266 THE SEALS. 



Another practical proof of the fact that the seals were generally in- 

 creasing - during those years on St. Paul's Island 

 H. G. Oils p. 87. was found in the fact that a large overplus found 



their way to the Island of Otter, a small island 

 about six miles away, and not included in the Alaska Commercial 

 Company's lease. Otter was not a breeding island, but a loafing and 

 resting place for the "bachelor" seals, which congregated there to the 

 number of several thousands during the season. I noted the move- 

 ment with care, and believed then that with due protection the island 

 would in time have become a breeding island like the others, only to a 

 lesser extent. My views and observations in regard to Otter Island 

 were set out in a special report to the Secretary of the Treasury, dated 

 April 1, 1882. * * * 



In the plethoric condition of the rookeries during the period of my 

 service at the islands, and with the vast numbers of seals of all kinds, 

 there was not any difficulty about the matter of either food seals or the 

 taking of seal skins for commercial purposes. Stringency could only 

 arise by the general destruction of the seal life which has taken place 

 in recent years. 



From 1875 to 1883 it was no uncommon thing for the lessees to take 



the annual quota of 100,000 skins between June 



J. C.Bedpath, p. lol. 1 and July 20, and yet there was no sign of any 



decrease, but rather an expansion of most of the 



rookeries. 



From carefully observing the grounds formerly occupied by breeding 

 seals, as pointed out to me by the natives, and 



W.B. Taylor,p. 176. from statements made me by those on the island, 

 I believe there were more seals on the islands in 

 1881 than in any year previous to that time. 



I am satisfied from my observations that the breeding grounds on 



St. George covered greater areas in 1884 than in 



George Wardman, p. 178. 1881, and that seal life materially increased be 



tween those dates; and this fact was verified by 



all the natives on the island. In fact there was no disagreement by 



anyone located on the islands as to that point. I am further satisfied 



that during this time there was always a sufficient number of males to 



fertilize the cows on the rookeries; otherwise there could have been no 



increase in the breeding grounds. 



From year to year, when I was at St. Paul, the number of seals in- 

 creased, and the increase was constant. This I 

 S.M. Washburn, p. 155. know from my own careful observation of the 

 herds and rookeries, and I estimate the number 

 of seals at St. Paul, in 1877, at 5 to 10 per cent, at least, greater than 

 the first season I was there (1874). 



The number of nonbreeding males of suitable age and body for kill- 

 ing was in each year largely in excess of the number permitted to be 

 killed by the lease, and was plainly large enough to replenish in due time 

 the stock of breeding males in such numbers that the entire herd was 

 enlarged from year to year by a gradual and healthy increase. These 

 facts observed by me were also noted by the natives and other residents, 

 and were the cause of rejoicing and congratulation among them. 



