ALASKA INDUSTRIES, 379 



(7) The breeding" habits of the seals, with special reference to the age 

 at which the females begin and cease to breed, and the frequency of 

 breeding, whether annually or at longer intervals? 



(8) The condition of female seals taken at sea as to nursing and preg- 

 nancy? 



(9) The distance which the several classes of seals go from the 

 islands, and the direction 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 occured 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 witli the enu- 

 meration 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 Islands herd of fur seals intermingle with 

 the Asiatic herds of the Commander or Kurile islands. 



(13) Whether nursery seals nurse other than their own pups on the 

 islands? 



These latter questions are merely suggestions to guide you in your 

 examination and report. 



I have the honor, etc., 



Charles S. Hamlin, 



Acting /Secretary. 

 Dr. David S. Jordan, 



Falo Alto, Cal, 



June 13, 1896. 



Sir : I have the honor to inform you that Prof. David S. Jordan, presi- 

 dent of the Leland Stanford Junior University, has been appointed to 

 conduct a scientific investigation of the fur-seal herds in accordance 

 with the joint resolution of Congress, ajiproved June 8. There have 

 been detailed to assist in this investigation the following gentlemen: 

 Lieut. Commander Jefferson F. Moser; Leonhard Stejneger, esq.; F. A. 

 Lucas, esq., both of the National Museum, and Charles H. Townsend, 

 of the United States Fish Commission. The United States Fish Com- 

 mission steamer Albatross has also been assigned for this purpose. 



I have the honor to request that you send to Professor Jordan, care 

 United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross, Seattle, Wash., a 

 copy of the Foreign Relations of the United States for 1895, part 1; 

 also copy of the proceedings, 14 volumes, before the Paris Tribunal of 

 Arbitration, ijublished under the auspices of the State Department. 



I shall be able to advise you to-morrow when the Albatross will sail 

 in order that you may communicate with the British Government as to 

 the gentlemen who are to take passage thereon, in behalf of said 

 Government. 



Respectfully, yours, 



C. S. Hamlin, Acting Secretary. 



The Secretary of State. 



