202 



THE FUR SEALS OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 



ST. GEORGE ISLAND, 1889. 



ST. PAUL. ISLAND, 189O. 



'The contrast here visible between 1889 and 1890 is by no means a measure of corresponding decrease in the breeding 

 herd. The fact is that the fictitious quota of 1889 was made up largely of yearlings which belonged properly to the quota 

 of 1891. In like manner the quota of 1889 and the preceding year had 'largely absorbed the legitimate quota of 1890. It is 

 probable that had the quota been reduced in proportion to the decreasing birth rate, and been confined to the regular ages 

 of animals, the normal quota of 1889 and 1890 would have been between 50.000 and 60,000. 



2 In this year driving for the season was closed on July 20 by order of the Government agent, it being evident that 

 the full quota of 60,000 skins could not be secured, or in fact any considerable number in addition to those taken prior to 

 that date. 



