MANAGEMENT OF THE SEAL ROOKERIES. 



THE SLAUGHTER OF 18C8. 

 Page 132 of The Case. 



I went [in the spring of 18G8] for the late John Parrott, of San Fran- 

 cisco, direct to the islands of St. Paul and St. 

 George. We were the first parties who went to Geo. R. Adams, p. 157. 

 those islands after the purchase, and commenced 



taking seals about the 1st of July. We and other parties took about 

 65,000 that year from St. George Island alone. We killed no females 

 except by accident, for the reason that we thought at that time the 

 skins of females were worthless. 



During my observation only one class of bachelor seals on the islands 

 showed any deficiency in numbers, and I accounted for this fact in my 

 report to the Secretary of the Treasury, dated September 5, 1872, from 

 which I quote: "The weather, although excess- 

 ively foggy and disagreeable to the residents of Chas. Bryant, p. 7. 

 the islands, has been especially favorable to the 



young seals. It is also observable that a larger number of yearlings 

 or last-year pups than usual have returned to the islands the present 

 season. There is now only a deficiency of one class, that of the four or 

 five year old seals. This is clearly traceable to the following causes: 

 During the season of 1868 there were killed on both islands 220,000 

 animals for their skins, and in the season of 1869, 85,000 for their skins. 

 At that time the relative value of the sizes or ages of the skins was not 

 understood, and all the skins being paid for at the same price, the na- 

 tives, who were quick to perceive the difference between taking a small 

 skin and a large one and carrying it to the salt house, killed all the 

 yearlings that they could; these were the products of 1867 and 1868. 

 These were sent forward in 1870 to market and overstocked it with small 

 skins. This created a demand for larger skins, and the Alaska Com- 

 mercial Company instructed their agents to take all the large skins 

 possible in 1871; this was done and as many 4 and 5 year old seals as 

 could be taken. This again fell on the already diminished product of 

 1867 and 1868. When these were sent to market they were found too 

 old, and now the proper medium being ascertained the seals will be 

 selected accordin gly." 



It should be borne in mind that the killing in 1868 was done by un- 

 authorized persons before the Government could arrange for the pro- 

 tection of the rookeries. 



As a result of the above experience I would further state the follow- 

 ing facts: During my visit to St. George Island in 186S, before referred 

 to, this vast Territory of Alaska had just fallen 

 into the possession of the United States, and the w.H.Dall, p. 23. 

 Government had not yet fairly established more 



than the beginning of an organization for its management, as a whole, 



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