12 EEPORT OF BRITISH COMMISSIONERS. 



1. The joint investigation has been carried out by us, and we have utilized all 

 sources of information available. 



2. The several breeding-places on the Pribyloff Islands have been examined, and 

 the general management and methods for taking the seals upon the islands have been 

 investigated. 



3. In regard to the distribiition and habits of the fur-seal when seen at sea, informa- 



tion based on the observations recorded by the cruizers of the United States 

 2 and Great Britain, engaged in carrying out the modus vivendi of 1891, has been 



exchanged for the purpose of enabling general conclusions to be arrived at on 

 these points. 



4. Meetings of the Joint Commission were held in Washington, beginning on Mon- 

 day, the 8th February, and continuing viutil Friday, the 4th Mai'ch, 1892. As a result 

 of these meetings, we find ourselves in accord ou the following propositions: 



5. We are in thorough agreement that, for industrial, as well as for other obvious 

 reasons, it is incumbent upon all nations, and particularly upon those having direct 

 commercial interests in fur-seals, to provide for their proper protection and preser- 

 vation. 



6. Our joint and several investigations have led us to certain conclusions, in the 

 first place, in regard to the facts of seal life, including both the existing conditions 

 and their causes; and, in the second place, in regard to such remedies as may be nec- 

 essary to secure the fur-seal against depletion or commercial extermination. 



7. We find that, since the Alaska purchase, a marked diminution in the number of 

 seals on, and habitually resorting to, the Pribyloff Islands has taken place; that it 

 has been cumulative in effect, and that it is the result of excessive killing by man. 



8. Finding that cousitlerable difference of opinion exists on certain fundamental 

 propositions, which renders it impossible in a satisfiictory manner to express our 

 views in a Joint Report, we have agreed that we can most couvenieutly state our 

 respective conclusions ou these matters in the "several" Reports which it is jjrovided 

 may be submitted to our respective Governments. 



Signed in duplicate at the city of Washington this 4th day of March, 1892. 



(Signed) George Smyth Baden-Powell. 



Geokge Mercer Dawson. 



Thomas Cokwin Mendenhall. 



Clinton Hart Merriam. 



(Signed) Ashley Anthony Froude, } , .. g.,...„taries 

 Joseph Stanley-Brown, i;^ '^omt Aeaetanes. 



