EEPOET OF AMERICAN COMMTSSIONEES. 379 



ests involved are so important, and in some Recommenda- 

 tion as to man age- 

 respects SO complicated, that too much care canmeut of islands. 



not be given to the selection of the proper 

 persons to be intrusted with their conservation. 

 The practice of frequent changes in the Govern- 

 ment agents is deplorable. They should be so 

 familiar through association and observation with 

 the appearance of the various rookeries as to be 

 the first to notice any changes which may take 

 place. They will thus be enabled to determine 

 annually the number of seals which may be 

 taken with safety and from Avhat rookeries, 

 whether the driving is properly conducted, etc., 

 and their whole efforts should be directed to the 

 preservation of the seal herd in its normal con- 

 dition, 



SUMMARY. Conclusions, 



The number of seals frequentinof the Pribilof Seals have de- 



'- creased. 



Islands has greatly diminished during the past 

 few years. 



Proofs. — The physical condition of the rook- 

 eries and the testimony of natives and of Govern- 

 ment officers and Company agents who have 

 resided upon the islands for many years. 



The decrease in the number of seals is the, i^''7'<'ase ca^nsed 



by pelagic sealing, 



result of the evil effects of pelagic sealing. 



