None
Peer RSTn Te eRe eer ee . « Cee al sy a se ek ee? te ere aoe | , Arnie - SASS Pall PEER EE NES FAG A B® Ae ; Mbikbienks AaceeQueely GG BADET EG Bese oY ety ; " 3 Rem R EAL AML POO EG EN a esti : en ae : A 55 8 ate Nit) ents : 3 ss é ek aire ie aa ee aa sibtare? phe ey ester ye a Sse Sh a ase Cat es AN Git YP ue +A pa’ © Me 4 eed Broa ae eh ee 5 ehh hs ne ee Se Shier ve hia: S| ou SH’ 36) j \ UW Le “§ CORNELL UNIVERSITY pn a THE ee THIS BOOK IS THE GIFT OF “Pisnnd. ee mse. DVM Roswell P. Flower Library [! SH 361.Us8 University Library . e fur iii 924 000 936 470 vet 7 Library Bureau Cat. No. 1137 Cornell University Bleria The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924000936470 = FRONTISPIECE. A WAITING BEACH-MASTER, LUKANIN ROOKERY, SAINT PAUL ISLAND. Drawn from life by Bristow Adams. THE FUR SEALS AND FUR-SEAL ISLANDS j . OF THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN. BY DAVID STARR JORDAN, President of Lelana Stanford Jr. University, COMMISSIONER IN CHARGE OF FUR-SEAL INVESTIGATIONS OF 1896-97. a 2 WITH THE FOLLOWING OFFICIAL ASSOCIATES: LEONHARD STEJNEGER and FREDERIC A. LUCAS, OF the U. S. National Museum. JEFFERSON F. MOSER, Lieutenant-Commander, U.S. N., : In Command of the U. S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross. _ CHARLES H. TOWNSEND, Of the U. S. Fish Commission. ’ GEORGE A. CLARK, Secretary and Stenographer. JOSEPH MURRAY, Special Agent. WITH SPECIAL PAPERS BY OTHER CONTRIBUTORS. PART 1. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1898. ~“ Nowo55 CONTRIBUTORS OF PAPERS ON SPECIAL SUBJECTS. WILLIAM H. ASHMEAD, NATHAN BANKS, oO. FULLER COOK, DANIEL W. COQUILLET, WILLIAM H. DALL, WILLIAM R. DUDLEY, HARRISON G. DYAR, ELMER E. FARMER, PIERRE A. FISH, CHARLES H. GILBERT, ALBERT HASSALL, MARTIN LINNELL, JAMES M. MACOUN, SH SG/ L458 us vi JENNIE C. MILLER, WALTER MILLER, WILLIAM PALMER, MARY J. RATHBUN, WILLIAM E. RITTER, JOSEPH N. ROSE, EUGENE A. SCHWARZ, ROBERT E. SNODGRASS, WILLIAM A. SNOW, CHARLES W. STILES, WILBUR W. THOBURN, FREDERICK W. TRUE. _ PART I. THE HISTORY, CONDITION, AND NEEDS OF THE HERD OF FUR SEALS RESORTING TO THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. BY DAVID STARR JORDAN AND GEORGE ARCHIBALD CLARK, ILLUSTRATED BY PHOTOGRAPHS, AND BY DRAWINGS FROM NATURE BY BRISTOW ADAMS. 151841 TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Document No. 2017. Division of Special Agents. FEBRUARY 24, 1898, Siz: I have the honor to submit herewith my final report as commissioner in charge of fur-seal investigations for the seasons of 1896 and 1897. Very respectfully, yours, : DAVID STARR J ORDAN, Commissioner. Hon. LYMAN J. GAGE, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PART I. CHAPTER I.—INTRODUCTION: Page. The occasion of the inquiry... ...--...-.2. 22-22 eee ee cence eee eee ee 17 The Act Of COMBTERS) ¢..4 is cicarimntntietinceiats sede aie Suku eee eee tele aagale ect ui 17 The commission ...... 2.2.2. 0.2200 cece ee cece eee eens cece cece cece eee 17 The scope of the work...... 2-2-2. un. - eee eee eee cee ee eee cece 18 The investigations............2-2. 22020 cece ee cee eee eee cee eee 19 The report ..-..-...---.-------------- clad atinn alone Seis eieeeneeearemeaie es 19 TtIMGFaTy;, 1896 ap ecamaeceiewcsamnemess sieintaids wien eenaceaeecenonseen os eecs 20 Thinerary;, 1897. onc ncin cecin temas neitaes peek ay cece oe ceeemegeaceecinge se cane 21 CHAPTER I1.—HisroricaL SKETCH: ‘ ; Discovery and exploration.........--. 22-02 22-2 eee eee eee cee nee eee 23 Bering’s second voyage ..... 2.22. eee ence ee eee cece cece ete e eee 23 Discovery of Commander and Pribilof islands..............-...--...---- 23 The Russian-American Company....-.-.-------.-----+s-0eee eee ee eee ee 23 Its OLPANIZAION <\-'-10: .2:sisicieieeasic = des mminavernisleine dome Feisisiel siseueisee nies somercyeeis 24 The ukase of 1821 ...-.-..---- --- +--+ 2-2 22-2 e eee cree eee ce eee eee eee 24 The second and third charters ......--.. 2.22.0. 2220-2222 eee eee eee eee 24 The company’s management ........ --.. ---- -- 22 ee ee ene eee cee ee eee eee 25 dnjurious Methods)... occ jess sgee 58k aawitecmise adie sisi. Hoa eddaetend Gace 25 Protection of females: sc: ccccsecaxccsacas eases uses teoesseeeessiaeica aces 25 The herd at the close of Russian control .......----- Ralsnde Sieta ea otra Gye 26 The interregnum .......---.-2---- +--+ .0-- goteadecieces Re hE acaionga ese. 26 Professor Walls notes): +: ifsc edwdsdesinsdisigeigs tie saeewsue Seated cele serclon's 26  staking 26 The trading companies ....-..-.-. -------- 22 een eee e eee nee eee ee eens 26 The work of sealing -.....-.---. 1-2-2. 202 cee eee cee eee cee nee nee 27 Methods of driving....--. De uueees Seemcuideeed on eee Meee eramamasos eeu 27 Russian methods: 2.2. seen Ge cece tecisnie: wemmien Bees eesaesmciee cece’ 27 The killing not indiscriminate -..........----..-- puiemnice nese castes 28 American management. ..«...- 222-0. eee cee ee eee ee eee eee ee eee 28 The Alaska Commercial Company... CHAPTER IIIl.—TuHx Home or THE Fur Seats—Continued. A. The Pribilof Islands—Continued. Page. SIMU EG OCI ce.cyveacaudes. ysis seca ctere eee 2 Sait ublelensigveversidin Feige se emcees 32 MAG CUT CG siascscsesaii aaa siete sued dishacie s esiape ys winiahebteie Sretateayels sce yom. eeiete see ate 32 No good harbors. ..._....---. ---- 0-2 see ee cee eee eee eee eee 32 VGSOUATION » < scicietisicis, sideoiecisb tine a baie sje eiereicied Loins emcees eee sialic 33 The mammals. cc2occseesnsex ene ened aes ede dee ceersoee Bete meeenense 33 The B16 sone ceueaves der eeces oes dee eeu dan whee cece eyeeeieurt ceeees 33 Inhabitaits <4ssscu secceeeees er eunees weeles v sions sveeee vegahene cee ners 33 Conditions in Russian days...-.---..-----. -.-0. 2222-2 e ee eee eee 34 Conditions in American days .......-..---. 2-2 2-2. cece eee eee eee 34 The handling of the seals ........--..-2- 22-2 22-22 cece eee eee  Basal taiaiesid Siachie eaters iatace g tecenceo 36 The breeding grounds s22since nese se sc eux  etaeeeeeacsamamewacis 36 Vost0Chil ve cccasevcin cactus s nose tace cea amends eaieramnarseis elsieisle 36 MOYjOVi wsincce scene sieraae ve teen ceases toe ede ceeds aes Ree ees 37 POlOVIM Ges Se.coindaies cues eiee Stis oe Smee os Uae eae ee als 37 Dakeani i ie ciecceds cee aecieae drake atces qeaneeeedw bes eatene see eee 38 MET GO Wace c cid ispcte Scns cai cecrecians cia se Setae DS ECiSperer uewanee wieusinareehearetee 38 Reeti iis dwcencen census pesescc cena dee petebeetetse auenieTeeees 38 Sivutch Rock «secsessscs cts cee dtesy peed voawasoraees nesses ore 38 Gorbateh .¢ wx. edenssams saves ive cecaseuae pen ey eeewes nes cou eee 39 Ardiguen weqcosescee mee ald 2 sues bi seenceenee nde damenneees 2 east 39 SPU Kis se eee eeeeencas a ede bh ee teeee vases eeseneeecinn se ee de 40 Lagoon 2 222-22iserecsssse ity Sis 2 SR Sele Meee eye weal See ents 40 POlStOl veuions creas | cheese BOR eS s knee Ke eee PES eEn eHeS St BaweSs 40 AMPAONA. seceudicdcean onnials'es cee ene saxkewekedaseseseess nese saad se 40 Little Zapadnr «2222500800522 62s see ezekte veaucees atest eeabes 40 Lapadni Reefisc..2- sce. The categories of seals—Continned.. Pherfemial e isiasaercicial scene aie sd vic s eink sialvseebiswelessauia ee see eeanaaGewsar 46 The bachelor aciisias vases. oss sek cememersmamns ote gene que eaeemse ene 46 ‘The-hialf Dua ais ox ccc serciceciae c's ak ceow sens watndeae dha Seek tae smeared 47 The idle: bulb wives cde soe swe see semhd satecareees denis we cone caeeesceas 47 The yearlings and virgins. ........-22. 2... .-2020 eee ee eee eee ee eee 47 The pups ...-.......-.. emeiaMNnsaes eb kee teem seeGeesseteved seeds 47 The migrations of the seals ........-- 2-2 22.22. eee ee eee eee ee eee wee 47 Their  and duration ...........-. sea nisiels eeeietinexeiios Meee st ste 2 wee 48 CHAPTER V.—Tue DalLy LirE OF THE ROOKERIES: : The arrival at the islands. ...... 22-22. 122-2. eee eee eee cee eee 49 The: mal Sijsreiesecetevie a ceniadata a aes e saben soe eae oeee sRemes 49 Date of earliest arrivals -......... 22-200 eee cee ee eee eee eee ees 49 The oldest come first ..ccessccanee pas neces secees voneeeee ewes eee see 49 ‘The bachelors .......--- 2.2022 222 eee cece ee cee eneeneees Boh es Sled 50 Statistics of killings ..o0 sie cicssccwcwee ses calsewe teegseedeccuecss vee 50 Beginning of the sealing season....-.....--..----- 2.2220 ---- 2 eee eee 50 The arrival of the COWS. ......---. 0.2200 cee eee cece eee eee eee 51 Their incoming gradual. ............ 2-22. -.-- eeeeee cee eee eee eee 51 Their arrival not the occasion of fighting.........-....-..2.--.------ 52 The method of landing ........----.-. 22-2 0-2-0 ee ee cee ee eee eee 52 Massed rookery formation. ........-.--.- .2-- eee eee eee ee ee ee eee 52 Daily rookery counts ....-....-.-------- 0222-1 eee ee eee ee eee ee eee 53 Synopsis of Kitovi  sos soe eee eeenesaecasaecas exes 54 What the height of the season means......-.-...-.---- 2-22 -2-2--e eee - 5A The period currently misunderstood.......-.-.---- 22-0 e202 eee eee eee 55 The birth of the pup 55 The feeding of the cows 5d Swimming seals -...2.2. CHAPTER V.—Tue DalILy Lire or THE RoOKERIES—Continued. The arrival at the islands—Continued. PH GIT Ob bIbU OS ersic is erewig eset ne Be Sle seiatmaiede Wade Seale cemeds Semeed, The coloration... 0<seise.- e322 sees secees aceeemeseenes eee Phewpelag onc acne vieesiear-o- seaeueestencsves aed an aaacay sete peeeie Lites The sta@y s€ason ... 6 .ccs0e ces csmean sec ce cee eee SiGe eens aa The arrival of the younger seals.....-...-...-.-.----- eee ee eee eee The breaking up of the breeding season....-...-----.----. ------- +  «222. 2222 .0.0 ccaceeeeeees cote namee sen eee eee The: fr s6al pup vasccoccvsocitccicen oases st ceseeeeeease snd aennaewens  stcemnseeeamesct Hass shee cee The parasite, Uncinarias scc.:ccsc. o222s8 Sees ceece sews scenes cones The connt of dead pups, 1896.....-..---. 222-2222 eee ee eee eee eee Comparative COUN sos. o0d ewes eee eee dee eeeece eee emia The departure of the seals..........--..--.-.--- omiatinke BEG DOR iyo See The enemies of the seals .....-.- 22.220. eee ee cee tee cee ce eee THE Groat Miller. ccccsmnssormagen severe cedsaacascnme cans shus sane aes The departure of the bachelors and bulls.........--....--..--------- The swimming of the seals.... 2... 2-2. - 2-2 2-22 cee ee eee ee eee eee TRG TACO F WEAVE vos wai om cisieysiavavariiw's 6 sem wereesd wjereisemvntinia dire erg wierereiere Habits of the southern fur seals ....-...-...--..------- 222 eee eee ee eee THEE MOV 6MENtSaie, vo3'0c Sites Soda Saeahdecaniecn sete ceed mannemcmciies THEY d6 NOH MITALC... sc. oae02 cneccces eerie nese Seataieecniavenamwierte Brecding NADIUS .caciavncacs eet Saeeseee ee sn pcan bdemacdeatian eemaiend BreCdin S STOUNASS ocqjcitdescinebaas on ESSE Soe Skisel SedinEe ee ate kines The fighting of the bulls....-. 1.2... ---- 2222. ee eee eee ee ee eee eee Difference in time of birth............ 2.22... 2-22 oe eee eee eee CHAPTER VI.—TuE CONDITION OF THE FuR SEAL HERD: As: Past Conditions: ...26s scecesciussosacs soe sede oe deci eels tee eewe eee es Acreage MEASUTEMENES 26. Captain Bryant’s estimate The beginning of acreage measurements Elliott’s estimate of 1872-74 Important assumptions.....-....-.-... 22-222 ee eee ee eee The law of distribution Assumptions incorrect. _ The true law of distribution Stability of rookery conditions only apparent Results of Elliett’s enumeration The figures unreasonable The methods of enumeration The surveys can not be The effect of inaccurate Inadequate unit of space A more rational unit. ... verified surveys 67 72, WZ 78 78 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 9 , CHAPTER VI.—THE CONDITION OF THE FuR SEAL Hurp—Continued. Page. A. Past conditions—Continued. The estimate for Kitovi and Lukanin ............-.--..------26--5- 81 A measure of the overestimate..... 2.2... -2-2-2 2-22 e eee ee eee eee 82 The counts of Mr. Beaman .....-....---..------ 2-2 eee eee eee wees 82 Captain Bryant’s note .........2222.-2 222-22 e cee cee eee eee 82 Spilkivand Polovinay ..cnccecs saw sarisecae ges we oxic ciesae ane wanes 83 Personal estimates differ. .........--.2 2-220 ee eee eee eee ee eee 83 Elliott’s use of figures. ...-.. 0.222. 2-2 oe see ce eee eee nee eee 83 Mr. Tingle’s estimate...... 2.2. 22-22 2-22. cece ee cece cee eee eee 84 The estimate incorrect ..--.....-..-----.------ 2-2 ee eee eee  for 1895..........-...--.--------- 85 The estimate must be doubled .....-.-.-..----------- +--+ eee eee eee 83 It anticipated the season ...........---2. 22-2 -e eee eee eee eee 85 Arbitrary reduction for massed rookeries......---..-.---.---------- 85 The éstimate revised <<< .22sccesensnae yasdae sos nae ooee eke eames 85 The important feature of the estimate ............----..2.--.------ 86 Mr. Crowley's estimate for 1895 ..........- wesasee Pedien ke Ce emis see 86 Colonel Murray’s estimate. .......--- 2-222 ee eee eee eee eee 87 Defects of this estimate. .......----.-------- ede Mee ss Vokes iwses 87 Contrast of estimates for 1895........ cece Dheee sees seu venipekawelaned 87 Contrast of acreage measurements. .-...--.----------------0-----e- 88 Summary of past conditions. ..-......:.--2-222 0222-5 eee eee eee eee 88 A reconstruction of earlier estimates. ............-------- +--+ ----+- 88  .- jesus, Saeed 88 Estimates of non-breeding seals .....-..----- 20. eee eee eee eee 89 The reconstruction still only an estimate 89 Completed estimate ..... ip ticiaie las Givin St is SEO ecetnarsieiecic cress wee eeeiseoss: 89 B. Present conditions. .... esa Neacnetatuia te i eieeleme saa eGaewioed SSeS Caan emana 90 The Census. gaisc c:sc:e.si00:0000 weer ee teen nee come nce n teen ee sees 90 Dts: UGH CHIGY: ince sc ois 2! sisis cieisie cee iereg Sante siaid de sien ddiemmewad esas eipeceis 90 Actual Coun ts - (os oi. ee ss se eeta see sie yececls agin 2S ee bee taues acta 90 Kitovi rookery taken as typical......-.-.--.----.--------- eee ------ 91 Census of harems and cowS.. VI.—THE CONDITION OF THE FuR SzEaL Herp—Continued. Page. B. Present conditions—Continued. Wits “Valies2 ce scssa2iss 2 oad ceo cescet settee os eae ates <eeeetekisn se 97 The enumeration of nonbreeding seals ......-...-.-----.---- +202 -0-- 98 Idlevand Half billes22.2 cxsisee de cidaconssai ace8 54 522s 22 2a5 Fee de 98 ENG DACHELONS! 4 55.5.2 056 tcnhewditidas idee eteanh as accel 2ae Seeeee tek 98 Rejected seals s2s.v'se0 sje sicesacwoe mice tei awases tcimes eos cea nie 98 The one and two year old females.....-.........-.------ 2-2-2 ----6- 99 The losses among the young seals ..-.-..--.--.-----------.---2.------ 99 The estimates of nonbreeding seals.._.....--....---.-----.-2-2--00--- 99 The completed estimate for animals of all classes...2.-.......--..--- 100 Animals present, season of 1897 .........-.. 22-22-22 eee eee eee eee 100 Deductions for losses ...........-----------------+- ie bib Bplajeus Waleed eaves 100 Animals dead, season of 1897....-......------- 2-22 enn eee eee eee 100 The value of the estimate. ...........----. ---2 ee eee ee eee eee enn 101 The true basis of enumeration ......-...--.-.----. 2-2 eee eee ee eee eee 101 VII.—THE DECLINE OF THE HERD: Russian management » 02sccccrs cence ce ccue See oes cee cue weed sees reece ees 102 Gradual improvement in methods ........--.-..2.--.--22 2-2 eee eee eee 102 The equilibrium of the herd ..............--2-2. 02-222 eee ee ee eee eee 102 The beginning of decline. -.<2.ccsseee secigee decoy sss dee thee vedere weal 102 The failure of the quota.... 22-220 22-222. .e eee eee cee eee eee eee eee 103 ‘The breeding herd z.¢220se=00,c2c0s discs see see sede deve see dereneeeses 103 The quota since 1890 2.220206 ccsc22s vaciess So ee donee eee sede ee eee eee ce 103 Quota of 1894-95» acc secs scare esness essays she see eee es VEeeEe cence ecee 103 The evidence of decline .c<ses<a202 40230002 es vd vows seseseverse ee deans eiac 104 Abandoned grounds -... 2.1.2. .- 222.222. eee ee eee cee e ee cee eee nnee 104 Their extents o.0<% veeesecuaiess weed ave oes le kobe eweeed dene geceees 104 Grass-BTOWN AFCA8.2..2 2220 jee wneel dae eeee secu -rbe dee cee neces eeees 104 Time necessary to establish these areas ...............- eee Pere 105 Photographs 2 son cress tawesageses voces eemesse se dades ae edeuaeseuahs 105 Between successive seasons inadequate.....-..-.....-. 2-2-2222 2-e eee 105 Their value covering long periods.....-....--..2-----2eeeeeeeeee eee 105 Their record of the abandonment of territory ...........-.2..--...-- 106 Their limitations. cca ssceds veceest seca tecctsccncnaleneeneeanneos nein 106 Their relations to daily rookery counts.-.--...-----. The evidence of decline—Continued.. The quota of 1897 harder to get.....--.. 022222 een eee eee eee e ences 114 The quota a direct measure of breeding herd -..-....-..-..--..----- 114 The quota of 1897 and the Paris regulations. ............-.---------- 114 The total decline in the herd......-. 2.2. 222. eee eee ce eee eee ee 114 CnarTrr VIII.—TsE Cause or THE DECLINE: Joint agreement of 1892 ...... 2-2-2. een eee eee ee nee eee eee eee 115 No competent natural cause. ....2. 222-2. eee ee ee ce ee ee  v see ee  Shek eeekiisetaas seleseeeees 116 Willing SeaS Omens faiaie'. isis cists te leterelosieteecicleesteowetetgs sche wee seeas oe 116 Phe Orivin goo cos sd lt asics cdo. stele siemens eisiers Aeteiele: dere h fae 116 PHO NGTIViG teas a jas Assit aetea nel eras cise einw ak Beane oetnctoeinei semen 117 Phe kiWlin gn sccewe eda ccied Seek eewereeeayeseica ween sec veawens 118 ¥ TS AL OWS) sch cenvacnicme ewe arses de wives wea Seeanes Seamless eesee 118 The skinning of the seals......-.-...--2. 2-2 220 22 eee eee eee eee 119 Division of labor : 119 Treatment of the skins 119 The effects of land killing ..............----- 022-2. cee eee e eee ee 119 Removal of superfluous male life beneficial ...... oanelleried Sue hate 120 Possibility of overkilling ...-.....--..--.-..----- 2-2-2 ee eee eee 120 A hypothetical case...... 0.20.20. cee cee eee cece ee cee eee cee eee ees 120 Such killing not practicable ........-.-.-----. 22-22-2222 eee eee 121 Otter Island not driven .-........-.-----.+------ sibndicceyceet aces 121 DelectivG skiiG.~ a .seeserseseen se kes seancdadeeueaceeseeseices eases 121 Overkilling of males has not occurred ........-.-.---.----------- 121 Statistics of the quota............2--2. 0-22 eee ee eee eee eee 122 Land killing, 1870-97 ......--.. 222-2200 cee eee eee ee cece cere eee 122 Voluntary reduction of quota, 1876-77 122 Voluntary reduction, 1882-88...... 22.00. 02. ecee cece cece cee eee 122 No dearth of male life ..........-2...2--..------ i oeee nouns 122 Killing of males not a factor in decline -......... Premature killing wasteful but not injurious ........ sinigisiearersne see 124 Killing of pups wasteful.........--...--...----. 022-2 eee ee ae Sees 124 Absence of injury to the herd_...--.... 222.2222 ccc. eeeeeeeeeeeees 195 Methods on the Commander Islands........-...-:...----.-------- 125 Dr. Stejneger’s observations..........-...------ 02 eee eee e ee eee 125 The dearth of male life on Bering Island.........-.......---.---- 125 CHAPTER IX.—THE THEORY OF OVERDRIVING: : Driving and its supposed results ......-. 22.0... 222. eee cece eee eee 126 The process of driving. ...--....-. 0-2. cece ence ee cece ee cee e cee e ee ee eeeee 126 The animal ATi ven sacsicvisirciecs leit wiv syoteig sianeies os cleus e sianwiereiaiete Waiclon se vie xt oles 127 The theory intangible ............---...02---.60- ib distuelsteseretaraosla velar cietaterecs 127 Its logical conclusion. oj:3202c:0s6 nese pocig- esis ste vie Scinstesin sieeid eaeecees oo 46 127 The drives and driveways .....-------.. eeeu cece ewe en ene fe aed weenie ie oe 128 12 TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX.—THE THEORY OF OVERDRIVING—Continued. Page. The Russian drives ......-..--------------- ++ seen cece ee cree cee e eee 128 The drive from Northeast Point.....------.----- eee e eee ee eee cee eee 128 The American drives «.cecsj0% eesecnes sees cess pees eees seesesceceeeeese assis 128 The drives greatly shortened .......--...-- .22 + Posie wecabsebs ed emeewaee 5 129 Reef Griveway 2 escsceseecdwlezed aaG 2 e+e sss cree rmesee sea eaeeaneeawescae 129 The character of the route........--.. ---- --2----- seen cence eee eee 129 Thé length of the drive soccsenssew escwee we 4s oe cxeeed cmwes  «sae -hcacmaeadectseews wees tyeosees te seks <eveeceetseesaeamess 130 Palata, 223 otes seessaceeses deci eves e mans cov sex ¢eee ees eRe tees 1381 No evil results from these drives..........---.--------00 cee ee ee eee ee ee 131 Care exercised in driving ....-..-.-.. -.-.------- 2-2 e222 cence eee eee 131 The fur seal not ill-adapted to land travel.........----..----------.----- 131 The ‘‘ carcass-strewn ” driveways ....-.--------------2-22 22s eee ee eee 132 Fatalitieson the Orivesc.cc2 2: 2a:)s22s2222 20%. eeees seca ses saeseaede eases 132 Injuries to bachelors could not affect herd.....-........--.---.----.----- 132 The impossibility of sexual injury -....-..-.----...--------- +--+ ---2 ee 133 Voluntary movements of the males..--..--.----------------------+eeeee- 133 Driving not  to Commander Islands....-.........---- - 22-2222 eee eee eee 134 The fixity of habits. css sscomsecostscnes eeee ewes sox eeeees Leen na tices 134 The seal’s low intelligence ..........-.-.---- +--+ +222 eee ee Giaishenatse ire nomists 134 Contact with man has had no effect -........-.---------- 222 eee e eee eee 185 Alteration of conditions .......--. 2-2-2. 22-2 222 eee eee eee ee ee eee 135 The  Of, CeeCline :. 22.0 neiecticcdiseus eaeure cee des s mage seine cemcdesecse 136 Possibility of driving the seals elsewhere --..--....--.--..---.---------- 136 The abandonment of Spilki....-.... 222.0222 ee ee ee ce eee cee ee 137 The presence of the village not the canse............----.--0--222------- 137 Exposed condition of Lagoon rookery .......-..-.--22 2-22 -222 eeee eee ee 137 The real cause of the abandonment --.....--.------. The shooting of the soals....... 2.222. ee eee ee eee eee eee eens 144 Loss resulting from shooting......-........222-- 2.2202 cee cece eee eee 145 The spear least wasteful........ 2... ..0222 0002 ele eee eee eee eee iene kine 145 Northwest Coast sealing 2.2.2.0... 202 cece ee cee eee eee eee cece ee eees 146 Boring S6a Sealing so. vec ccc 2 2 2 ce celaleige nea ceesioenesines sabes deve velelece 146 POlARIC CATO joo d siccecnciitirciorsiais chet Sate sdigeeeasd ee ca neaeees See Sate eels eset 146 Does not include seals killed, but lost..-......-..--.---- 2-2-2 eee ee eee e ee 147 Early sealing continued to Pribilof herd...........-..---------------- +++ 147 Suspension of land killing... ......--..-2222- 2222 e222 eee eee eee ee ne eees 147 Modus vivendi transferred sealing to Asiatic side. -...--..-----.-----+-- 147 : Decline of thecatch soos arsieicle sia cielo bee slot ae tastactg Goce <-cid He ose ee 148 Unfavorable weather not the cause... .........02. .. eee ene eee eee eee 148 Pelagic killing and land killing compared. ..........--..---- galls siosheterstst 148 Statistics regarding land and sea killing.........-.2...----+ 22-0 eee eee 149 The period from 1871-1882 ...... 2.22... 2 2-22 eee eee ee eee ee eee eee 149 Growth of the catch.......-.--2--.22-2.-00--- sled cicndiata ss wepniminteisetcecmen 149 Relation of gains and losses in the herd dnc SiasSreine loiwicwstie Sale hermes cioe ais efoure 149 Period subsequent to 1882. .... 2.212202. eee eee ee eee cee cee eee 150 Expansion of pelagic; decrease of land sealing........-..---.-----.------ 150 Cause of decline to be sought in breeding herd..............---.-----+-- 150 The beginning of the decline.............---..-.--.----- Jha sowoue aeeeee 151 Early pelagic sealing a mere check ........-...---2.-2 222. cece eee e enone 151 Irregular quota since 1890 ....- aust Sivimhanceeelald auclainiacemmelattare tess mae anie/tcr 151 Pelagic sealing and the Commander herd..............--0.-.---- 000+ ---- 152 Interrelation of pelagic and land catches... ......--..--.. 22-22 ee eee eee 153 CuaPreR XIJI.—TuHe Errect oF PELAGIC SEALING: Pelagic sealing kills females......-..... -2.- 2-20 een ee cee ee cee eee ee 153 Pelagic sealing and the sealing of the South Seas ...-.......-.---....-.- 153 Methods of southern sealing...--..------- 0-2-2 eee ee ce eee eee eee eee 153 “Indiscriminate” not ‘‘excessive”...... GSS cia uo Sesh sajcielew edaes ctayersytyayaa 154 The preponderance of females ji 154 The sealing captains’ record of sexes taken.....--.-----.---------+ eee eee 154 Customs-house examination by experts.....--..------------0 ee eee enone 155 Contrast of sex returns. Possible abstraction of females. .:-...........---..-- Beak gered eee s 157 ‘ Secondary loss of pups -......---- 2122 see eee eee e eee eee cee nee eee 2. 158 Pelagic catch still involves 16 per cent....-...-.--. saG 3d bce sees tees 158 Pelagic catch must still fall to one-third before equilibrium.....---..... 158 The equilibrium could not be maintained...-..--....--------- +--+ eee 159 Equilibrium exists only far below commer¢ial ruin..-.-.--.-.-.----+---+- 159 Destruction of unborn pups.....-..-.-- adie ielebesceeeaes eae aved seca cece 160 Females pregnant and nursing........------------20 2-25 eee eee eee eee 160 Pelagic sealing takes ‘compound interest....-...-.-.------------ +--+ +++ 160 Destruction of nursing pups....-...--.. 2.2225 22.2 eee ee eee eee eee eee 160 Pups dependent upon milk until December..-.....----.----..---.--+++-+- 160 The absence of excrément. .... .... 02202. eee nee cee eee eee cee eeee eee = 161 The supposed nonfeeding of females. .......-.. 20. -20ee- cece eee cere nese 161 TABLE OF CONTENTS. XII.—Tux Errecr or PELAGIC SEALING—Continued. Absence of food in stomachs... .-.. ---. 2-2 eee cee cae ene cece ee eens The seal digests its food in the water ........----.---.---- 2-02 ----  cee nee cee cece eee eee eee cence Supposed self-feeding of pups....-...--.-.-- 22+ cee e cece eee ee ee eee The absurdity of the theory..........----- 2. + een en cee eee cee ee nee Determination of the matter by killing pups ...-...... Sob auawie smnietensnese Pups absolutely dependent upon mothers’ milk......-.........-...------ CHAPTER XIII.—THE STARVATION OF PUPS: The count of starved pupS......------ 2-22 - ee eee eens cece cee eee eee Beginnings of starvation .-.......-...---- 02-222 cree eee eee eee ee eee Notes onistarving POPS ci. 2s. saw sce eewiceaaescscicn meses ocecwaceme The Hungry Pup nies vocciccecccenmecs tenn ceiecere sieitisieias nie cians Se nielaediars The breaking down sseiesc sw sscencds occ sho 3 shaw dein euee seme scemewss The death of the starveling.......-.-.---. 2-20-2020 eee 2 eee eee eee Difficulty of distinguishing early dead pups ..--...----..----..----.---- Many early dead pups disappear...... 2.22. 22. eee ee eee ee eee ee eee Starving PUPS so. iesesis eee ces dame weiss aver dass ecee pois seisbe veces eck The: work -of the fOXCG crcicccccawweiieciaw areas wardie apaigiocaria le cis nis waar ememcie Dead pups, St. George Island ....-.-. 22-222 eee. bee cece eee ee cee eee Reconstruction of St. George estimates ...........-..--2 22-2. 2202 eee The detatled estimate. 222: 2.6200 acoc cee nee ecneeccica cecces cass oe sens PUP StAbiStits. .cciccis, cu cine sescswesecicenensee date sere ceeaes vases eteRete The count of starved pups in 1897. ...--...-.-2-2 eee eee eee ee ee eee The removal of the early dead ....-.-. 0.222. ---- 22 eee eens eee cee ee eee Estimate of starved pups for 1897.....-...-...-- ge ee Importance of these figures. .-.. 1.2... 22-22. -22 02 eee eee wee ee eee Destructive effects of pelagic sealing established..............-----..--- The CUMULALIVE CHOCE.. i. 6c cir ccowsseacusemimcedsiocc sioner cee enw sien cies’ Total  effect under the Paris regulations. The: WOdYS VIVON! soci vsiscei canoes: dene secaneisewsi were walls smibh ieleiscn 179 The joint commission of inquiry........... 22-222 22-222 cence eee eee 179 The tribunal.............. 2 asp seeks Yeeweee Meee aeege ses wel Sheree 179 The joint report of the commission...-.....--.--------+---+. +--+ 179 The American contention ...-..--22.-2 202. ee eee ee eee eee eee 180 The British contention... 2... 20. cee. ee eens cee eee cece tees cee ene 180 Their comparative merits ............ satventeainiaitate qe tata dueeere 180 B. The regulations ....... 0.22 00. ce ee cece ee cece cece nee cece seen cece nees 180 ThE: Minor PPOVISIONS. oo:0.0.6 5 soe wes cee e new nesaicnes see seis came 180 The sixty mile ZONG 2.200 conics oc ewes cece euewewacamee sas fo disintssintelons 181 TheiGlos@:SOASOM cn tao siseisis elaine saeawic, alee Stinmemain Meviek oo cee 181 Regulations adapted to work of sealers. ..........-.--2---.-------. 181 The cost of enforcing the regulations.............-..---..----- 182 The failure of the regulations.............-.--2.-+2--0-------- 182 The redeeming feature of the regulations............---------- 182 The purpose of arbitrators ._.....--- 22-2. 22-2 eee cece eee eee 183 The obligation to protect and preserve ....-.-....--.-.0-20---- 5+ 183 XVI.—SUMMaRY OF CONCLUSIONS: Statements Of fact... auc scnccnnee scenes oe ae weiss cad eaeeweeeene oe ewe 184-186 CHaPTER XVII.—THE REMEDY FOR THE DECLINE OF THE HERD: Revision of the regulations not adequate ..---...- -.---.--..--0. cess eee 187 Pelagic sealing can not exist without the killing of females.............- 187 Total prohibition of pelagic sealing the only remedy.............-....--- 187 CHAPTER XVIII.—THE FUTURE ov THE HERD: A reconsideration of the question ..... .... 2.222. -- 2-02 cee ene eee cee eee 188 A basis for the reopening of the subject .........--.. 2.2. ---. e202 eee 188 Findings of fact—the decline .....-. 22.2022 2 eee eee cece ee eee eee ee eee 188 Slow rate of increase in the herd......-...--.. 2-22. ee eee cence eee ee 188 Males can be killed with impunity --...-.. teavinsieia Derars dees eG. stereo eentacmutae 189 Excessive destruction of females.......... dite hegle g cieeleeaa ds saue seg esterece 189 Compromise findings...-..---.---- .----- --2- seen ee cece cence cee eee eee 189 The herd commercially ruined -...-..-...----. ---- - 2-2 cee e eee eee eee ee 189 Pelagic sealing incompatible with preservation .....--.-...-----... eee 189 The skin of the female to be contraband... .......2..---.--------------- 190 The proposed extermination by slaughter on the rookeries............... 190 Importance of the fur seal herd .......-.---. APPENDIX J,—Statistics—Continuced. ‘ Page. Killings, Northwest Point-Zapadni .---.-..--- 02 ----ceeeee eee cece ene ee cence 207 Total seals killed—accepted, rejected ........ 22.2.2. eee een twee ee eee 208-209 Killings, 1896 ...---.--.---- +22 eee cece eee meee eter nn teem ee eee ee cnenee 209 Killings, 1897 scccos css secede deena secdecad tues ammo anaes eaieds ects sehen 210 Statistics of land and sea killing ..........-. 2-2-2200 ee eee cee eee eee 211 Daily counts of CoWS ...--.----- +--+. 2-20 eee eee eee cee eee ee cree eee cence 212 Comparative census ace. 0:2 seme se caisicins naaenemimmmacienie aided ese seem canes eee se 213 Pup statistics, 1896..--...--. 2.22. -eee cee eee cee ee eee cece eee eee 213 Dead. pups, P89F si.ccaais: 2’ steinicie aioe yeti che aieist.cccisnchiamicaiais sciald Byer aucrate acu cia ates © siecle Ssicte 214 American fur-seal catch, 1894 - W222 22 22cesc eee cine acieicicie cin cee cee eee ce eee 215 -Canadian fur-seal catch, 1894 -... 2... 2.2... 2222 eee ee cee eee cece cence eee 216 American and Canadian catch, 1895....-....----.-- 2-02 ee ee cee eee eee eee 217  eens eee eee 220-221 Statistics of pelagic catch...-.....2.0.20.22- eee e eee ec eee tees cee e cee eee 222-225 Percentage of females........-.- Sweeney Ge aeisex Ge aes et cee mbes 225 Value of pelagic: fleet: 2 sc... :c0cecmeanesiiiiena ea poie Auta ees eck wis okie chloe heiers 226 Cape: Horn s@als cece seis cecacimccmecraaranrcin mies cies 6 oie slelble aieyaie Sabie vetaier sinw es eictarers 226 Lobos 86al8 2.5.2 cssimsansananes seine ecamcacereaateensoaansasas aol dr bicieieis Tafa iets 226 “APPENDIX II.—Documents. ModisViVendlnss caccceimen <etemun omee eed acntaimaues/s sais Melsinen cae wis sulle gation 227 Arbitration treaty 2.22. 2. 2cec.c cee mews met enamine nacinecis oa ov Siem cae eeemies 228-231 Award Ofth6 tM DUNB) wcnjcnicec cen weaeeranciermsamameanene Anse amesee.sy semieet 231-234 Thé T6gMIAtiONs . ....:::05.5 0 cece sacar eumnenacis cinsumceeee dase dees sea seein 234 Declarations. caecasisnctesemcan tases eacmoedvaesese. cree mane Shes ee see eeu acne. 236 Alaska Commercial Company’s lease..-.-.-. 22... 222. coos eee cee eee cee eee eee 236 North American Commercial Company’s lease .....-.-.---.--- 2200 ---0- 202 e eee 238 The  affidavits regarding sex. ..-.-.-.------- 20. 2-2 ce eee eee eee ee eee 244 The law prohibiting sealing by Americans... .-...-.-.. 22.22. 22--0 eee eee eee 246 APPENDIX ILL. —Illastrations:... «2.225024 005s sone ceewis since scdicecneeccesiteivs Geen ceciges cosas 247 CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. THE OCCASION OF THE INQUIRY. The present inquiry into the condition and needs of the fur-seal herds of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea is the outgrowth of a belief on the part of the United States that the regulations formulated by the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration for “ the protection and preservation of the fur seal” had failed to accomplish their avowed object. The inadequacy of these regulations was apparent at the close of the first season of their operation, and each succeeding season has only rendered it more conspicuous. Failing to secure the cooperation of Great Britain in the immediate revision of the regulations, the United States in the spring of 1896 accepted the proposal of Great Britain for a scientific investigation of the whole subject, to be made independently by each nation, the results of such an investigation to form the basis.of a reconsideration of the regulations at the end of the specified trial period ot five years. THE ACT OF CONGRESS. The act of Congress under which the present commission of investigation for the United States was organized is as follows: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and is hereby, authorized to expend, from any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, a sum sufficient to provide for the employment of persons to conduct a scientific investigation, during the fiscal years eighteen hundred and ninety-six and eighteen hundred and ninety-seven, of the present condition of the fur-seal herds on the Pribilof, Commander, and Kuril islands in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, said amount not to exceed for both said years the sum of five thousand dollars. The Secretary is also authorized to employ a stenographer in connection with this investigation at arate of compensation not exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars per annum, and to pay his compensation and expenses out of any moneys ‘in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. The President is authorized to detail, for the purposes of assisting in this investigation, any officer or officers or employees of the United States Government, their actual expenses and the expenses of the person or persons employed under the preceding paragraph to be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. The President may detail a vessel of the United States for the purpose of carrying out this investigation. THE COMMISSION. In accordance with the above act, Dr. David Starr Jordan, president of Leland Stanford Junior University, was appointed commissioner in charge of the investiga- tion, and with him were detailed as associates Lieut. Commander Jefferson F. Moser, commanding the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross; Dr. Leonhard 17 151842 18 THE FUR SEALS OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. Stejneger, curator of reptiles, United States National Museum; Mr. Frederic A. Lucas, curator of comparative anatomy, United States National Museum, and Mr. Charles H. Townsend, naturalist of the Albatross. Mr. George Archibald Clark, president’s secretary of Stanford University, was appointed secretary to the commis. sion, and Col. Joseph Murray, of Fort Collins, Colo., formerly United States Treasury agent at St. Paul Island, and reappointed in 1897 to the same position, was made special assistant. Great Britain named as her commission of investigation Prof. D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson, of University College, Dundee, Scotland; Mr. Gerald E. H. Barrett- Hamilton, of Dublin, Ireland, and Mr. James Melville Macoun, of the Geological Survey of Canada. The Canadian government detailed Mr. Andrew Halkett to make special investigation of the operations of the pelagic fleet. THE SCOPE OF THE WORK. In his letter of instructions to the commission, under date of June 13, 1896, Hon. Charles Sumner Hamlin, then Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, outlined the general scope and purpose of the investigation, as follows: Your final report will be expected to relate more specifically to the group of seals which resort to the Pribilof Islands, but the Asiatic herd may be investigated to such extent as seems advisable in order to afford the opportunity for instituting comparisons from which important deductions may be reached. F The principal object of this investigation is tv determine by precise and detailed observations, first, the present condition of the American fur-seal herd; second, the nature and imminence of the causes, if any, which appear to threaten its extermination; third, what, if any, benefits have been secured to the herd through the operation of the act of Congress and act of Parliament based upon the award by the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration; fourth, what, if any, additional protective measures on land or at sea, or changes in the present system of regulations as to the closed season, prohibited zone, prohibition of firearms, etc., are required to insure the preservation of. the fur-seal herd. Your inquiries should furthermore be extended, in so far as the time and circumstances permit, to embrace the consideration of all important questions relating to the natural history of the seals, both at sea and on the islands, with special reference to their bearing upon the sealing industry. To this general plan of inquiry was appended the following list of specific questions: 1. The effect of pelagic sealing in the North Pacific Occan and Bering Sea upon the fur-seal herd, due account being taken of the classes of seals killed. 2. What effect, if any, has the annual removal of bachelor seals, which has taken place on the Pribilof Islands, had upon the fur-seal herd? The solution of these two questions involves a study of the eutire subject of the regulations of the two sexes and the proportion of the male seals required to be preserved in order to maintain the stability of the herd. 3. Whether killing on land or sea has interfered with the regular habits and occupation of the islands by the herd, or has operated tu reduce the strength of the seal race as a whole by a natural selection. 4. The propriety of existing methods of driving seals from the hauling grounds to the killing grounds, culling, and other practices connected therewith. 5. The cause of the destruction of nursing pups upon the islands. During the seasons of 1894 and 1895 about 20,000 and 30,000 dead pups, respectively, were found upon the islands. You should specially consider the causes of their death, whether from starvation or other cause, preserving specimens whenever practicable. 6. The extent, date, and cause of mortality on the islands of seals of all classes. SUBJECTS FOR INVESTIGATION, 19 7. The breeding habits of the seals, with special reference to the age at which the females begin or cease to breed, and the frequency of the breeding, whether annually or at longer intervals. 8. The condition of female seals taken at sea, as to nursing and pregnancy. 9. The distance which the several classes of seals go from the islands and the directions which they take in search of food or rest at different times during the season. 10. The actual decrease, if any, in the number of seals in each class on the Pribilof Islands which has occurred during the past year, and also since the year 1890, and since the year 1870. A careful census of the rookeries should be taken this season for comparison with the enumeration made in 1895 and previous years. 11, An examination of the question as to the character of the food of fur seals. 12, Whether the Pribilof Island herd of fur seals intermingle with the Asiatic herds of the Commander or Kuril islands. 13. Whether nursing seals nurse other than their own pups on the islands. THE INVESTIGATIONS. Acting under these instructions the commission of investigation have made a detailed inspection and study of the habits, condition, and needs of the Pribilof Islands herd, with a comprehensive and almost equally exhaustive study of the herds of the Commander and Kuril islands. The main results of our investigations for the season of 1896 have already been published by the Treasury Department in the form of a preliminary report.* ‘The work during the season of 1896 was sufficient to prove the depleted condition of the herd and to point out the cause of its threatened destruction. It, however, showed clearly that all preceding calculations as to the number of seals resorting to the Pribilof Islands were useless for purposes of comparison, being grossly exaggerated ‘in the early years of American control, and as largely underestimated in the later years through a misapprehension of the actual conditions of rookery life. It therefore became impossible to form an accurate estimate of the relative conditions of the breeding herd or of the rate of its decline. The work of investigation was therefore continued during the season of 1897, and its supplemental results have been embodied in condensed form in a second preliminary report} which has recently been published by the Treasury Department. It now remains for us to bring into the shape of a final report the completed results of our labors. In accordance with the broad scope of our instructions we have endeavored, so far a8 opportunity afforded, to consider “all important questions relating to the natural history of the seals, both at sea and on the islands,” and the work has therefore become very voluminous. THE REPORT. This report naturally falls into four parts or divisions. In Part I the main phases of the fur-seal controversy have been taken up and discussed at length, such historical matters as seem necessary for a clear understanding of the matter being added. In this general discussion the results of more detailed studies on ‘special topics, which appear in Part III, are freely used and the original studies referred to for more complete information. Part I, therefore, becomes a complete report in itself of the investigation so far as the general condition, needs, and possibilities of the Pribilof Islands herd of fur seal are concerned. * Observations on the Fur Seals of the Pribilof Islands, Jordan, 1896. + Second Preliminary Report of the Bering Sea Fur-Seal Investigations, Jordan, 1897. 20 THE FUR SEALS OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. In Part IL is given the minute and detailed journal of daily observations of the members of the commission. This record, being the chief basis for the conclusions in the general report, becomes a most important part of the work. To it is appended an abstract of the record in the log of St. Paul Island for the past twenty-seven years, in so far as it pertains to the life history, aud habits of the seals. The third division of the report contains the series of special papers and reports, already referred to, which deal with various phases of the life history, movements and the surroundings of the seals, and which have been prepared by different members of the commission and by various specialists. These take up in minute detail such phases of the subject as have important bearing on the fur-seal question. In Part IV are included the reports for the seasons of 1896 and 1897 by Dr. 