ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTRIES 



145 



up at the time of the count. Most of the breeding bulls were still 

 holduig their positions and there were many more idle and surplus 

 bulls on hand than during the preceding year, when the weather was 

 abnormally hot. 



Although there appeared to be plenty of mature idle and surplus 

 bulls on rookeries and hauhng grounds, fighting was not excessive, 

 and there were comparatively few injured bulls. The number of idle 

 bulls and surplus bulls on hand does not seem to have a great deal to 

 do with the amount of fighthig, most of wliich takes place between 

 the early arriving harem bulls, before the cows reach the islands. 

 The later arriving idle and surplus buUs apparently do not feel strong 

 enough to oust the stronger harem bulls from then' positions. Later 

 on, when the harem bull has lost his strength, the younger and 

 stronger bulls may drive him from his position, 

 season most of the fighting is very short-hved. 

 usually gives way after a jab or two. 



It has often been stated that an excessive number of idle and surplus 

 bulls leads to so much fighting that many cows and pups are Idlled, 

 Some pups and cows are killed by the harem bulls, especially on the 

 flat areas, but not to the extent that might be exjiected. 



Bulls in drives, especially during the early part of the season, cause 

 considerable trouble, as they cannot move as fast as the younger 

 animals and still they do not want to be left belnnd. Some become 

 exhausted and fall by the wayside. Their skins are valueless. 



Computation of breeding coivs, based on annual increase of 8 percent, and of average 



harem, in 1937 



Tkrougliout the 

 The weaker bull 



