PELAGIC SEALING A SPECULATION. 595 



The principal reason for the fluctuation in prices this year and in 

 other years, was the disturbed condition of the London market, caused 

 by reports of large collections, and so greatly did the catch of 25,000 

 skins affect the market that the skins sold for less in London than 

 was paid for them in Victoria, British Columbia, entailing loss on the 

 purchasers. 



1887. 



The seizures in the Bering Sea, in 1886 stopped the American sealers 

 from fitting out in 1887, with the exception of two schooners com- 

 manded by British Columbians, who decided to take the risk. It was 

 openly declared at Victoria that the United States Government would 

 not go further than remonstrate. 



The American boats that entered the Bering Sea were the City of San 

 Diego, which made a catch of 1,187 seals, selling at $5.50, and the Van- 

 derbilt, 1,340 skins, at $5.50. 



The catch by British sealers was : 



British schooner Mary Taylor, 1,000 at 80.00 



" " Penelope, 1,292 " 5.50 



" " Pathfinder, 2,377 " 0.00 



" " Mary Ellen, 2,130 " 5.50 



" " Black Diamond, 090 " 5.50 



" " Mountain Chief, 024 " 5.50 



" " Favorite, 1,887 « 5.50 



" " Therese, 900 " 5.50 



" " Kate, 1,025 " 5.50 



" " Triumph, 500 " 5.50 



" " Lottie Fairfield, 2,507 " 5.50 



The Ada, Anna Beck, Dolphin, Grace, and W. P. Say ward were seized 

 by the United States Government. 



1888. 



Bering Sea collections, sold in Victoria in 1888: 



Bering Sea collection, 1889, landed at Victoria, and all shipped to 

 England and United States. 



