Sir. 
 
 23. y. During the last year, to your observation, wen* the seals iyp plentiful along he coasts as 
 they were the previous years ' — .(. They were. 
 
 24. y. Did the seal.s apjiear more frightened than usual:' — /f. I think not; I noticed no 
 difference. 
 
 25. y. Did you notice Inst year, or any yoar, in hunting seals, that the cows truvcl together by 
 themselves, and tlie Imlls liy tlu-ni.'ielves, in Ileitis ? — A. I did notice that the bulls, in a general way, 
 travel togetiiei, and tlas cows together, and small seals — as a lule, pups -travel together. 
 
 2<1. (J. When hunting, of cour.se. if you struck a band of bulls the catch that day wuuM 1h* 
 principally ladls i—A. Yes ; principally ImiIIs. 
 
 27. Q. Do y(Mi think mort> seals are shot while sleeping than when in motion ' — A. Oh, yes; fuf 
 more; alxnit 80 jier cent., 1 think. 
 
 28. Q. What do you consider a safe shooting distance for a sloping seal I—A. For u sleeping seal 
 about 20 to 30 leet is u sure distance. 
 
227 
 
 29. Q, And when they uru on the move, what in the distance ? — A. Well, from 25 to 30 nidi. 
 
 30. Q. What is your ofiinion of l\w proportion of M>nl8 th.it ure lost after being hit t — A, I think 
 boat 3 to 5 per cent would cover every; hiu);. 
 
 31. Q, ^¥heTe do you aim for in slaootinR a seal ? — A. I aim for tho hrod. 
 
 32. Q. So when a seal drops his head down, the air is 8top{M)d from escaping? — A. Yes; that if 
 the reason we shoot in the head. 
 
 33. (J. During lost year did you uoticc the proportion of females to males killed ? — A. From 
 counting the skins, and noticing the seaii^ coming on board the ship, I should form 75 to 80 per cent, 
 were bulls, and the remaiudcr females. 
 
 «34. Q. Do you know the reauon of that ? — A, I don't know, unless the cows travel a little faater 
 than the bulla, who follow the const. I have always noticed that there are more bnU/i killed on die 
 coaat than there are femides. 
 
 35. Q, Iliive you over noticed when the number of females prcdomiante ? — A. I hardly know, bat 
 I have noticed that during the months of March and April that tliere were more cows than males than 
 in the months of May, June, and July. 
 
 36. Q. Can you form any idea, from what you have licnrd, whulher there aiQ more females killed 
 than males f — A. 1 sliould .say tliat there are decidcilly more malos. Tlmt is from what I have heard 
 and seen myself. There is uo doubt that the low price obtained in London this year is due to the 
 large number of small buU skins tnkcu, the skins of ilie females l)eing larger and better. 
 
 38. Q. During the two ycurs that you have been engaged in sealing have you ever known any 
 Canadian vesHol to raid any of tlio seal islands 7 — A. No, Sir. 
 
 3!). (Jj. If there had tjecn any sucii thing going on, it would have leaked out ? — A, It wonld 
 certainly have leaked out, and 1 would have heard uf it. It is almost impossible to keep it quiet. 
 
 (The above having been carefully n-ad over to Captain Rissctt, he corroborates and substantiatea 
 the same.) 
 
 (Sigueii) ALFRED BISSETT. 
 
 Sworn i)eforc me at Victoria, ISritish Columbia, this 18th day of November [sic], 1892. 
 (Signed) A. K. MlLNR, Collector of Cmtomn. 
 
 January 19, 1892. 
 
 Captain Thciodore l\. Mognesen, in command of the nchooner "Walter A. Earle," of Victoria, 
 examined by Collector Milne : — 
 
 1. Q. How many years have you been sealing in Hebring Sea,'' Captain 'Magnesen ? — A. Three 
 years ; this will lie my fourth. 
 
 2. Q. You have had very goml success Ia.st year i — A, Yes; very fair success. 
 
 3. Q. Did you notice last year any iK-rce|)tiMe decrease in the number of seals compared with 
 previous years ? — A, 1 think they were inoiv plentiful last season than I ever saw tliem before. 
 
 4. Q, Do you mean in Behring Sea ? — A. Ych ; both along the coa-st and ui the Sea. The biggest 
 catch I ever made wqh Inat year, on the const as well as in the ISeliring Sea. 
 
 5. Q. You have noticed the habits of the seals — how they travel { — A. Tliey travel in batches, the 
 bull seals by themselves, and the cow seals by themselves, and the yearling pups by themselves. 
 
 0. Q. As a matter of fact, are there morn seals shot while sleeping than while they are travel- 
 ling ? — A. That is hard to say ; but I think tlioro arc just as many shot while moving as there are 
 sleeping seals. 
 
 7. y. Wiion you shoot HeaU by sleeping', wiiat is the safe shooting distance? — A. About 
 25 yards. 
 
 8. Q. And when travelling y — A. About 45 to 50 yards. 
 
 9. Q. The usual miuk you shoot at is the head of the seal ? — A. Yes. 
 
 10. Q. When hit in tlie bead, the huuI dues not Niiik '. — A. No ; sometimes ho does, though, if he 
 is shot when short of wind at the uiuuicut, and he will sink if you an- too fur away to pull it out. 
 
 11. V- Y«u have noticed them sinking ?--j4. Vt^s ; tbt'v generally sink toil first. 
 
 12. ii. If the .seal i.s shot in the head, he drop.s his iiead, and that contines the breast, and it floats ? 
 — A. Yes ; that is tiie way I have accounted for them lloatiug. 
 
 13. Q. How many setds, in your experience, do you think a liunter loses out of say, 100 shot at ? — 
 A. I know mv head hunter killed 498 seals last year, and 17 of them sunk. 
 
 14. if. That would be ultout .">J pir cent. ? — A, Yes, 
 
 15. V- i'n you consider that a fair average on the nuuibrr of Heals lost ( — A. As an experienced 
 hunter, I think it is a fair uvemgo 
 
 16. ^/. Would you .say that a man who Iosph, say, 5 jut cent, of the seal he shfwts would not h* 
 an experienced himter >. — A. He eoibl not lose more than that. 
 
 17. Q. Will that percentage ok loss apply to the travelling seals as wiill us to the sleeping 
 aeals ^~ A. Ves, the most of the seiUs i st are th ' ones slint by the ones moving or travelling. 
 
 If. Q. Your boats carry itole, si>eai, md galf ? — A. Yes ; and if the seal sinks down JO or 15 feet 
 iiey a\t) easily reuovertnl. 
 
 13. ^, If you were on your oath, now, Mid luiard any i.ne say that for every seal that was killed 
 male or female, out; was lost, you would say was a i<iisstatenH>nt ' — A. Yes; that is not so. 
 
 ^.0. V- If ttny ""e came here and said iti..t, for every seal you hit you killed another seal— —7 — 
 A That is nonsense. 
 
 21. V- ^'I'c highest pen.'ontagu of loss, you say, would be 5 per cent, for sinking seala ? — A Ye*; 
 
228 
 
 and I may Aty that I have taken seals with shot in them, dropped out.when skinning, and they Momed 
 as strong and healthy as ever. 
 
 22. Q. That is to say, that uidess you shiiot a seal in a vital imrt, the wound heals quickly ?— 
 A, Tes ; anil unless you hit it hnnl the seal gets away. 
 
 23. Q. You have seen females with young "i^A, No ; I never saw thom carrying their youn^ in 
 the water. 
 
 24. Q. Down the coast the seals are pretty woU dividetl, are they not ? — A. Yes. 
 26. Q. The cows travel by themselves, an<l the bulls by themselves ? — A. Yea. 
 
 26. Q. Di'i you say that you have caught more bull seals than cnw seals during the season ? — 
 A. Yes, along I'ho const ; but when I got up and up I got more bulls than cows. 
 
 27. Q. What months liave you seen more cows in proportion than other mouths 7 — A. In 
 February, March, and April. 
 
 28. Q. Tint even when you see more cows the average of the seals kille<l is in favour of the bulla, 
 is it not ? — A, No ; it is about equal. 
 
 29. Q. You say the cows travel qtiicker towards the Robring Sea ? — A. Yes ; when wo get further 
 up the cow seals seem to biave the bulls behind. 
 
 30. Q. Has it always b<>en so?— ^. Yes ; I have got 181 seals in a day, and not a cow amongst 
 th«>m, but yru sometimes get one. I think the average is about 1 in 90. 
 
 31. Q. You always get more bulls than cows ? — A. Yes, up there. 
 
 32. fj. How many out of every hundrc<l seals you had on board your vessel last year would be 
 females 'i—A. I think fully n half of them would bo cows. 
 
 33. Q. How many of tltoiii would )to bearing cows, and how many of them would be barren 
 oows "{--A. Of bearing cows, I think n))out 18 or 20 per cent, would Im bearing cows. I do not think 
 there would be so many as that. I had 2,000, and I think there would lie only about 12 or 14 
 per cent, with pups ; the others would bo what are cnlle({ Imrren cows, and a lot of them would be dry 
 cows. 
 
 34. Q. With the barren cows and the ones iMmriiig young you say would make up about half your 
 catch ? — A. Yes ; about half and half. 
 
 35. Q. The proportion of males and fen)alcs, thuugli, depends upon the crowds or groups you get 
 into ? — A. Yi'.s ; it (lopends upon the band you strike. 
 
 36. Q. You never, at any tinu', liiul more females than nudes in any of yotjr catches ? — A. No, 
 Dover. 
 
 87. Q. Wltilo in Hehriug Sea duTiii<; the lost four years had you ever heanl of any Canadian 
 schooners " raiding " the rribyloff Islands >. — A. No. I never heaiil of any of my crew being engaged 
 in such. SeviTul of my ei-ews told uus of the American sealew raiding them, but I never heard of a 
 Canadian wmA doing so. 
 
 38. Q. If you wen; bound to make a statement on your oath, you would say you believed no 
 Canadian vessels evitr raided the Pribyloff Islands for seals ? — A. Not as far as I know. 
 
 39. Q. You 1)cliovc, ns a matter of fact, that the owners of Canadian sealers and their masters 
 have never countenance<l UiIh raiding ^ — A. I believe that is the fueling that prevails among them all. 
 
 40. Q, You have hoard mentioned tlie names of the Amcrirnn vessels that raided those islands ? — 
 A. Yes ; I heard of the " ^follic Adanix " and " George R. White," but not ony others. 
 
 41. Q. You have not heard of any others ? — A. No ; I have not heard of any others. 
 
 42. Q. You have heard of vessels raiding the Copper Islands? — A. Yes; I Iiave heard of tho 
 "Hamilton I^ewis " and " Webster " raiding Copper Island. 
 
 43. Q. Tliose vessels you name arc all American vessels ? — A. Yes. 
 Q. Maimed by American crews ? — A, Yes. 
 Q, Have you any recollection of seeing any of those vessels in this (Victoria) Harltour ? — 
 
 44. 
 
 45. 
 
 No. 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 THEO. M. MAQNESEN. 
 
 Sworn before me, this 23nl day of ,Ianuary, A.D. 1892. 
 (Signed) A. K. Milnk, Collector of Cttstotns. 
 
 Henry Crocker, hunter on Iwanl the schofmer " Aimie E. Paint," having Injen swoni :— 
 
 65. Q. How long have you been engaged in sealing ? — A, I have been htuiting now fof three 
 years ; this is my fourth. 
 
 66. Q. I'Vorn your obsorvution, do you think that the seals were as |)lentiful last year as they 
 were during the pnwious seasons ? — A, Yes ; from what I saw of them I am suru they were just as 
 many as before. 
 
 67. Q- In what months do the female seals seem to lie tho most plentiful in tho sealing 
 grounds ? — A. I believe that from February to May the females Noom to predominate in numbers ; 
 that is, when tho cows are getting heavier with young, thev make for the islands sooner than the 
 bulls. 
 
 68. Q. Is it more difficult to siioot a female seal than it is n buUf — A, The males are more easily 
 killed than the fonialcs, owing to the inquisitivencss of the mal s, and the females being more shy, and 
 ako as they move along tliu water with only their nose visible. 
 
 69. Q, As an experienced hunter, wlmt iiercontr.go of los,«i have yon had by seals sinking ? A. It 
 
 is very rarely that a seal will sink. I have liei-n fi whole season and have not had more than half a 
 dozen sink (luring the whole season. 
 
 70. Q. Can you form any ostim-ite of what } our loss has boon i-^A. I would lay not mora tlwii 
 3 or 4 per cent 
 
 
229 
 
 71. Q. Won tho loss last yonr nioro tliaii in previous yoars f—A. I could boo no difleronoe. 
 
 72. Q. As a reason for the small peiceutago of loss, you sot very uoar the souls before shooting ?-> 
 A. Yes, Sir ; tho usual dintanco is within alxnit 20 fuut to a slooping sonl. 
 
 73. Q. If n uiun has a higher |)ercenta(re of Iuhs tlian that, ho must bo careless, you think ?— 
 A. Yes, I hIioiiM sny so, and not u (irst-cIasH hunter, for there is no ncccsaity for losing a seal. 
 
 74. (j. Does your i>crcentage of loss o^'ree with other hunters with whom you have conversed ?— 
 A. Yes. 
 
 75. (J. Ho that on tho coast and in Huhrin^; Sea the munu percentage would apply ? — A. Well, on 
 tho coast one does not very often sink a seal ; but in Bchrin^t Sua, if a cow, having deliveroil her pups, 
 8 shot, she will Iw more apt to sink, as tho blubber in very much tliinnor. Dut, on the wliole, I think 
 the i)erceiit4i}{e will not be more than 3 or 4 ymr cent, of loss. 
 
 76. Q. Have you taken notice in hunting whether there are more fenuilcs than males, or tho 
 reverse, taken ? — A, There is fully 80 per cent, uf bull seals killed otf tliu roust, us well as in Uehrinu 
 Sea. I think the ruiison for this is that the younger bullu are driven olf by the older ones, who gnaru 
 their particular herds. 
 
 77. Q. In the three years you have lieun in Behriiig Sea has it alway.i been your experience that 
 there were more malus caught than females i And in what proportion i — A. I say about tho same as 
 this year ; I don't see any tlitfereuue. 
 
 78. Q. Does your ])ercentiige of females taken agree with that of otlier hunters with whon> you 
 have conversed f — A, Yes. 
 
 79. Q. As an cxiHtricnced hunter, then, you adhere to the stjitcment that for the whole Hcuson's 
 catches for the years you have Ixien hunting, that tho percentage of seals caught will lie aljout threo 
 males to one female ? — A. Ya ; about that 
 
 80. Q. Do you include in that statement barren cows ? — A. Yes. 
 
 81. Q. Have you any idea or reason of your own why the malen come to preduniiuuto so 
 much ? — A, I think it is because the females make for tho islnntls earlier than the young bulls and 
 barren cows. 
 
 82. Q. Have you ever heard of any Canadian vessels raiding the Heal island-s ? — A. No, Sir. 
 
 83. (J, You have never heard of any Canadian nm.ster or owner olfering any inducement to 
 hunters to mid the islands ? — A, No, Sir. 
 
 84. Q, Tliei-e hiw never Iteen any lionus olTeifd you to raid the iHlunds '. — A. No, Sir ; while in 
 Behring Sua wo are always too anxious to get away fi-om the iHlauds. 
 
 85. <^. If any Canadian vessels had mideil the islands you wouKl have likely heard of it ? — 
 A. Yes. I tlii>ik it is im|iossiblu to kee]i it as quiet as that. 
 
 8C. ^. You have heanl r)f American vessels raiding the Coj^per and Pribyloff Islands ? — A, I have 
 heard it. I have known oi the American vessels going into Sniid Point Just after they hud raided 
 the islands, and I was in Sand I'oint when one vessfl was fitted out for the purpose of making 
 a mid. 
 
 87. Q. The masters with whom you have scaled ull seem to have avoided the islands ? — A. Oh, 
 yes ; tliey keep away from the islands between 50 and 100 miles. 
 
 (The foivgoing liavin^' been read over to the said Henrj' Crocker, he corrobomtes and substantiates 
 tho whole of the said statements.) 
 
 (Signed) HENUY CllOCKEK, nunter. 
 
 Sworn to before me, at Victoria, Itritish Columliia, this 18th day of .Tanuary, 1802. 
 (Signed) A. 1!. Miiv«, Collector of Citstvmn. 
 
 George itoberts, hunter ou boani the .schoomtr " Ainiie K. I'aint," being duly sworn, says: — 
 
 55. Q. How long have you been engaged a.i n scaler ' — A. 1 have been at seal-hunting for three 
 yeare, one season as a hunter. 
 
 5C. Q. Were the seals more plentiful lit.it year than in jn-ovious yeei-s < — A. They were just about 
 the same as regards number. 
 
 57. Q. How do the seas generally irnve — in nii\t'(l ninnbcrs, males and females together? — 
 A. The seals tmvul in bands of bulls am bands of cows, liolh l>y themselves. 
 
 ^^S. Q, What is tlie piiiprntion of s tals lost by sinking after being shot ? — A. Well, I should say 
 that .^ Ut !t per eenl. would cover the wh de loss. It is not more. 
 
 59. Q. What is tlie distmicit you are olf a seal when you sliool, gonoiully ? — A. Well, from 20 to 
 30 feet for a sleeper, ami for a traveller fioni L'.'i to M feet. 
 
 CO. Q, What ]iart of the seal <lo yon aim at f — .1. I aim al the heiul, as Ihu best place, U'ing the 
 surest. 
 
 61. ^>. Do yon think there were anymore female stials shot than males last year# — A. No; I 
 think thero wore more males shot ; in fad, 1 think that since 1 have iHten engaged in Hut business 
 thei-e have laien m•u'(^ males kiUtid than females. 
 
 62. Q, What months have yoa nolicttd more females than males <—yl. In the ntnnlhs of March 
 and April theit^ are nuae females than al any other lime. There are more fenutles killed during those 
 montlc^ than Ibeie aiv any other time. 
 
 6:). Q. Have you ever heard of any of the Canadian vessels poaching mi the seal islands? — A. I 
 never did ; I would have hi.-ard of it if there had been any. 1 have heard of the American raiders ; 
 but I do not know of a single Canailian vessel miding a seal niokery. 
 
980 
 
 64. Q. If a seal is sinking, does it ro quickly or slowly 1—J, If it is not too far away it can 
 always be secured, as it does not go too quickly to get it. 
 
 (The above having been read to the said George Rolwrts, he corrobomtei nnd substantiates all of 
 tba foregoing statements.) 
 
 (Signed) GROROE ROBKRTS, Hunter. 
 
 Sworn to before nic at Victoria, British Columbia, this 18tli day of January, 1892. 
 (Signed) A. R. MnNE, Colltdor of CmUorns. 
 
 Richard Thomson, hunter on iKNird thu schoonvr " Aiuiic E. I'aintiT," licing duly Hworii, gays;— 
 
 40. Q. How long have you licen engaged in sealing' ?— A. I have Iwen engaged m a hunter for 
 two years. 
 
 41. Q. Were the seals ns plentiful last year ax they were tiie |iroviouN year, to your observation ?— 
 A. Yes ; I believe they were. 
 
 42. Q. Were the sealH apparently harder to upi)roach than they were in previous years? — A. No; 
 I can't say that I saw any diifun^nce. 
 
 43. Q. How do the seals generally travel '( — A. Ah n rule tiie bullx travel soparotely, and quite a 
 distance apart generally. 
 
 44. Q. What is your experience in hunting as to the numlwr of souls lost after being hit ^—A. I 
 should think from :{ to 6 per cent wotdd cover all. 
 
 45. Q. What is the usual manner in which .<<eal8 arc last ? — A. Well, if thu seal 'in in u certain 
 position and shot so as to allow the air to escape, the xeal will \m hut As long aM the head sinks 
 below the water first, the seal will not sink. They very rarely .<<iuk iu any coHe. 
 
 46. Q. You carrj- u Hpeor on a gaff, don't you ? — A. Yes ; it is carried to spear the seals when 
 they are going down. 
 
 47. Q. ^m your experience in Healing, you consider that from <t to 5 }K!r cent, would cover the 
 total loss of seab, after being shot, through sinking < — A. Yes. 
 
 48. Q. When you shoot a seal at a distaiue, and do not sliorit tlieiu in a vital part, they make off, 
 iothey^—A. Yes. 
 
 49. Q. You don't cousiilur that loHt, tliun ? — A, No; we don't consider the seal lost unless 
 it sinks. 
 
 50. Q. Have you handled more males than females during the imst two years ? — A, I should say 
 more males. 
 
 51. Q. Have you any idea of the proportion of males — would thei'e be two males to one female ?— 
 A. I should say from 70 to 80 per cent., or about tliree males to one female. 
 
 62. Q. In what months do you consider that there are most females killed ? — A. During the 
 months of April and May. There are apparently more females, but not as many an males. 
 
 53. Q, You have never known of any Canadian schooners raiding the seal islands, have you ?— 
 A. I have never heard of a Canadian, but I have of the American. 
 
 54. Q. During the time that you have been to liehring Sea, you would have heard of it l—A. I 
 would certainly have heard of it 
 
 55. Q. You have always sailed out of this port '< — A, Yes, Sir. 
 
 (The above having been read over to Richard Thomson, he corroborates and substantiates 
 the aanie.) 
 
 (Signed) R. THOMSON. Hunttr 
 
 Sworn to at Victoria, British CoIuml)iu, Imforc me, this IStli day of January, 1892. 
 (Signed) A. R. Milne, Collector of Customs. 
 
 Vktoria, B.C., January 22, 1892. 
 
 Andrew I.aing, called and examined by (^Hector A. R. Milne -.— 
 
 1. Q. You are one of the oldest seal-hunters in the province, Mr. l.aing '. — A. I have been ten 
 years at it 
 
 2. Q. Your knowledge of sealing really goes licyond the present knowledge of the average sealer ? 
 —A. I have had as much experience as any of them. I tiiink 1 know as much as any of them. 
 
 3. Q. Your observations oi cae west coast extend beyond the advent of the sealing business in 
 Behring Sea ? — A, Yes. I went on the coast in 1871, and have been sealing with natives for the last 
 twentpr-one yean. 
 
 4. Q. Yon had ample opportunity of observing the life and habits of the seals ? — A. Yes. 
 
 6. Q. From those observations lost year did you notice any perceptible or material decrease in the 
 nnmber of seals? — A. None whatever. 
 
 6. Q. It wac generally reported lost year they were more numerous than the year before ?— 
 A. Yes. I think, if anything, hey were a little mure numerous than 1890. 
 
 7. Q. Does that remark ap jly to full-grown <—A. To full-grown and mid-sized. 
 
 8. Q. What direction do tb < seals on the coast usually come from ? — A. They come from the south, 
 following the herring, which sftunu on the west coast and dilferent places, and the seal follow thoee 
 6ah into the shore or far out as the case may be. The natives get a great number of these seals among 
 a nliool of beiTin|(. 
 
 9. Q. What IS the usual distance which the natives hunt away from shore I—A, In the sprioc 
 
231 
 
 »ln'V will limit U» nr^l.'i niilcs'oll', Inli r in tlic sciison L'O ur 2.') iiiilfs. I Imve wrii tlifiii 40 iiiiloM fron: 
 tln' limil. 
 
 111. (,>. lliiw Imiy: iliii'M llic Imiitiii),' of tlin wnl nii tin- \v(*t (iiii»t uhiihIIv lust '—-1. ('tuiiiniiicfs in 
 Fflinimy, nr liiKfi iii.I nl' .InmmiT, um! Instx till the l«l .liiiii', wlii'ii von xct iiuni' ur Ifss xcals ; yoii 
 i'HIi ;ift II I'i'W strii'.';.'!cis in >liily. 
 
 1 I. i,l. And till' Irlldi'llcy lit' till' siiiIh i:- I'liiin tlic siKltll I — .1. Vex, fiijliiwill'^' llifir fnml llsli. 
 
 1'-'. (,>. \u\\ Imve licfii ijiisvii till' <iiiiHt III wliiii' Villi iiu'i't till' sfiils in tlieir iiii;;riuiiiii '. — A. I lm\o 
 ^,'0110 (liiwniiM far is Slinnl Wiitci- I'liy, I'olniiiiiiii iliviT. 
 
 l.'l. </ Iliiw ijii Villi iiu'ft till' nculs — in liiijii' biimls or liiitclu'ii ? — A. Yos, in icliimls, frnm twn to 
 twenty in ii hiIumiI. 
 
 II. i,>. I 111 llii'v MM'iii to liiivcl in piiirs .' — ./. No. Sir. 
 
 l."i. ij. Iiiivoii liiiij ill ilii'M' .srluMiJM. or liiinrliis, ilii-y ai'uiill iimlus or ffiimU-M ? — A. Tlu'y art'ini.xcd. 
 I ronicnilicr nn iiisiniiic — I tlijnk in ISHtl — wlion \vc yut. on ilic coast o(V ('a|)r Flattery eitlii'r lot or 
 \W. am linl |io-iliM', iiiiil onl of I hat llieie vere over I'K) liiill seals, and the ne.\l day v.e odt aiioiit S(l, 
 and out ol'that ininilier over To were luills, 'Ilia* wa« in the year IHSd. 
 
 ICi. '/ Would your ohseivalion lead yoii to sii|i|iose that your eateli would d('|N'nd eiitiruly ii|hiu 
 the ;,'roii|i of IiiiHh or leniales as to whieli yoiireatch would bu iniiiiKwed of |iriiieiftiilly '. — A. Ah wo get 
 aiiioiiosl thrill ; yrs. 
 
 17. V- I'"' takiii;.'one year nitli aiiotla r — IVoni ISStitothe jircseiit time — have you .seen any nioro 
 females killed thnii oi' luills t — A. Xo, Sir. I think we have ;,'ot nliont three males in five, and when 
 we p'l ii|i alioiit the liank, ahoiit Middletoii iHliind, I think they will avera^'e mnn; uiale.s than 
 females. 
 
 18. (/ AVheii yoii strike the Heals on the etiii.st nlKmt A(^ or TiO iiiileH from Hhoie.do you tind a larRO 
 ]iro)iortioii of them sleejiin^' '. — A. They are generally sleejiiu);. The Indiai>ii p-t none Imt sleejiiinj 
 seals. I liavi' never heeii working,' with Whites. 
 
 III. IJ. The natives a|i|>ri>a('h the seals very elose >. — A. Yes ; and he eoines to the leeward of them, 
 nnd if there i-i any sni on they i,'et into the tr(iuj,di of the sea and make no noise. If he went to wind- 
 ward the seal would scent him, and •H'X away. 
 
 1.MI. (,>. When lie ^ets close enoii^;h he throws his .siuMir, and .seldom misses? — „•(. Ye.s ; he don't 
 miss one in ten. 
 
 L'l. ','■ And when once his spiar is t'listeiied, the seal n< ver yds away :' — A. No. 
 
 '-1. (,). If an Indian loses more than what yoii say, he would not lie a ;.'ood hunter ! — A. No good 
 III all, It Would no) ]iay to " \wk " him. 
 
 \1',\. t,l. i >o the lllilialis e\(r >lioci| ' — A. Sonietimis. They never shout if the seal is sU'epilit,'. 
 
 ;.'4. <,'• 1 *'"'>* tliiil lierceiita;.;!' of loss a|i(ily lo the slee|iin;,' seals only '. — A. Ves. 
 
 2"'. V- Noll mean liy " loss " — what ^ — A. J?y sinking. 
 
 liti. ^^>. If the Heal is Wounded so it j,'ets away, you don't eoiisiiler it lost ' — .1. \o. 
 
 liT. V- '' J^l'i'med and wounded, and scurried oil', yoii don't consider it lost ' - -/. Oh, no; not 
 
 10.11. 
 
 2A. 1,1. The Indian hunter is very do.se to the (luarry, and rarely niis.ses his aim f — A. Well, liu 
 will oet within '17) or lilt yards of it, 
 
 L".>. V' lliive yoii noticed any marked diderenee in the manner in which the I'tMiiales earryiii>» 
 young travel as com|iare(l with the males ' — A. The only dilfereiice I could see is that they will travel 
 very fast for a little distance, and then turn up and rest. 
 
 :'.ii. (,'. I mean, do they sink thiiir liodies more f — A. No; tiiey do not. 
 
 ."il. V- I'" ^"" think that the female is more shy than the male, that i.s, those "with yonng"!' — 
 A. No; I think they are not any iiioie shy. The feinaie is always inclined to lie slecpv. The male 
 is always on the watch, and will rise till lii^ head and shoiiMeis are out of the water. 
 
 ;>■_'. (,>. (hie hunter has said that the female lies dee|i in the water, e\|iiisiiig only a |iortion of her 
 head >. — A. 1 have never noticed tint. M'heii lying asli'e|i mie-li'df of the head is under water. 
 
 U."'. ','• Then you will say llial the jiercciitage of loss of tht; Indian hunters is not more than how 
 many in the hiiinlied 'A. Not more than one in ten; not more than 1(» |ier cent. 
 
 ;!4. (,'• Vol! say you never hunted with white men until this year '. — .4. No. 
 
 li.'i. (J. If any ]ierson made a statenieiil tiiat there is a yivater amoiiiil of hiss than what you say, 
 you would not leeard it as correct '- .(. 1 would say il was not correct, with Indian hiiiileis. 
 
 3(1. (,'. N'oiir slaleiiieiil is liased iiiKin actual cvperienee :■ .4. Ves. 
 
 ;}?. li- In eoingdown the coast in the sjiring, in Fehriiary, March, and Ajnil, have you noticed that 
 feuiales ale more |>leiilil'ul than in the following months '. — A. I do not think they are. 
 
 ;{S. (,'. Iiiit as they conic fioin the .south, you think they are not ' — A. lielween .lanuary and '111110, 
 nnd lietween the south and the Shiimagin Islands, have you noticed any time or |ilace where there 
 were any more females killed than others? — .1, I think in .May, I have noticed one thing: you will 
 not find, take one in ninety, you will never tind a feiiiale | up. Wlien^ the feimile young go to is .some- 
 thing that the ( 'oiiiiiiissioneis laiulit to have found out liei'o;n they eanie down from the sea. 
 
 :'i'.i. (,'. It has lieeii stated that the Indians say theie is no .such thing as a female yrey pup > — A. 1 
 have luver seen one yet, and cannot account for il, unless the females go one way and the males 
 unotlier. 
 
 4n. (,>. Among all yearling; grey ]iups, there has never lieeii any one known to have found a 
 female '— ./. Ves, it is a lad. 1 have heard a ;Mcat dial ot talk of females liavini,' Vouiij,' on llie kelp, 
 too, liiii I ilnn't lliiiik tlial is so. Some hiinteis report of seeing pups olf .Middldon's Island, luil 1 
 think tlial is inipiis.'*ilile 
 
 41. V- lli've you ever seen them cut a ])Up out of the femali^ seal I — A. Ves ; and I have .seen the 
 pup 8(1 cut out walk or nuive alioiit the deck of the vessel, and I have triel to rai.se it. I have als j 
 tlirtnvu it into the water, and have seen il swim alKiiit like u yi.ung dog ; I Jiuvo Houn it kei.'p atloat for 
 lii'ttieu luiuuies, us luiiK its Ihu ve»iifl wu.'i witiiiii liiglit. Uii iUu iulauda, tliv inotUer seal will take lliij 
 

 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
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 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 ,'45 
 50 
 
 IIIM IIIIIH 
 
 IIIIIM |||m 
 2.0 
 
 1.4 
 
 1.8 
 
 1.6 
 
 ^. 
 
 % 
 
 <?^ 
 
 7 
 
 ^ w 
 
 ^ w/ s% 
 
 
 '/ 
 
 ///, 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAN STREET 
 
 VV£BSiF3,N.y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
^. 
 
 
 
 I/. 
 
 
 
 4> 
 
young and force tlieni into the water to tench tliem to swim. Tliey will never take the water freely 
 themselves for from six weeks to two months. 
 
 42. Q. Yon tliink they will swim 50 yards proliahly, or 100 yards ? — A. Yes ; but don't tliink 
 they could live contiimidly in the wiitcr if they wore horn in it. 
 
 4'i Q. Wiien you .'itriio' the seids on tlie west eniist, wlial '.nudd you .say was the usual distance 
 per day that the seals travel >. — .1. Tliat is imiiossihle to .say ; it (h»pends upon their food. 
 
 44. Q. That is, they lin<;er longerover j^'ond Idod than o'.lierwise ? — A. Yes; I rememhcrin, I think, 
 1888, wliere an Indian tlircw hin spear at a st'aj.and liis line hvnkc ; it- was near the Siuimagin Islund.s, 
 and he took tiio saUKi seal the next day — -we lay-to all nijilit — ;ind lie riHuivered his own iron spear- 
 head. That miy;ht .show tiie di.staneo they move in, .say, a night, heeause it did not travel far. 
 
 45. Q. When you lower your hoats two Indians go to a canoe ? — A. Yes, and lioth paddle. 
 4G. Q. Tiie Indian in the how keeps his spear right hefore ? — A. Ye.s. 
 
 47. Q. And he throws it at tlu' animal, and strikes it where ? — A. It makes no difference where 
 they are hit. They try when .shooting to hit in the head. 
 
 48. Q. When a seal Ls struck, or wounded, what time does it require to heal ? — A. It heals very 
 rapidly. 
 
 40. Q. What time does it rcfpiire to get the seal aboard after it is speared ? — A. Not more than 
 two minutes when they spear, and not as long as that when they shoot it. 
 
 50. Q. What is the u.sual length of the sealing-hoat ? — A, About 20 feet. 
 
 51. Q. And the canoe ?— .1 About 22 feet. 
 
 52. Q. Is it not a fact that .sealing in these small boats in the stormy spring months is a very 
 hazardous undertaking? — .(. Yes. 
 
 5.S. Q. It is connnonly reported that our seal-huniers, both Whites and Indians, are more expert 
 than any others on the coast ? — ./. That is so. 'i'liey are the most expert. 
 
 54. Q. It is said also that tndess the weather is very tcmiH'stuou.s nothing will retard them ? — 
 A. Yes ; they gci out every chance they can get. 
 
 55. C/ The loss of a fidl-sized skin meant llie last two years how much to the hunter? — A. About 
 
 3 dollars jier skin. 
 
 50. Q. What is the largest nund)er which you ever saw an Indian canoe bring alioard in one 
 day ? — A. Forty-eight in one canoe, in Ijehring Sea. 
 
 57. Q. On the coa.st, how many '. — A. Thirty-four; that is over the average. 
 
 58. Q. In leaving the .schooner, how far do the hunters, both Indians and Whites, go ? — A. They 
 go as far as 10 or 12 niile.s, sometimes 15 miles, from the vessel, till they can ju.st see the tops of her 
 sail. 
 
 59. Q. And this in pretty rough weather? — A. Yes; prjtty rough. It might be smooth when 
 they go out, but it often comes on rough before they can get liack. 
 
 GO. Q. In following the seals nji the coast in February, March, and April, and Jlay and June, 
 where do you begin to get them in larger nuiubers I — A. OH' Queen Charlotte Islands. 
 
 01. Q. At this time, are the females in advance of the males, seemingly hnsteniug to the sea ? — 
 A. They get through as .soon as they can, the males in advance of the fenuiles — they haul out first. 
 
 02. Q. Some sc .'crs think the cows g(j aheail ? — A. The males haul out, and each one gets his 
 batch of I'emales, and as the cows come in they make up their herd of females. 
 
 C^. Q. Have you ever, when with .sealers, Iieard the percentage of loss talked of ? — A. No ; I have 
 never heard it mentioiu'd with sealer.s. 
 
 04. Q. \iM speak from your experience with Indians ? Your i)ercentage of loss of 1 in 10 woultt 
 be based on actual experience with Indian hunters ? — A. Yes ; 1 in 10. 
 
 05. V- ^ou have stated that in the month of May you think there would be more females than in 
 the other months of the season ? At that lime what ])art of tlu^ ocean would you be? — A. Up off 
 Queen Chailotte Island. 
 
 (iO. (,'. You have al.«o stated that the more plentiful the food, the slower the seals travel ? — 
 A. Yes ; they stay longer where the food is. 
 
 07. Q. At the end of any of your seasons, have you actually counted the number of females you 
 had in your cargo ? — A. I have never done so. 
 
 68. Q. Have you any idea of your last ye.ir's catch, what proportion of females you had in the 
 coast catcii ? — A. I think there would lie about li males in 5 — o males to 2 females. 
 
 Oft. Q. That applies to the coast catch only ? — A. Yes ; \ip to Kodiak. 
 
 70. Q. In tlie l?ebring Sea, what jiroport ion would it bear? — A. I think about 4 males in 5 — 
 
 4 nudes to I female. 
 
 71. Q. Were you in Ikihring Sea last year? — A. Thcs ve.s.sel was. The way I account forgetting 
 so many males was, during the begiiniing of July and August, when the females would be ashore 
 nursing their young the greater ]iart of the time. 
 
 72. Q. At any time in Hehring Sea, what has lieen your nearest point of hunting to the seal 
 islands ? — A. I have never been closer in Imnting than ;iO luiles — usually .30 to 90 miles off. 
 We got blown in there once, the mily time I saw tlie island ; AVe were within 10 miles of them 
 then. 
 
 73. Q. Yon never saw or lieard of any schooners, or sjioke any schooner who made a boast of 
 raiding the islands? — A. Noee belonging to us. I iieard of the "Webster," " Mollie Adams," the 
 " Hamilton Lewis," and the Oeiiuan schooner " Adele" raiding tlie islands. 
 
 74. Q. All these were American .schooners ? — A. Ves: except the " Adele." 
 
 75. Q. There is no doubt, then, among sealers, that these vessels did actually raid the islands ? — 
 A. It has been commonly reported, and I have no reason to disbeli^.e it. 
 
 76. <;>. Did any of those vessels at that time iieUing to Victoria '. — A. No; they did not. 
 
 77. V. Can you advance any idea as to when the seals leave Mehring Sea > — A. To the best of uiy 
 )(nowledgc, about the middle of October. 
 
233 
 
 
 78. Q. Is it the accepted idea that those seals which leave Behviiig Sea in the fall are the samd 
 that return in the spring ! — A. That is my o])inion. 
 
 79. Q- You have never heard at any lime any inducement over ollorod hy a captain or sailor from 
 Victoria to ship men or to perform any work with tlie intention of raiding these islands? — A. Not 
 from a Canadian vessel. 
 
 80. Q. It is a fact tliat every siiip-owner anil master of Canadian vessels has deprecated the 
 raiding of the islands, tliat is, have never agreed with it '. — ./. They do not agree witii it at all. Every 
 one I have si)(il<en to are very well satisfied to go into the sea and get their catcli legitimately. 
 
 81. Q. You think there is ample field for hunting seals without raiiling the islands ? — A. Yes, 
 I do. 
 
 82. Q. Is it your opinion, Captain T.iting, that, with the increased nundjcr of schooners here 
 and in San Francisco, tliere will he any material injury to the sealing industry i — A. I do not 
 think so. 
 
 83. (J. From observations made last year, you are (piite of the o])inion that the seals were more 
 plentiful than you had ever seen tiicm before ! — A. Tiiev were more identiful last year, 1891, than the 
 year before, 1890. 
 
 84. (i'. Is there any way you can account for that? — A. Xone whatever, unless it is the 
 same as witli any sjiecies of fish ; some years you get more tiian others. Tliere is no accounting 
 for it. 
 
 85. Q. lieferring to tlie number of females caught in the spring, there are ([uite a number of tlie 
 female seals barren, or have never borne young? You have noticed it ? — A. Yes; .some are barren 
 that have had young, and otiiers that have not borne. 
 
 86. Q. AVhen yoyi speak of the i>r()portion of females killed, you mean the barren cows as well as 
 those that are bearing young ? — A. Yes. 
 
 87. Q. Have you formed any idea of tlie general average or percentage of females carrying young 
 killed in April and May '. — .1. 1 could not form any idea. 
 
 88. Q. Nor of barren cows ? — A. No. Sir. 
 
 89. (J. AVould you hazard a statement that all the females, both bearing and baiTen cows, were 
 certainly less than the male seals taken ? — A. Yes; certainly Ics-^ in nundicr. 
 
 90. Q. If any one were to make the bold statement that for ever}' male seal killed there is a 
 female killed, would it lie correct ! — A. That would not he correct. 
 
 91. Q. You have not heard any estimate of the jiorcentnge of barren females as compared with 
 the bearing cows killed ? — A. There are less of the barren cows killed in the spring than tliere are in 
 the fall. I don't think that tiic ,'o as far soutii iis the cnws tliat bear young. 
 
 92. Q. You say tliat in Beluing Sea the males prepondcrale ? — •(. Yes. 
 
 9."!. (J. You cannot account for this, you say, i!xcept it be that the feuialcn "I'c all ashore bearing 
 young ? — A. The males we get in the sea are all 3- or 4-year-olds, which th>- oid wigs would not let 
 ashore at all. 
 
 94. (,l. Are tliere any "rookeries" along the ooast of any e.xtent ?— .(. I have never heard of one 
 this siile of the Shumagin Islands. 
 
 9.J. Q. Year after year, hunting, then, do you liiid tlieni travelling along the same course? — 
 A. Yes, where their food is, from IT) ti> o.l miles out. 
 
 90. Q. Your opinion is that the percentage of loss as compared with tlm^^e hit would not exceed 
 10 per cent, with Indian hunters ? — A. How do yuii mean lost ? 
 
 97. Q. You say a seal hit and not killed is not lost if it escapes ? — ^1. Ves. 
 
 98. Q. Then the proportion of loss in ])roportion to thosi' killed is about how iiiUch — 10 per 
 cent. ? — A. It does not exceed that. 
 
 99. Q. In the number killed during the (lin'crciit niontlis of the sijason, what is the iirojiortion of 
 uuiles to females ? — ,(. Three males to two feiiiides. 
 
 100. Q. As to the abstention of Canadian sealers frjiii raiding tlie seal islands you are ipiite 
 positive that from your kiunvledge of sealiiig-vcsscl owiu is and niaslcis, you give it us your direct 
 opini<in that no Canadian scalers ever raided lliose islands. You would say so upon oatli in Court '. — 
 A. Tliey never did to my knowledge. 
 
 101. Q. If Mich a tiling had been attemiilcd, it would, as a matter of fact, have leaked out ? — 
 .ii. Ves; it stands to reason tlie news would have been uiuible to keep it to ihciiiselves. 
 
 102. Q. They v.oiild tell it either to their assnci,i!i>s on board or after getting ashore '. — A. They 
 could not ke(?p it 
 
 l():i. Q. After the hiiiilcrs git aboard at night, tlii'V usually recount whether they lost any seals, 
 ami in speaking of ibeir loss it would iiieiin those seals that would sink, not those that escujie '. — A. If 
 they lost any, they wcaild iiol tell it at all, but if they sunk any, they v.oiild speak of it. 
 
 lt)4. (,'. You are at pi'es( iii a ship-owner, Captain haing '. — A. ^'es. 
 
 10.". V- V(ai have had giiiil o]i|iortunilies of healing from all sourci 
 fishing ? — A. Ves. 
 
 KIC). V- "lis it been iioliccil ijial the skins taken last year in 
 usniil? — A, AliiMit the same general size. 
 
 107. (^. Is it geiK^rnlly Known tiiat tln' srals ciiiiglit on the Copper 
 average ( — A. I have never sicii (liciu, but it is rcpoiied they aii' I'etl- r, 
 
 108. (,i. It is rejiorted also that sciils iii!i'..;hl in .hinuaiy, ]\Iarch, ai'ii 
 in ISehring Sea; they say the I'lir is liciter '.-- ./. 'ilicv siy so, iuil 1 don't I 
 din'erence. 
 
 109. V- It li"« heeii said that tiie i'lir of tlie 
 light ? The fur of all animals in cold climates 
 
 matter relative to the seal 
 
 the i'.chiing Sea were smaller than 
 
 Islmid are better than the 
 
 April are belter than any 
 ;iiip\v that you can see an/ 
 
 Mdls caught during tiie winter and spring ir .nths is 
 is thicker in winter ? — A. 1 have never noticed that 
 
 with seals. 
 
 [306J 
 
 2 II 2 
 
234 
 
 110. Q. A few years ago it was said that the Hehriiig Sea skins were the best ? — A. It has been 
 60 reported, Ijut I don't think there is any difference. 
 
 111. Q. The "grey pup" of tliis year will be a " brown pup " next year? — A. Yes; a " 2- year- 
 old " or " brown pup." 
 
 112. Q. Do the hunters usually follow the grey pups with the same zeal as they do tlie other 
 seals ? — A. They can't tell the difference till they are actually " on top of them." 
 
 113. Q. And they are apt to shoot little as well as big? — A. Yes; everything they come 
 across. 
 
 114. Q. Were the Indian hunters more successful last year than Whites? — .1. No, they were 
 :;ot. It was a "stand off" l)etweeu them. The only difference is that the Whites will risk more than 
 the Indians. 
 
 115. Q. The expensive wages, cost of outfitting schooners, considered, don't you think that 4 dollars 
 per skin a high figure for hunters ? — A. It is. 
 
 116. Q. How many boats does the average schooner carry ? — A. About six and the stern boat. 
 
 117. Q. And each Imat takes three white men? — A. Yes, a hunter, a boat-puller, and a bout- 
 steerer. 
 
 118. Q. The ship furnishes the boat, guns, and outfit?— ..4. Yes, the whole outfit of guns, 
 annnunition, provisions, wages for the two men, and pays the hunter so much per skin. 
 
 119. Q. At the present time, how much per skin ? — A. 3 to 4 dollars. 
 
 120. Q. AVith Indian crews? — A. Tbey furnish their own canoe, spoars, and outfit; one Indian 
 steers ; but the vessel finds them in provisions only. The last two or three seasons some vessels have 
 supplied guns and ammunition. 
 
 121. Q. Does the Indian get 4 dollars per skin ; does he out of that pay his own lioat-helper ? — 
 A. Yes, he pays out of his rate per skin. The ship pays the steerer nothing. 
 
 122. Q. Therefore, if the Indian crews were as profitable, they are the chonpesl ; if they get as 
 many skins ? — A. Yea, if you can get them. 
 
 123. Q, Is the Indian a good hunter, i.i your experience ? — A. Yes, Sir. 
 
 124. Q. Bold and intrepid ? — A. Yes, wlien he is in his canoe nothing will scare bini. I liavc 
 seen an old bull seal capsize a canoe, and the Indians would get into it again, bail the water out, and 
 go on htmting as though nothing had happened. 
 
 125. Q. Is the Indian lazy, or does he seem anxious to proceed in the hunt from day to day ? — 
 A. In fine weather, yes, but when the sea is "choppy" he would usually ratiier stay aboard. 
 
 120. Q. His canoe is not quite so strong as the sealing-boat ? — A. No, not quite. 
 
 127. Q. Have there been many accidents among the Indians — lo.ss of life ?— yl. Not since, I tiiink, 
 1887, when a schooner fonndered with all aboard. 
 
 128. Q, Do you think that as the years pass along the Indians, as well as the Whites, gut more 
 expert in seal-hunting ? — A. Yes, they do. 
 
 129. Q. Notwithstanding iiU tiie .ships in the lleet on the ocean, you would adiiere to your 
 statement that you don't think there is any noticeable tlecrease in the number of steals ? — A. Yes ; I 
 do not think so. If the vessels had been let alone in liehring .Sea last year, we would have had a 
 bigger catch than any previous year. 
 
 130. Q. Do you think. Captain Laing, if they would cease killing seals on the I'ribyloff Islands it 
 wouhl increase the number of seals on the coast ? — A. 1 think it would. 
 
 131. Q. If the rookeries were undisturbed by anything, you think tlie seals would be more 
 plentiful ? — A. I do. 
 
 132. Q. Have you any opinion to offer as to killing seals on the islands doing more harm than 
 anything else ? — A. I think the American people are d(jing more harm by killing .seals and interfering 
 with them on their rookeries or seal i.slauds tliau we hunters do on the coast. 
 
 133. Q. You have never heard of any rookery along the coa.st ? — A. I never heard of one. There 
 is a rookerv of .sea-lion off Queen Charlotte Island, but I never beard of anv of .seals. 
 
 (Signed) A. D. LAlNtl. 
 
 Sworn before me, this 2oth day of January. ,v.u. 1892. 
 (Signed) A. It. Milne, Collector of Ctistmns. 
 
 January 25, 1892. 
 
 William Cox, present master of the .schooner "Sapphire," of Viitoria, called und examined by 
 Collector Milne : — 
 
 1. Q. You are engaged in the sealing business, Cajjtain Cox '.—A. Yes, I have lieen master of the 
 eealing'schooner " Sapphire " for the last four years. 
 
 2. Q. How many boats do you carry in yoiir outfit ? — A. I earry canoes ami an Indian crew. 
 
 3. Q. With the exception of how many white men to navigate ? — A. Seven white people I carry 
 for navigating the vessel. 
 
 4. Q. The number of Indians? — A. The last two year.i I have had twenty-eight north to 
 Behring Sea. 
 
 5. Q. And how many canoes ^.—A. Fourteen canoes. 
 
 6. Q. Had you more canoes on the coast ? — A. Yes, I have had twenty-four canoes while on 
 the coast. 
 
 7. Q. Wiieu you finally leave fol* Behring Sea, you drop a number of the Indians, and only take 
 about fourteen canoes with you ? — A. Yes. 
 
 8. Q. Do you prefer Indian crews to white men ? — A. Yes, I do 
 
235 
 
 IP 
 
 0. Q. What are your reasons for the pi'cfereiice ? — A. AVell, I f,'et alonj; hotter with tlieiii for one 
 thinj,' ; tliere is more honour iininnjj them than iimonf{ the avera<;e white crew in this husine.ss. 
 They don't make an nyreement to-ihiy, and lireak it to-morrow if tiiey see a cliance to make a 
 little more. 
 
 10. Q. And they don't nuarrel aiuimi; themselves !'—yl. No; and you can fjenerally trust tiiem 
 more. 
 
 11. Q. They are more profitable, tuo, are they not '. — A. Yes, a little more. 
 
 12. Q. They lurnish their own csnioes ;' — A. Vcs, and s])ears and boatmen ; and it is not such a 
 heavy outtit, but tiieir canoes are li^^lu and easily broken by the heavy seas. 
 
 13. Q. They are better than aboard a laii,'e \essel i — A. Yes, but you have to be very careful — 
 the canoes are " duij-outs " and easily siialtered. 
 
 It. Q. Apart from fjettinj,' alonj; easier with the Indians, the exjieriencc is just about the same as 
 with a white crew '. — A. Yes, the .skins cost about the same in the end. 
 
 15. Q. Do the Indian crews venture nut durin;,' the sttirmy weather as much as the white men < — 
 A. Yes, almost as freely. I have had the siinie ciew so lonji now that they will do anything I wish 
 them to do. 
 
 IC. Q. Do you take them down the coast ! — .(. Yes, lud up the coast and on into Behring Sea. 
 
 17. V- They spear all tlieir ."eals ! — A. 'J'lie ;_'reater number of them, ye.s, but sometimes ;hoot ; 
 they .spear all the " sleepers." 
 
 18. (>. What propiatidu do you think (hey slmot ?—.'<. They sJioot probably twenty out of the 
 hundred; but I think now liie fleet is gettinjj; so lar<:;e tiiere are more wake seals, that conse(iuentiy 
 they did more si'ootinn with me last year tlmu ever before. They never shoot a sleejiinj; seal. 
 
 ID. Q. Do you tliink the seals are la'ttint; more .shy on aceiamt of the larj,'er Heet of ve.-<sels ? — 
 A. Yes, they are mucii more .shy. 
 
 20. Q. Do the Indians a]>proach thecals t'lom leeward ^ — A. No; the Indian always j^oes "aci'is.« 
 on the wind ;" he pulls up almost in ranj^e of it, and goes aero.ss the wind. They have a sort of idea 
 that the .seal sleeps with one eye open, lienco the way they a])proacii. 
 
 21. Q. When they heave the spear, the barb holds fast ' — A. Yes; if they strike the seal at all, 
 they cannot lose it. 
 
 22. (J. Therefore the jjorcentage of seals killed by Indians and lost would be very small ? — A. I 
 would really count it nothing. If they did lose one by the spear pulling out of the blubber it would 
 not kill the seal, as it heals .so quickly again. 
 
 23. Q. The barb holds them, and they have no chance to sink ! — A. Ye.s. 
 
 24. Q. Therefore the percentage of loss is nothing ? — A. I would not reckon it anything. 
 
 25. Q. The h)9s they make is only when firing at a travelling seal ;' — A. Yes. 
 
 26. (J. And that loss wiadd bo by the animal esca])i!ig >. — A. Yes. 
 
 27. Q. You would not consider it lost, then ; — A. Xo ; If not hit in a vital part it is not hist, for 
 the Indian tires at a close range, and there are two in a boat, and almost sure of it before the shot is 
 fired, because they can't sink far before they are right on to it. 
 
 28. Q. So the percentage of the .seals lost by Indian hunters, "sleeping" and not "travelling," 
 would be how much < — ,/. With .sleeping seals ihere is no h),s.s. In travelling .seals there are none 
 lost, only in escaping. Last year 1 saw a great numlier of seals brought in that had been shot before. 
 
 29. Q. From personal knowledge and ob.servatiou, you are .satisfied that a fle.sh-wotmd made in 
 the seal would heal rapidly and not injure the seal i- — A Yes; the siiot seems to strike in the fatty 
 jiarts or blubber, and does not seem to hurt the animal, as it closes over and soon heals. 
 
 30. Q. In the months of February, JIareh, and April, have you seen a marked nundier of female 
 seals bearing young killed f — A. Yes ; in winter tliere are a nundier. 
 
 31. Q. Does tiiat mean "barren" cows? — A. No; on the coast we get them " with young." I 
 have not seen many "barren cows" out here in winter. 
 
 32. Q. During the months of FiOiruary, Alarch, and April, what would j'ou say was the proportion 
 of males to females t — A. I have only done one winter's sealing, and that winter they would Ije fully 
 one-half females during February and March. 
 
 33. Q. That is, there woidd be as many females as bulls anil grey pups i — A. Yes ; I have never 
 seen a female grey pup on the coast. That is a yearling grey female seal ; that is corroborated by the 
 Indian.s. All the yearlings seen by me have been males. 
 
 34. Q. That is well known, you say, by the Indians ! — A. Oh, yes. They remark this. 
 
 ♦ * 
 
 38. (J. But there is a larger nundier 
 
 « » « « 
 
 of males killed than females in April, May, and .lune ? — 
 
 A. Yes ; in those three months we get a larger nundjer of males ; bulls from 3 to 4 years old ; all about 
 the .same size. 
 
 39. Q. Your opini(ui is that the females, after the month of Mav, hasten on to the ISehring Sea ? — 
 A. Yes. 
 
 40. Q. Now, from the lieginuing of the sealing .season, when you start out this time of year 
 (.lanuary), till the time you enter lieining Sea, wliat is your opinion as to the percentage of female 
 seals, including both bearing and barren cows, killed t What wotdd be the proportion of female seals, 
 inehiding botli bearing and barren cows, Killed f What would be the projKirtion of females as 
 compared with the bulls ^ — A, IJight up to tba Simmagin Islands ( 
 
 41. Q. Yes. W^ould it be 00 per cent.,(ir 70 ]icr cent., or what '. — A. Yes, I think it would be 
 about C5 or 70 jier cent, of males, and the remainder mi.xed cows — bearing and barren cows. 
 
 42. Q. About what percentage of barren cows? — A. I think about equally divided: about 
 15 jier cent, of barren and 15 jier cent, of bearing cows, and 70 per cent, of bulls, would pretty near 
 represent the catch on the tipiier and lower coast. 
 
 43. Q. There is an opinion expressed that a weal pup will not swim ; some people say so '(—-A. I 
 bave seeu three with their dams in the water ou the Alaskau coast. 
 
236 
 
 44. Q. How far from shore ? — A. 40 Oi- Tifl mih's from sliorc, in the month of .Tmie. 
 
 4"). Q. Is it your opinion that they world lie born in (Ik; wiitcr '. — A. Yes, or on the kelp. Seals 
 miiti' in tlie water, sleep in the wnter. and I have seen pups tiikcn from the dead mother on the vessel, 
 and thrown overhuard aiul swim aluait aw'iile in tiu- water. I iiave watehed such pups swim about 
 for lialf-an-hf)ur or more. They seemed ti have \\i dillieully in swimmin;,'. 
 
 4t). Q. You have never seen or heard of a L'aiuidian si'aling-sehoomir attempting to raid the 
 I'ribylolV Islands >. — A. \ have w.wv lii'ard of one. 
 
 47. Q. If such a thing had been done or attempted it wouhl lie sure t-i be known among 
 sealers :' — A. Yes; it wiadd be imiiossible to keep it a secret. 
 
 48. Q. Is it your ojiinion that our Hi»i])-owner.s and masters have done everytliing they could 
 possibly do to discourag(( anytiiing of that kind '. — A. ^'es ; everything. 
 
 4'.t. Q. What has been the general dislanee yini have sealed — the distance from the seal islantls '. — 
 A. From 1(10 to 140 miles. 1 was within Sd miles (if them last year; that was the nearest I was to 
 them. 
 
 "id. Q. Of course Vdur nu'U on iioard would, if they hail ever been engaged in such raiding of the 
 islands, certaiidy liavc^ told their fellows i — A. \'es, it would soon have becfime known. 
 
 51. Q. It is well known to all sealers that certain sehooner-i have raided those islands ? — A. Yes, 
 during 1889 and 1890. 
 
 "il*. Q. Do you reniendier wlial their names are ?— vl. Yes; the American schooner " MoUie 
 Adams," "(ieorge It. White," and others. 
 
 5L'. Q. l>o you remember anv other f..cho(iner raiding the islands ;" — ,/. Yes; the German schooner 
 " AdMe." 
 
 n;!. Q. It was well kuiiwn that it was a (ieinian ves-iid '.—A. Oh, yes. 
 
 •'i4. Q. Tluise Anieiican vessels that laidi'd tlie I'liliyluli' islands recruited their crews — where ? — 
 A. I think tlaj ". Alollie Adams" recruited her crew at (Uoticester. 
 
 "i"!. Q. In the Ihiited Slates i — A. Yes : she fitted up in I'ort Townsend, \Yasliington. 
 
 50. Q. Did you ever hear of any .\meriean vessels titling out at S.ind Point to raid the islands '■ — 
 A. I do not remember it. 
 
 57. Q. "Wert! you ordered out of I'eliring Sea last year '. — A. Yes. 
 
 58. Q. 15y whom :' — A. 'J'he Ihitisli steamer " I'fn'jioise." 
 
 59. Q. On being ordered out of the Sea, you innuediately complied '. — A. Yes ; I came right 
 away. 
 
 60. Q. Did you lower your boats afterwards .' — ./. I did not. 1 came right luit of the Sea. 
 CI. Q. What mouth was that '.—A. 9th August. 
 
 02. Q. Had you not been ordered out, were you in good hunting ground :" — A. Oh, yes. 
 
 0.'!. Q. Were the seals iilentiful at the time you were warned ; that is, as plentiful as you had 
 j)reviously .seen them :" — A. Yes ; Just as thick as ever. 
 
 t)4. Q, What was yoni catch up to the time you were warneil out '. — A. l',4;>4 in Beliring Sea. 
 
 05. Q. What was jour coast catch '.—A. 1,0118 on the coast, and l!,484 in the Sea. 
 
 OG. Q. Had you been unni<ilesteil for anntlier lliirly days your chances were good for a large 
 catch '. — A, Yes; our chances were good for ([uite doubling our catch. 
 
 07. V- ^'our princi]ial ground for sealing you found — where '. — A. About 100 miles wes' ward of 
 the Islands of St. George au(l St. I'aul. T took 1,000 in four days there. 
 
 08. Q. During that time, when you were getting seals so (juiekly, was your percentage of loss 
 greater there tlmn on the coa.st ? — A. No : they were very ipu'et. 
 
 09. Q. V'ou have stated that, from your jiersonal obseivation, you think the seals wero as plentiful 
 last year as you have ever seen them in Hehring Sea ; — A. Yes; nmch more so than I ever saw them 
 before. 
 
 70. Q. 'Mow. .so at a distance of lOO to 130 miles from the nearest seal island '.—A. Yes. 
 
 71. Q. AVhat course would tluit lie from the I'ribylofl' Islands '. — .(. About west. 
 
 72. if,. At the time you were sealing there were there any other (,'anadiau schooners in your 
 company? — A. Yes; the "Annie (.'. Moore," the " t'aiinelite, ' and the "Ariel." They had all an 
 average catch. 
 
 To. (,>. Have you ever heard of the McLeans raiding ('opj)er Islands i — A. Yes. 
 
 74. V' I'o you believe they did actually raid them '. — .'f. Yes. 
 
 75. (,>, Did you hear the story of ilieir going, with three boats of the " Wi bster" and " City of 
 San Diego " in a crowd, landing at a passage between the rocks and the mainland of the islaiul, and 
 standing there, where the water was swift, and shooting the seals as they passed tiirough i — A. Yes ; 
 but they lost a great many. The captain of the " San Diego "said that they didn't get one-tenth of 
 what they shot. 
 
 70. V- It is the ju'evailing opinion among the sealers that the " .J. ilanulton Lewis" was seized for 
 landing on the islands ! — ^1. Yes ; the linssians had been watching her. She was seized for actually 
 raiding the islands. 
 
 77. V- You <lidn'( go to tlie Coppei- Island side at all f—A. 1 did not. 
 
 78. (f. In leaving Mehring- Sea, where did you come out through '. — A. Through the Four 
 Mountain Pass. 
 
 79. (/ After \ou had been warned out, diil you speak any other cutter '. — A. I did not. 
 
 80. Q. Did yon see any seals fmiii the time you were warned out till the time you came 
 through the ]iass ( — A. They were jitst as thick as ever within 40 miles of the Four Mountain Pass. 
 We were two days sailing through chem. It grieved us very much, 1 can tell you, to .sail through .seals 
 and couldn't touch them. 
 
 81. Q. The Four Mountain I'ass is alioul what longitude .' — A. " 172 Pass" we call it. 
 
 82. Q. But you say there wero jilenty of seals from the time you vere warned up to within. 
 40 miles of this pass ? — A. Yes ; just as thick as where we liad left. 
 
237 
 
 83. Q. Will you state in tlirect evidenco, as tliou,u;li in Court, that, ns far as your knn\vlfi(lf,'e goes 
 no Canadian sealer, directly or indirectly, ever raided or attemiited to raid the seal islands f — A. I have 
 had ample opportunity of learnini; if such liad !ioon tin- case, and I know of none. 
 
 (Captain (Va-, continuin.o;, .said ; I didn't take one " hearinr; " female seal last season in lieliriu^; 
 Sea. I have taken a few which were eviih>ntly " with milk." 
 
 84. Q. \\i[hi\t ])ercentagi> do you .say i — A. Tlicrc luiijlit he it per cent, of wliat 1 took wIim-Ii 
 had had yoiinf,' ; tli(tre was evidence of having had yo\ni,!; ; whether they had last year or not I do not 
 know. 
 
 (Si-ned; WILLIAM COX, 
 
 Sworn hefore me this 25th day of .Tanuary, 1802. 
 
 (Signed; A. It. Mu.Ni:, f'ltVnlor of CuRtimK, 
 
 Virtoria, B.C., Fchrifm\i/ IH, 1892. 
 
 i-)Cal-Jiini/iii(/ in North Vmific Orrmi <in(l Bchrinfi Sea. 
 
 Ca|itain Ciiarles llackett, master and maiiagiiii;- (jwuer of the schooner "Annie C. IMoore," of 
 St. .lohn"s. New Urunswick, l)eing duly sworn ; — 
 
 Q. How many years liave you hecu sealing '. — A. 'J'liis is my fifth year. 
 
 Q. You liave had leasonahle success in seal-hunting '.—A. Ve.s. 
 
 Q. You have followed scidiug from Snu l'"rancisco to llehringSea? — A. T have. 
 
 Q. What has heeu the numlier of your crews .' — A. 'i'weiity-three men all toM. 
 
 Q. The nuu'.her of boats your vessel carried '. — ./. Seven altogether. 
 
 Q. You have had every opportunity of seeing seal life i — A. I have. 
 
 Q. On the coa.st did the seals appear to he as]>lentiful last year as former ycstrs ? — A. 1 have found 
 them so. 
 
 Q. IMease state how the .seals travel '. — A. .\s a rule we find the bearing females by them.selve.s. 
 
 Q. Did the seals appear more timorous last year than former years ? — A. I don't think so. 
 
 Q. Are there more seals shot whilst sleeping than travelling i — A. As far as my experience has 
 been that about seven-eighths, that is seven are shot while sleeping to one travelling. 
 
 (f. Please state aliout the average distanci' that seals are .shot while sleeping '. — A. From 10 to If) 
 yards. 
 
 Q. What do you consider the proportion of seals lost as compared to the whole that are hit in 
 pelagic sealing ! — A. One of my hunters, named I'olger, killed over 400 .seals during the .season, and 
 only lost five .seals ; the I'xact number is hard for a master to .say, but I believe that 5 ])er cent, would 
 be the outside. 
 
 Q. Captain llackett, wouhl you consi<ler that a hunter that lost more than five in the hundred 
 would not lie a gond liunter ? — A. 1 certainly do. 
 
 Q. Do you mean by being lost, that is by sinking f — A. "When I say lost I mean by sinking. 
 
 Q. AVhen a seal is shot in the head you generally get him, and mostly all the seal are shot in the 
 head i — A. They are; and when we shoot them from the deck of the schoonei', to lower the boat and 
 bring the ve.ssel to generally is from ten to fifteen minutes ; but we always get the seal floating. 
 
 Q. From actual observation, then, you would say that the actual loss dining the seasons you have 
 been .sealing will not exceed ])er cent. '. — A. 1 certaiidy .s.iy so. 
 
 Q. Are there more lost lai the coast than in Mehring Sea '. — A. In the liehring Sea the percentage 
 of lo.S9 would not be o ])er (.'ent. 
 
 Q. Have you observed in any month a gi eater number of females than in other months: that is, 
 on the coast have you oUserved a greater number of females taken during the months of April and 
 May ? — -A. I have not observed iniy difference. 
 
 Q. What iuo])i)rtion of females were in your catch last year (1800), and also in 1891? — A. In 
 1890 about one-quiM'ter were females, and in 1891 alwut half aiul half 
 
 Q. AVonld this percentage ajiply to ymir catch in I'ehring Sea as well as on the coa.st ? — A. Yes; 
 the percentage of females in 189(1 would be about one-cpiarter, and in 1891 aliout half and half 
 
 Q. M'hat was your catch in 1890 i—A. About 1,500. 
 
 Q. What was your catch in 1891 f—A. 2,070 seals. 
 
 Q. What ju'oportion of females with ]t\\{) did you observe taken on the coast during the pa.st two 
 years ?— yL About lialf and half. 
 
 (,>. Wliat pro]iortion of females with ])up did you ob.serve in Ijchring Sea '. — A. In a catch of l.o.'S 
 seals in I'ehring Sea last year I had only ten females with pu]i ; those with pup weie taken between 
 the 1.5th and last of July, and that those I'emali^s killed with pui) ajipi'ared to conu' from the westward 
 and got mixed with groujjs of other female seals which had their young and were entirely diied uji. 
 
 Q, Do you find many yearling ]iu|is in Uehring Sea i — A. No; 1 havi! found no yearling pups in 
 llehriug Sea ; we get what we call the white-belly pups ; they are from two- to three-year-old pups, 
 and we got quite a number of barren cows. 
 
 Q. What do you mean regarding b.irren cows ? — A. I mean those who have not borne young during 
 that year. 
 
 Q. Did you notice if the seals were smaller in size last year ? — A. I did not ; they were as large 
 fts any year, 
 
28S 
 
 Q, Whilst ill lleliving Sen Inut ycnv weio tlui hciiIh ns iiuiaeiotisi ns >'•" ''"vo seen tlinni before ? — 
 yl. They were more inuiierons tlmii I Imve ever seen tliein liel'orc. 
 
 Q. Whut 11^0 is a seiil-skin at its bent ? — A. 1 coiiaider at .'i years old. 
 
 Q. What has been the distwnce from the I'ribyloff Inlands tiiat you were while senlinj,' any yenr in 
 Behriiig Sea ? — A. From 50 to 100 miles, and was iievv;V nearer than 50 miles. 
 
 Q. You were warned out of the Sea last year I — A. I was. 
 
 Q. Were the seals plentiful at the time ? — A. They were quite numerous. 
 
 Q. How far were you from land when woriied ? — A. About 100 miles to tiie we.stwanl of Pribyljff 
 Islands. 
 
 Q. Had y 'U not been ordered out of the Sea your catch would have lieen yood? — A. My catch 
 woidd have bei n at least ;{,0OO seals. 
 
 Q. Have you ever heard of any Canadian ves.sels durinji tlui ycai.s that you have beei emjdoyed 
 in the sealing; industry raidiu"; tiie I'ribylolf seal islands in lielninj; Sea ? — A. I have not. 
 
 Q. You would have certainly lieard of it had it occurred ? — A. Had tiint lieen done, I would have 
 heard it ; I am acquainted with all tlie )Hincipal sealini; men. 
 
 (Signed) CHAS. HA(!KKTT. 
 
 Sworn before me this loth day of February, 1H'.»2. 
 (Signed) A. If. UiiUF., Coltntw of Ctistotm. 
 
 Vktoriii, li.V., Fthruanj 8, 1802. 
 
 Caleb McDougall, master of the schooner " Pioneer," of Victoria, Rriti.sh Columbia, personally 
 appeared, and being duly sworn, doth depose and say : — 
 
 Tliat this is the third year that he has been engaged in hunting seals in the Noiihern Pacific 
 Ocean and Behring Sea. 
 
 That lie has liad every opportunity of watching every jieculiarity of seal-hunting. 
 
 That it is his opinion, from actual observation, that the number of seals lost, as compared with 
 tho.se hit in pelagic sealing, is about one in fifty, that is, one seal is lost to lii'ty caught. 
 
 That the loss of seals is by sinking. 
 
 That t!ie greater number of seals are killed while sleeping. 
 
 That seals travel in groups, that is, groups of males and groups of females, also of grey or yearling 
 pups. 
 
 That in liehrlng Sea during the year 1890 in one place the hunters would Ining 110, and 120, and 
 130 each day, all males and no females, that is, in that one place, and the greater number of his catch 
 (1890) were male seals, that is, his vessel had 1,100 in Behring Sea, of whicii 800 were males and the 
 rest females. 
 
 That there is no doubt but that the old bull seals drive the younger males away from the islands, 
 and that is the reason wliy he considers that more males are caught than females in Beh'ing Sea. 
 
 That the proportion of barren cows is about one in ten to the liearing cows, that is, tliere is one 
 barren and ten bearing in Behring Sea. 
 
 That since he has been engaged in sealing he thinks tlio seals are increasing, and that ho found 
 liie seals in Itehring Sea thicker last year than he ever found them. 
 
 Tiiat it depends entirely upon what portion of tlie Sea that the vessel is in and striking a band of 
 mail's or females, Init with all vessels in Behring Sea the catcli is always more males than females. 
 
 Tliat he does not know of any single instance of a British sealing-vessei raiding tiie seal i.slands in 
 Behring Sea, and he is (juite sure that nii British vessel in any case attenijited to raid the .seal Islands. 
 If thev iiad, he would have heard of it. 
 
 (Signed) C. McU^-^UGALL. 
 
 Sworn before me, this 8th day of February, 1892. 
 
 (Signed) A. K. MiLNE, Coliectar of Customs. 
 
 Victoria, B.C., Fel/nmry 1, 1892 
 
 I. Q. Captain William O'Leary, how many years have you been sealing ? — A. This is my sixth 
 Q. You have been generally successful ? — A. Yes. 
 
 Q. You have had all opportunities of watching every peculiarity of seal-hunting ? — A. Yes. 
 Q. What is your opinion of the proportion of seals lost iis compared with tlujse hit in pelagic 
 
 year. 
 2. 
 3. 
 
 4. y. \Vliat IS your opii 
 sealing >. — A. My opinion is that only 3 to 5 per cent, are lost. 
 
 5. Q. Do you mean those who are lost by sinking ? — A. Yes. 
 
 G. Q. Arc there any lost in any other way ? — A. Yes ; by escaping. 
 
 7. Q. What is your opinion of the proportion of females to males taken during the season on the 
 coast ? — A. My experience on the coast has l)een that tiie females and males are about equal, aijd oj" 
 tjie t'eiiiales \\\m, are (in ectual inimber of banen cows and heaving cows, 
 
V W '1 
 
 before ?— 
 ny year in 
 
 ifPrihybfr 
 
 My catch 
 
 eini)lf>yetl 
 
 iVnuUl liavo 
 
 (!KKTT. 
 
 IKM'soiially 
 lein Pacific 
 
 ipavc 
 
 il with 
 
 or yearling 
 
 lid 120, and 
 
 )f his ciitcli 
 lies and the 
 
 tiie islands, 
 Sea. 
 lu'.re is one 
 
 ^t he found 
 
 a band of 
 males. 
 
 Il islands in 
 leal Islands. 
 
 JGALL. 
 
 Is niv sixth 
 
 Yes. 
 in pelagic 
 
 Ison on the 
 liiul, and '4 
 
 289 
 
 H. Q. What is your opinion alxiut the proportion of liearing cows ? — A. About half and half, that 
 is, half barren and half bearing cows. 
 
 9. Q. In Ik'hring Sea is your catch eliiefly male seals i" — .4. Yes; alwut three to one; tliat is, 
 titrec males to one female. 
 
 1(1. Q. (!«ptain O'Leary, what is your opinion abcuU tlu- increase or decrease of seals ( — A. I think 
 the seals were as plentiful last .season as I have ever seen them. 
 
 11. Q. Captain O'Leary, being one of the oldest s>^(aling eajjtains, ilo yo\i know of ony single 
 instance of a Itritish sealing- vessel nuding the seal islands ? — A. I have never heard of one, nor do I 
 believe that any nHtisb vessel raided or attempted to raid the seal islands; T would have heard it if 
 such had been attempted. 
 
 (Signed) WILLIAM ClLEAKY. 
 
 Sworn liefore me, this 1st February, 1892. 
 
 (Signed) A. K. MiLNK, Colhrtor of Cn^hm^. 
 
 Victoria, B.C., Fehrunry 16, 1892, 
 
 lie Sealing in Pacific Ocean ami Behriny Si-n. 
 
 Abel i><iugliis, |iii'sent master and managing owner of Canadian .schooner " .May Uelle," of Victoria, 
 Ib'itisli Columbia, being duly sworn, in answer to the following questions, says: — 
 
 Q. How many years have you been sealing ? — A. I have lieeu seven years. 
 
 Q. Vou have been reasonably sueccssfid in the sealing industry ? — A. Yes, I have. 
 
 Q. You have followed the seals along the west coast and in Beln'ing Se;i ? — A. Yes, Sir; I 
 have. 
 
 Q. How niiniy men compo.sed your crew last year '. — A. 'rwentv-oiie men, all told. 
 
 Q. The number of your boats carried '. — .-/. Six boat.s. 
 
 Q. Y<iu iiiiv(! had every opjiortunity of being ac((uainted with the habits and life of the seals ? — 
 A. 1 have. 
 
 Q. On the coM.st, did the .seals a]i])ear as plentiful la.st year as former years '. — A. I have seen no 
 decre.ise ; in tact, I saw more seals last year, but they a|)peared a little shyer. 
 
 Q. In Rtihring Sea, did the seals appear as |>leutifid la.st year as formerly '. — A. 1 saw more seals 
 and larger boilies <pf seals in Behring Sea last year than in any year before. 
 
 Q. Did the seals ai)pear more timorous in llehring Sea than fi)rmerly '.'—A. No, they did not, but 
 seemed (piite ((uiet, and not frightened. 
 
 Q. On the coast do tlie females travel by tjicmselves > — A. The females generally travel by them- 
 think the males don't travel .so far .south. We find the males a])pear more plentiful towards 
 
 selve 
 Alaska. 
 
 Q. 
 
 Q 
 
 Are there mi.re seal:, shot sleeping than travelling : — A. Ves, Sir. 
 
 Wlait is the usual distiince tliat .seals are shot while sleeping i — A. About 4l) to 4.") feet. 
 
 Q. AVliat would be the distiince shooting at a travelling seal ! — A. About ,")0 to 4(1 yards. 
 
 Q. W'herc are the seals usually struck when shot ( — A. In the head and neck. 
 
 Q. From your long experience, what do you consider the ])roportion of seals lost as compared to 
 the whole that are hit in i»ohm:ic sealing ? — A. I am cpiite siu'e that not more than from three to five 
 in the hundred, in one year in liehring Sea ; out of I'lG seals taken by myself, 1 nevei' lost a single 
 one ; and last year 1 lost seven out of 205 killed by myself; the loss was by sinking. 
 
 Q. Having jiersonal experience hunting every year, ]u)w quickly do you reach the animal shot 
 alee])ing ? — A. Abiait five to ten minutes if the seal has been .shot s!eo))ing. 
 
 Q. Sleeping seals don't sink (piickly, do they '. — ,/. Sleeping seals very .seldom sink. The loss 
 by sinking is altogether the travelling .seals. 
 
 Q. Then you would .say that the ])(!rcentage of loss, tliat is, three to live in the huiuhed, has been 
 your ex])erience lor .several years '. — A. Yes ; it has been about the same. 
 
 Q. Is the loss greater on the coast than in IJcliring Sea ' — A. N'o, Sir; very few are lost on the 
 coast. 
 
 Q. On the coast, have y(ai taken a greater nundier of female^ in .some months than in other 
 montlis ; .say, have you observed a greater number of females taken in April and May ! — A. No, Sir. 
 
 Q. Where do you find the yearling grey pu]is ? — A. Always on the coast. 
 
 Q. Do you find many pups in IJehring Sea ^ — A. No; 1 have only found two grey pups in 
 Behring Sea. 
 
 Q, Do you fin<l any brown pups, about 2 years old, in Behring Sea '. — A. Very few. 
 
 Q. Have you observed in Behring Sea that the females have delivered their young ? — ■ 
 A. Yes, Sir. 
 
 Q. Do you lake any lemales with ]>up in Behring Sea ? — A. A'ery few ; say one or two in the 
 season. They have all delivered their young before the vessels enter Behring Sea. 
 
 Q. Did you observe any difference in the size of the seal-skins last year ( — A. None ; they are the 
 same as former years. 
 
 Q. What has been the distiince from the seal islands that you usually hunted in Behring Sea in 
 the past vears ? — A. From 60 to 100 miles generalh- to the westward. 
 
 [305] ^ ' 2 1 
 
240 
 
 <^. You were wnmed out Inst year, iiiiil liy whom >—A. Ves, Sir; niul by the Uniteil Slates' shin 
 " .Mohicnii. 
 
 Q. At tl'.e time you were warned, whiit distance were vou from the seal islnnds f—A. At the time 
 I was warned I was 115 miles to the north-west of tiio stuxl islands. 
 
 Q. At the time you Mere warned weie the seals iilentiful !—^l. 1 have never seen the seals so 
 plenlifid in Hehring Sea. 
 
 Q. iJo you say that hud you not ))cen forced out of IJehringSea that you would have had an excel- 
 lent eatch ? — A. I certainly would have had a ;,'ood (.'ulch. 
 
 Q. Then you consider that haviiif; heen ordered out of llehring's Sea last year tlint it has liuen it 
 serious financial loss to you t — A. It has Imen a great loss to ine and a very great liardsidi). 
 
 Q. ilave you ever heard of a JJritisii vessel, during the years tiiat you have heen lingagcMJ in the 
 sealing industry, raiding, or atteinjiting to raid or talie seals in ai"iy way on the I'riliyloH'or seal islamls 
 In Hehring Sea f — A. I have not at any time heard of any British vessel taking any seals from the ^vul 
 islands. 
 
 Q. If any vessel had attemj^ed to do so you wouhl have eert.iinly iieard of it ^ — A. 1 certainly 
 would; for I am acquainted with all tiie principal .sealing men sailing from this jiort. 
 
 (Signed) A15KL It( tUdl.AS. 
 
 Sworn before me, this ICth day of Fel)ruarj-, 1892. 
 
 (Signed) A. K. JIii,NE, Collector of Guntoms. 
 
 VkloriH, B.C., Fi'hrxan/ L'(l, ISUI'. 
 
 Ii'e liiidiiiii ill Pidijif Oniin mui Bilirinij Srn. 
 
 Lnugldin L. McLean, present ma.ster of the Canadian schooner " Favourite," of Victoria, British 
 Columliia, and master of the same vessel for tlie past seven yt^irs, j)er.sonally appeared, and being ihily 
 sworn, in reply to tli(( following questions dotli depose and say : — 
 
 Q. Car»tain M('l.«an, you have iioen muster of th(! "Favourite,'" during tiie past seven years ?— 
 A. Yes; for seven years. 
 
 Q. Y'ou have heen reasonably suecessl'id in the scaling industry f — A. Yes: 1 liave, 
 
 Q. Yo\i have had every opportunity of observing tJic seals and seal life < — A. I jiave liad every 
 opportunity. 
 
 Q. What nunilier of 'men cijnqpose vour crew iisuailv :" — A. From thir'-v to tliirty-two men, all 
 toUl. 
 
 Q. JIow nuiny AVhites and liow many Indians '. — A. Seven Whites and about twenty-five Indians 
 com])oso my erew. 
 
 Q. Have had Indian hunters every year ( — A. Kvery year but one, tliat was ISST. 
 
 Q. Do you preler Indians to Whites for hunters ;' —yl. 1 do. 
 
 Q. Were the seals to your ob.servation as plentiful last year as former years / — A. They were more 
 plentiful. 
 
 Q. Were they as plentiful on coast '. — A. Yes. 
 
 Q. Were the seals as plentiful in Behring Sea as in former years '. — .1. In my experience I have 
 never seen the seals as plentiful i.i Behring Sea. 
 
 Q. Did the seals in Behring Sea appear to be more timorous i — A. No ; liiey did not ; but 
 apjjeared quite tame. 
 
 Q. From your long experience, what do you consider the proportion of seals lost as compared to 
 the whuiC number tliat are hit in pelagic sealing f —A. I would say with Indians about one in ten, and 
 with good white hunters about 5 \wr cent. 
 
 Q. Have you olwerved in any months more females than males '. — A. Xo ; Imt I think there are 
 nioi'e males in the month of April on the coast. 
 
 Q. Did you have more males than females in the coast catch ? — A. Yes ; I had more males than 
 females on the coast. 
 
 Q. What percentage of niah^s to females did you have in Behring Sea last year and any year ? — 
 A. About half and half, and every year about the same. 
 
 Q. Did you notice that the females taken in Behring Sea had delivered their young ? — A. Yes ; 
 they had all their young some time before that. They give up their young about the end of July. We 
 never get them with pup after July. 
 
 Q. What proportion of females taken in Behring Sea are barren ? — A. About 5 per cent. 
 
 Q. Do you ever find yearling or grey pups in Behring Sea ? — A. No; we never find them. 
 
 Q. Do you find brown pups (2 or 3 years old) in Behring Sea ? — A. We find a few ; not many ; 
 occasionally one or two. 
 
 Q. From your long observation, do you think that the females taken in Behring Seu have 
 remained long enough with their pups so that they care for themselves on the land ? — A. Y'^es, I do. 
 
 Q. You mean by barren cows those that have not borne that year ? — A. Yes, I do. 
 
 Q. In Behring Sea do they all travel together, that is, males and females ? — A. They are pretty 
 well mixed up. 
 
241 
 
 Q. I'lu'ii ymi say tliiii, iiK'lmlinj^ lani'ii cnws, liiiii i\u- |)t!r('eiiiiij;u ol mII ffiiiiilfs hikcii iii llcliriii;,' 
 Sen is about (iinml to the males ? — A. About timt, and no uioro. 
 
 Q. I>o I undtTstaiKl vou I'Icmly to SUV tliut llic I'litcli "ii llu! coast was iiiustly uuilcs ^ .1. Yen, 
 J. do. 
 
 Q. (.'a))taiii McTxmiu, would yiai jiltiasu say in what luoiiorliou the uiales Wfuo to tlic IVimdcs iu 
 youv catc'Ii on tlii! coast ! — A. About two-thirds males, tliat is, two males to oiu! feuiale. 
 
 Q. Did yo\i ol).serve anyehanj,'!^ in the hal)its oi' the seals Inst year from I'ormcr years i'-.l. On ilio 
 coast I do not oliservc^ any diH'erenee, liut in liehriiij,' Sea I find the seals I'urtlK.T I'roni land ; a tew \fars 
 iifft I f(»ind them 2,> or iUi miles from land, that was our favourite lisiiinj^ f,'roiind ; lait llui last two 
 or three years my iiest catches iiave been Irom 14tl to l.'i) ndles from land. 
 
 Q. Have you ever known ar heard of any llritisii vesstd enj^aitcd in the sealiny; industry raiding' 
 or ivttemptinj,' to laid or lo take seals in any way from tie- I'riliylolf or seal islands in liehrin^' Sea ^ - 
 A. I have not heard that any Ibitisli vessel in any year attemjited any such ihinj,', as 1 know all the 
 principal men eii),'aj,'(!(l in seidinj,', and I would certainly have heard it it such hiul occurred. 
 
 Q. You have heard of some American vessel raidiuii,' the seal islands '. — •,(. ^'es, two years a;;'o. 
 
 Q. Vou were ordered out of Hehrinj; Sea last year > — A. Yes, by Her Majesty's ship " I'orjioisc." 
 
 Q. Were you in ^(ooil huntin;^ urotiud when warned ( — A, Yes, the seals were vi'ry thick. 
 
 Q. Hud you been let abaie your catch would have lu'en very good ! — .,(. Yes, my catch would 
 have been an extraordinary j,'ood one, for 1 had 2,lH'^ wiieii ordered out, tiiid I had n full month to j{0, 
 and ray catch if let alone would have been at least ;<,500 seals. 
 
 Q. On your way out did you obst^rve that the seal wer*! plentiful in Behrinj,' Sen ! — A. They were 
 thick all the way out to the jtass comini; out of the sea, and it wn.s very annoyinj; to see so numy and 
 not be able to touch them. 
 
 Q. Where did Her Majesty's ship " Porpoise " speak you cud order you out? — J. In l7o° west 
 longitude, ahout 135 miles from nearest land. 
 
 Q. Tluui you consider that beinj; ordered out last year has been great linauciid loss ami hardship 
 to you ? — A. 1 do, most certaiiilv ; mv vessel was eipiipped for a voyage two months longer. 
 
 (Signed) LAUGHLlM L McLKAX,'i»/</.s/f,', 
 
 iSchouiicr " FtirouriU." 
 
 Sworn before me this 2(tlli day of February, 1892. 
 
 (Signed) A. Iv. Mn.NE. CoUiHor 'if Customs.