Smith. — The Alaska Fur Seal 87 



I am estimating their value. Under the terms of the Fur 

 Seal Convention of 1911 Canada is entitled to fifteen per cent 

 of the proceeds; and Canada w^ill be entitled to about $500,- 

 000 as her share of the seals taken since 1917. 



I believe that the Alaska fur-seal herd is bound to in- 

 crease. There is nothing in sight to prevent its rapid in- 

 crease, possibly to the extent of 8 to 10 per cent annually, 

 and I would not be at all surprised if within a comparatively 

 few years we would be taking 100,000 animals each year, 

 made up wholly of surplus males selected with reference to 

 their economic value, due regard being had, of course, for 

 the needs of the herd. 



Canada, it seems to me, may ultimately be expected to 

 realize half a million dollars annually from the Alaskan seal 

 herd. I may say that the convention to which I have referred 

 runs until 1926, and may be terminated by any of the parties 

 to it upon the giving of certain notice. I want to express the 

 hope and belief that no nation will be willing to return to the 

 carnival of waste and ruin that necessarily characterize pelagic 

 sealing, and that the present arrangement, modified as cir- 

 cumstances may require, will be indefinitely continued, so that 

 the Alaskan fur seal, under United States custody, may be- 

 come a great permanent international asset. 



Discussion 



Prof. E. E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada : Are the trimmings ever util- 

 ized for leather? 



Dr. Smith : Some experiments are being made with a view to 

 utilizing the trimmings. I cannot say now that any very important use 

 has been found for them. 



Professor Prince: In the leather trade they very often slice up 

 and split the hide. 



Dr. Smith: That is not possible with fur-seal skin; you cannot 

 split it as you would a porpoise hide. These skins have to be ground 

 down, and in order that the skin may not be ground too thin in any 

 one place the grinding is done by touch ; the fingers are used to deter- 

 mine when the grinding shall stop. I may say that in the evolution of 

 the seal-skin industry in this country, it has been necessary to devise 

 special apparatus for handling the skins, and some very ingenious 



