ALASKA FISHERY AXD FUR-SE.\L INDUSTRIES, 1920, 



115 



these classes in 1920 than there were in 191T. Actual numbers, how- 

 ever, mean nothing in this connection. The important features are 

 the ratio of idle bulls to harem bulls and the average harem. Condi- 

 tions for the series of years 1912 to 1920 are best shown in tabular 

 form as follows : 



Variations ix Adult Brrx Classes and Ratio of Idle to Hakem Bulls, 



TO 1920. 



19 J 2 



Thus the average harem has increased from 26 to 41, whereas there 

 are 2S per cent as man}- idle bulls as harem bulls. AVhen this is 

 compared with average harems of GO and 65 and with percentages of 

 idle bulls from 8 to 11 found in 1912 to 1914, it is at once seen there 

 was still a small oversupply of males in 1920 if conditions in the 

 former years be considered ideal. It has not been contended that 

 there were too few bulls in those years for breeding requirements, 

 although it is generally believed that the ideal average harem is 

 l)etween 40 and 50, This was the condition in 1920, and if it can be 

 maintained with about the same averages, and ratios throughout 

 commercial operations, those having charge of the business may well 

 feel gratified at their success. 



If we pass without comment on the good or bad judgment shown 

 in creating the enormous surplus of male life with the closed season 

 of 1912 to 1917, still those who have had the administration of the 

 herd in hand deserve great commendation for bringing back an ideal 

 condition in the short space of three years. 



A\'ERA«E HAREM, 



The average harem was determined from actual pup counts in 

 1920 on the same rookeries as in 1919, The gains shown on these 

 rookeries were used as the basis in the computation of the average 

 harem for all rookeries. Due consideration was given in every case 

 to the topograph}'' of the various breeding areas, since it is well 

 known that harems are smallest on rough, rocky places. Also it is 

 known that large massed areas grow more rapidly than small scat- 

 terefl ones. Thus, while the hai-em increased but 6 on the small 

 rookeries counted, it was computed to have increased by 10 for the herd 

 as a whole. A good illustration of this point may be seen in the 

 figures for 1913, when there were over 80 cows to each bull (m the 

 average for four rookeries, while many of the smaller ones ran below 

 40. For jdirposes of comparison the average harems in 1919 are 

 given, showing graphically the increase in size of harems. 



