58 



THE FUR SEALS OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 



connecting with the slope. He, however, held the cows only during that period when 

 they are quiet and resting after the birth of their pups. When the animals became 

 restless and demanded attention in numbers, the large mass was presently broken up 

 into a number of smaller harems in charge of the rival bulls, which could no longer 

 be held in check. 



HAREM SIZES. 



But such large harems were exceptional, though harems numbering 50 cows were 

 not so rare where the conditions were favorable. The following is a section of Kitovi 

 rookery, counted by individual harems, which will give an idea of the diversity in 

 their size : 



A portion of Kitovi rookery, July IS, 1S9G. 



HAREM DISCIPLINE. 



In the management of the harem the bull is an adept. Whether he has five cows 

 or fifty, he is master of the situation. His will is law. Not that it is always tamely 

 accepted as such, but the result is the same. If a cow becomes restless and moves 

 about, a warning growl usually quiets her. If the movement is persisted in and an 

 attempt to escape evident, the bull is up at once with a show of fierceness and in 

 chase. He may simply strike the cow down with his open mouth. Often in doing so 

 his sharp canines tear a gash in her skin. He may even seize her in his mouth and 

 deliberately throw her or carry her back into the harem. If the cow thinks she has a 

 chance to get away, she may try to outrun the bull. If she miscalculates the distance, 

 he seizes her by the skin of the back and restores her, sometimes in a torn and bleed- 

 ing condition, to the family circle. As a rule, however, the cow avoids this seizure by 

 turning and facing the bull, biting him in the breast and neck. The bull then, by 

 gradually pushing her before him, forces her back into the fold. 



THE DEPARTURE OF THE COWS. 



These persistent efforts to get away are made by the cows who are ready to leave 

 for the water. The cows are not allowed to go until they are served. The bull's 

 actions seem to be based upon a desire to be absolutely sure and to take no chances. 

 The cow, when forced against her will to stay, bides her time, and when the bull is 

 asleep she slips away unmolested. It frequently happens that she has to run the 

 gauntlet of a band of young bulls which are stationed along the water front and are 

 always ready to intercept the departing cow. The cow shows much skill and shrewd- 

 ness in outwitting them.. Once in the water her superior quickness enables her to 



