JOINT REPOET. 309 



5. We are in tlioroug'h agreement that for in- Dnty to protect 



, . . seallierd. 



dustrial 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 

 preservation. 



6. Our joint and several investigations have led conciusiona 



T . . 1 ^ -, . readied. 



US to certani conclusions, m the lirst place, m 

 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 necessary to secure the fur-seal against 

 depletion or commercial extermination. 



7. We find that since the Alaska purchase a Decrease of seal 



^ herd. 



marked diminution in the number of seals on 

 and habitually resorting to the Pribilof Islands 

 has taken place; that it has been cumulative in 

 efi'ect, and that it is the result of excessive kill- 

 ing by man. ♦ 



8. Finding that considerable difference of opin- Further joint 



report impossible. 



ion exists on certain fundamental propositions, 

 which renders it impossible, in a satisfactory 

 manner, to express our views in a joint report, 

 we have agreed that we can most conveniently 

 state our respective conclusions on these matters 

 in the "several reports" which it is provided may 

 be submitted to our respective Governments. 



