THE QUOTA OF KILLABLE BACHELORS. Ill 



LAGOON ROOKERY. 



For the whole number of pups counted, and the area covered is varied enough to 

 be typical, we find that there has been a decrease of 11.8 per cent. By reference to the 

 count on Lagoon rookery, however, it will be seen that instead of a decrease since 180G 

 there has been an increase of 3 per cent. This increase is apparent rather than real 

 for both the number of cows and the number of harems present on this rookery in 

 the height of the season had decreased. As a matter of fact we know that the 

 count of Lagoon rookery for 1896 was much less accurate than that for 1897 because 

 in the latter year it was made under more advantageous conditions. We are convinced, 

 therefore, that the count of 1896 is somewhat in error. 



If we drop Lagoon rookery from the calculation the percentage of decrease, as 

 shown by our count of pups, rises practically to 15 per cent. We do not insist upon 

 this, and are willing to abide by the figure of 12 per cent which the completed count 

 shows. The difference between 12 per cent and 15 per cent is immaterial. The fact 

 remains that by the count of pups, which is the surest basis of knowledge as to the 

 condition of the herd, the birthrate, and consequently the herd of breeding females, 

 has suffered since the season of 1896 a decrease which can not be less than 12 per 

 cent, and which we have good reason to believe is as high as 15 per cent. 



THE QUOTAS OF 1896 AND 1897. 



There remains one further element of comparison between the seasons of 1896 

 and 1897 to complete the proof of the decline in the fur-seal herd. This is the com- 

 parison of the quotas of the two years. 



THE QUOTA OF 1896 FIXED. 



In 1896 .'30,000 skins were obtained, the quota being fixed at that figure. It is 

 probable that a few thousand more killable seals could have been taken had the quota 

 been an indefinite one. On the other hand, however, a number of 2-year-old seals 

 were taken, which to a certain extent anticipated the quota of 1897. To the best of 

 our knowledge these two elements in the quota of 1896 balance one another, and we 

 may consider its total as fairly representative of the hauling grounds of that year. 



THE QUOTA OF 1897 INDEFINITE. 



In 1897 the quota was left without definite limit to secure the utmost product of 

 the herd, the rookeries being already grossly overstocked with male life so far as the 

 need for breeding purposes was concerned. The driving was therefore done more 

 thoroughly and continued for a longer period, extending until the 10th of August, 

 whereas in 1896 it was terminated on the 27th of July. To make the conditions sur- . 

 rounding the quota of 1896 and 1897 clear, we may here insert the statistics regarding 

 the killings of the two seasons. 



