ALASKA FUR-SEAL ROOKERIES, 1910. 13 



THE QUOTA. 



In 1897 it was estimated that the ratio of bachelors to the entire 

 herd was 1:20; this year it is approximately 1:10. The conditions 

 that have brought about this change are matters largely of conjecture, 

 for our knowledge of the seal is too imperfect to warrant a satisfac- 

 tory explanation. It is reasonably certain that the mortality among 

 pups is less than formerly and, as Mr. Lembkey states in his report 

 of 1909, this would insure a proportionately larger return of yearlings, 

 males and females, and subsequently of breeding cows, both of which 

 are factors tending to the increase of bachelors. Then again the 

 death rate of the young, estimated to be 50 per cent during the first 

 year, may have been excessive and the proportion of bachelors to the 

 the entire herd may have been greater than was estimated in 1897. 

 But even if these problems were solved to our complete satisfaction 

 they do not bear directly on the question of the conservation of the 

 herd. As noted in another paragraph, the essential point to be set- 

 tled is regarding the reserve. If it is sufficient to supply the requisite 

 number of males, as the active ones disappear, then it appears to be 

 the best policy to kill those remaining. The herd is declining or at 

 best stationary. The pelagic sealer is hovering about the islands 

 and close killing diminishes liis catch. That the quota should con- 

 sist of the skins of 3-year-olds is obviously the most economical plan, 

 but from a purely zoological standpoint this is a matter of detail and 

 relatively unimportant. 



This year 10,749 skins were taken on St. Paul and 2,834 on St. 

 George, a total of 13,583, or 785 less than in 1909. The weights of 

 these, together with data relating to the drives and numbers dis- 

 missed, are given in the report of the agent in charge. 



CONSERVATION AND SOME INVOLVED PROBLEMS. 



It has been seen from the foregoing paragraphs that the number 

 of males for breeding purposes is sufficient, and this has been so for 

 many years. On the other hand the number of females has been 

 decreasing steadily, and there is no question but that the pelagic- 

 sealer is, and has been, an important factor in producing this decline. 

 Furthermore, another fact is evident, that with the conservation of 

 the females on land and the setting aside annually of a sufficient 

 male reserve no additional care will add one jot or tittle to the number 

 of cows. It is perfectly true that the elements involved in the prob- 

 lem of the male reserve are intricate and some are not clearly under- 

 stood, but in the last analysis the important question to be answered 

 is this: Is there a sufficient number of males to take the place of those 

 active on the rookeries? and every year the answer has been in the 

 affirmative. On land, killing may be close, and skins below the 



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