20 ALASKA FUR-SEAL ROOKERIES, 1910. 



in 1909, and not one was detected this year. The dead pups dis- 

 sected showed no lesions whatever, their emaciated appearance and 

 £mpty alimentary canal indicating death from starvation. 



AGES OF SEALS. 



Last year 34 branded cows that had been marked as pups not 

 later than 1902 were observed on the rookeries. This year 11 were 

 seen prior to August 1, but during this time there is little opportunity 

 to examine the cows critically, and later in the season such an exami- 

 nation would produce an unwarrantable disturbance on the rookeries. 

 However, the fact is established that there are branded cows in 

 existence, and the time of their disappearance and their possible 

 age may be decided at a later date. It is interesting to note that two 

 cows on St. George bore the T brand of 1899. 



Practically every active bull on both islands was examined critically, 

 but not a single brand was seen and none was reported by the gov- 

 ernment agents or the natives. The branded bull on Kitovi, which 

 last year completed his fifth season, has disappeared. Another 

 bull, blind in one eye, occupied a site on Kitovi for the third season. 

 In other years bulls with scars or other distinguishable marks have 

 been seen at various stations, but these have rarely continued on the 

 active list for more than three or four seasons. It is therefore an 

 established fact that under ordinary circumstances the male becomes 

 active at 8 years of age and lives three or, four years thereafter. 

 The age of the female is not known with the same degree of certainty, 

 but it is commonly believed that she lives to the same age. 



