FUR SEALS. 163 
reached one hundred thousand, and that the killing yearly of this number will in 
no way check their increase.* 
"Use of the Flesh by the Natives. — The flesh of the seal constitutes the prin- 
cipal food of the inhabitants, they killing, from time to time, such numbers as are 
necessary for that purpose. Before the seals leave in autumn, a number are killed 
sufficient for their wintei*'s supply. The carcasses are allowed to freeze, and in this 
state they keep them until the return of the seals in the spring. The flesh of the 
yearling seal is somewhat darker than beef; it is juicy and tender, but lacks the 
sweetness and flavor of beef, and is less firm and nutritious. In highly seasoned 
dishes, it is relished by nearly all Who partake of it. The soldiers on the island 
preferred it to salt rations. A five -weeks -old pup roasted is esteemed a great 
luxury." 
*At the present time (fall of 1873), the tory, at Robin Island (Okhotsk Sea), at the 
number of Fur Seals taken annually may be South Shetland Islands, and about Cape Horn 
put down at one hundred and forty -five thou- and other places, twenty thousand. The price 
sand, which are obtained at the places follow- of the skins in Europe may average nine dol- 
ing : At St. George's and St. Paul's islands, lars, from which deduct ten per cent, for ex- 
Behring Sea, one hundred thousand; at Copper penses, making the home price of each skin 
and Behring islands, twenty -five thousand; on about eight dollars, and bringing the net value 
the coasts of California and Washington Terri- of the fishery up to $1,174,500 yearly. 
