PUR-SEAL SERVICE. 



95 



BRANDING FUR-SEAL PUPS. 



In the summer of 1912 the foundation of an experiment was laid 

 having for its object the determination of the question of the ages 

 of seals and other related questions. 



The law permits the killing of male seals of certain ages and pro- 

 hibits the killing of others, but there is no mark, anatomical char- 

 acter, or other characteristic by means of which it can now be said 

 that a certain seal is a 2-year-old, another a 3-year-old, and so on. 

 Without placing upon the seal some distinguishing mark it is impos- 

 sible to follow through its life from year to year. A certain seal 

 may be observed in a certain place one year, but there is no known 

 way by which that seal can be picked out from among the thou- 

 sands that return the next year. 



As a matter of fact, the only Alaska fur seals in the world whose 

 ages are actually known (pups of the year excepted) are the three 

 now in captivity in Washington. 



The best juc'gment growing out of long experience has been and 

 is used in dealing with these matters. Seals possessing a size within 

 certain limits and showing certain characteristics of color, etc., are 

 called yearlings, or 2-year-olds, or 3-year-olds, but it is not known 

 they are what they are called; at best, judgment, opinion, or con- 

 jecture, not knowledge, has been relied upon. 



A system of branding by which a permanent, distinguishable mark 

 is placed on the seal would supply actual knowledge regarding this 

 matter. Such a system was applied in the summer of 1912. 

 6711°— 13 7 



