206 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



dragged the beam-trawl nearly half a mile in the direction of St. Paul 

 without changing the character of bottom or shoaling the water. 

 Strong currents and tide rips are not infrequent near the islands, and 

 under favoring conditions overfalls might occur bearing the general 

 appearance of breakers. 



An anchorage was found for the night in Village Cove, St. Paul 

 Island. 



A moderate to strong northeast wind was blowing on the morning of 

 September 3, the weather overcast with drizzling rain and heavy sea, 

 conditions most unfavorable for our work. As there was no immediate 

 prospect of improvement, and we could not afford delay, we got under 

 way at 5.20 a. in., and occupied the last few stations required to com- 

 plete our scheme of exploration ; then, at 3.15 p. in., started for Unalaska. 

 The run was made under steam and sail with fresh, following wind, and 

 at 12.55 p. m. September 4 we arrived at Dutch Harbor. 



Our season's work in Bering Sea was completed under difficulties 

 and at considerable expense of wear and tear. Our instructions con- 

 templated a line of soundings and observation of seal life between the 

 Pribilofs and the Commander Islands, providing it was found practi- 

 cable, after the completion of the more important work in southeastern 

 Bering Sea; and we looked forward to it as a satisfactory winding up 

 of the season's exploration until the rapid succession of September 

 gales put a stop to further operations. 



Voluminous reports relative to patrol duty were made periodically to 

 the senior officer commanding United States naval force in Bering Sea, 

 and incidents connected with that service have been mentioned only 

 where they have a bearing on the narrative of exploration. 



The general results in the several branches under investigation dur- 

 ing the season may be summarized as follows : 



Seal life. — The observation of seal life was conducted with the great- 

 est care, but was subordinate to other duties in so far that we did not 

 deviate from our course or delay operations for that special purpose. 

 The small numbers observed may seem strange in view of the fact 

 that many thousands were constantly afloat; yet it is not really so, 

 for they have become wary since they have been hunted so persistently 

 by pelagic sealers. I have been told by sealers that it was the excep- 

 tion when large numbers were seen from the deck, and that some of 

 the best catches are made on days when there are none sighted from the 

 vessel. It is a common saying that you will not see a moving seal if he 

 sees you first, and this is largely true, although occasionally curiosity 

 induces them to approach a vessel, especially if she is lying to. A larger 

 number will be seen from a sailing vessel than from a steamer moving 

 through the water at the same speed, the vibrations of the propeller 

 being distinguished at a greater distance than the wash of the water 

 about the hull of the former. 



To find seals it is necessary to hunt them as other game is hunted, 

 and as we were constantly moving in the prosecution of other work, it 



