SKETCH OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 



19 



find them. Indeed, it is probable that their dis- 

 covery was retarded on account of the preval- 

 ence of fog.^ The summer temperature rang-es 

 between 40 '^ and 45° F., and is highest in August. 

 By the end of October cold winds sweep across 

 the islands, carrying away the moisture. These 

 winds continue throughout a large part of the 

 winter, rendering the climate during that time 

 most disagreeable. The winter temperature 

 averages between 22° and 26° F. The sur- 

 rounding sea generally freezes over in winter, 

 and the ice remains until the latter part of April, 

 when it rapidly disappears. The shallowness of 

 the eastern portion of Bering Sea prevents any 

 icebergs from reaching the Pribilof Islands^ 

 Further details respecting tlieir climatic condi- 

 tion will be given later in the Case, when the 

 habits of the fur-seals are discussed. 



The principal mammals inhabiting the islands 

 are fur-seals, sea-lions, and hair-seals. Formerly 

 sea-otters and walruses were found there in 

 abundance, but owing to indiscriminate hunting 

 they have been exterminated. Blue foxes are 

 common on both islands and lemmings on St* 



' These conditious are not confined to the Prihilof Islands, but 

 prevail throughout a great part of Bering Sea. They are matter 

 of common knowledge. See Beechy's Narrative of a Voyage to 

 the Pacific Ocean and Bering Straits, London, 1831, vol. I, j). 241; 

 North Pac. Uir., p. 534; Wappiius, p. 298. 



Ciimato. 



Animal lifa. 



