BY Slit I)(>i;(;l,.\S M.vWSON, Kt.15., D.SC, n.K., O.IS.E. 51 



Nuggets rookery, where the boiling down works is situated. 

 Viewed in the light of what has happened elsewhere, it may 

 be reasonably predicted that under the continued pressure 

 of a steady drain on the rookeries by the sealers, a very 

 serious decline in their numbers must be expected after 

 the lapse of a few years. 



What has been said is sufficient to show the practical 

 inadvisability of leasing the island for the indiscriminate 

 killing of the fauna. 



The question presents itself — How can the island be 

 turned to permanent profitable account consistent with 

 maintenance of the animal life? 



Inquiry into the possible future of Macquarie Island 

 suggests several alternative courses, which will be consid- 

 ered seriatim. 



1. An unrestricted lease, such as has been granted in 



the past. There is no need to add more to empha- 

 sise the unwisdom of this policy. 



2. A limited lease, defining conditions of occupation 



framed in the interests of the general fauna. 



A. With license to slaughter each year a stipulated 



number of bull sea-elephants and Royal penguins. 

 The numbers considered safe to kill would be a 

 matter for agreement annually by a board of 

 advice, of which one member at least would need 

 to be a zoologist. Su':-h a board would requii-e 

 to be well informed ai. %o the condition of the 

 rookeries each season, a stipulation that would 

 call for an annual inspection. 



In order to cover the expense of such admin- 

 istration, the rent would need to be a figure far 

 above that recently demanded. Under this cir- 

 cumstance it is very questionable whether any- 

 one would be found willing to invest in the ven- 

 ture, in view of past experience where operations 

 working under more favourable conditions have 

 ended in failure. 



B. With absolute protection for the native fauna, hut 



granting rights for fur-farming or grazing rights 

 for sheep, cattle, or reindeer. 



On first consideration much might be expected 

 by developing the island on these lines, but, 

 knowing its limitations, I would be very chary 

 to recommend such undertakings as profitable. 



