ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTRIES 163 
ber of idle bulls on rookeries. The reduced number of idle bulls was 
very noticeable from the beginning of the season. Very few surplus 
bulls took up idle-bull positions, and no trouble was experienced in 
making an accurate count of the idle bulls. The number recorded for 
St. Paul Island, therefore, is quite accurate. There appeared to be 
the usual number of full-grown, strong, and active surplus bulls on 
the hauling grounds, but they were not interested in taking up idle- 
bull positions. Though the shortage of idle bulls was very noticeable, 
it is not necessarily a matter of great importance, as there is no differ- 
ence between an idle and a surplus bull except in the position he occu- 
pies. They may change places continually throughout the season. 
Usually, however, as soon as the idle bulls secure harems, surplus bulls 
move over from the hauling grounds to become idle bulls, so that there 
are always about the same number of idle bulls in the rear of the 
rookeries. 
It is interesting to note that 3 bulls branded in 1923 were observed— 
1 on Polovina Cliffs rookery and 2 on Reef rookery. All were husky 
animals and held large harems in the center of the rookeries. 
The decrease in the expected number of harem and idle bulls might 
possibly be due to the final dying off of the extra males reserved from 
1923 to 1932. If so, there is a possibility of a shortage of bulls within 
the next few years. If the number of harem and idle bulls continues 
to decrease, it would be advisable each year to make an additional 
reserve of males. 
Estimated number of harem and idle bulls, approximate ratio of idle bulls to harem 
bulls, and average harem, 1938 







Approxi- 
Harem Idle mate ratio Average 
Rooker Date Total | of idle bulls 
y bulls bulls ethane harem 
bulls 
St. Paul Island: 
Ho) 2 A= eS ee es ee July 19 414 51 465 1:8 49.11 
Pnmicaninote eet Sk Sie ek ne dons 183 32 215 1:6 53.71 
(Citi 1 a ee July 20 1, 050 211 1, 261 1:5 49.16 
IMGT es ee ee mero 96 17 113 1:6 50. 86 
Nae et eT an, re ae idoees 2, 100 308 2, 408 1:7 49. 38 
Divubche wee eae eh wee sat doe es 475 60 535 1:8 66. 80 
WaeGont oie Resi the 2a 1). at dow Dp |!5 0 See, Jy | Rateewnees 26. 50 
Tolstor se 2s. July 19 1, 200 163 1, 363 1:7 50. 86 
Zapadni se see 2 _| July 18 1, 000 178 1, 178 1:6 58. 66 
Little Zapadni__._.___ melds 576 103 679 1:6 51.91 
AMATI e Gis cant Ue AL IGRS 69 17 86 1:4 15. 03 
(Polo vinaseeee a) Ae eee aS! July 17 464 112 576 | 1:4 45, 44 
PolovinsiOlitis=)_ se BR 28 done. 369 88 457 1:4 31. 28 
eOLe Ol vaAnal es po SRT UAL) i on 120 29 149 1:4 35. 03 
WEG Ovi eee SR od 4 WRG ays 202 54 356 1:6 25. 02 
Wiostochinisee oe ae Ne elidow te 2, 300 364 2, 664 1:6 36. 57 
WRG ia Ne 2 oe ORs Te Se | a 10, 720 1, 787 12, 507 1:6 46. 76 
St. G : 
: FG 2 amc eS Om July 23 800 7. 873 1:11 51.13 
StarayarArtiss.02 SMR leer! Sidon 24 650 100 750 1:7 47. 42 
ioe inh bas eee ee hee ee done 230 50 280 1:5 18. 91 
Silla. 2 _- .on so Peo, San Pidos x 150 10 160 1:15 6.81 
Hash Recto see lids ae dow Aes 185 35 220 1:5 50. 66 
Mach Glitistees eae er PHS doz 425 70 495 1:6 62. 97 
Snel 2 ST eB a ee ee ee 2, 440 338 2, 778 eid, 46. 41 
Total (boLmisisnds) se 5 ees. |.) B22 22 13, 160 2, 125 15, 285 1:6 | 46. 69 
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