92 SEAL LIFE ON THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 



been found to be excellent, both on account of the large number of seals taken, and 

 because they are not exterminated. So long as superfluous young males only are 

 killed, not only the existence, but even thr increase of the herd is assured. 



^eals are, unfortunately, migratory animal, and set out on their journey during 

 the winter months. This is especially true of the pregnant females. They are then 

 hunted with constantly increasing rapacity, and are killed in the open sea by free- 

 booters from all parts of the world. It is evident that the only remedy for such a 

 state of things can be afforded by international protection. 



How rapidly extermination progresses is shown by the disappearances of millions 

 of bisons. With these, however, the c;ise is quite different, since their destruction 

 is of no importance in an economical point of view. Its importance is merely of an 

 esthetical character, and from this standpoint only does modern civilization demand 

 the preservation of two specimen herds, numbering a few hundred head each one 

 in Lithuania and the other in North America. Since the attempts to domesticate 

 the bison, and to produce a cross between it and our domestic cattle have proved a 

 failure, it is plain that the ground where the bison formerly grazed can be more 

 advantageously occupied and yield milk abundantly. 



The case is q'uite otherwise with the seal. This animal is of economical impor- 

 tance, and was created for a domestic animal, as I pointed out many years ago. (See 

 my Siberian Journey, vol. iv, part 1, p. 846.) It is in fact the most useful of all 

 domestic animals, since it requires no care and no expense, and consequently yields 

 the largest net profit. If we suppose the seal to have disappeared, what could take 

 its place as converter of the immense supply of fish in the ocean into choice furs to 

 stock the markets of the world? 



Bering Island, which has been deserted for one hundred and fifty years, now 

 stands as a warning. Has modern progress succeeded in any way in supplying the 

 place of the seal cow (Rhylina stelleri), that huge monster which, as a consumer of 

 marine plants, was intended to convert useless sea weed into savory meat? 



If you will communicate (as you say you propose to do) the contents of this letter 

 to Dr. Merriam, whose address I do not know, you will oblige me greatly. 

 I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 



Dr. A. V. MlDDENDORFF. 



REPLY OF DR. EMIL HOLUB. 



PRAGUE, May 18, 1892. 

 Dr. C. H. MERRIAM, Esq. 



DKAR SIR : With sincere attention I have perused the records of your investigation 

 of the habits, the present decrease, and regarding the future of the fur seal (Citllor- 

 hinus ursinus Gray). Having well considered the matter, I will pass my opinion 

 without any prejudice whatever. 



The Government of the United States may be congratulated upon the action taken 

 in having sent out for the investigation of a matter which falls into the department 

 of the board of trade a scientist, and in this special case a man w r ho has taken such 

 great pains with the object of his researches. 



Our age makes it a duty for all civilized nations to bring trade and commerce in 

 a close contact with science. This becomes quite a necessity, like in the present 

 case, in which commercial customs, even international agreements, laws, etc., become 

 insufficient to secure a sound decision. Such scientific investigations can supply the 

 desired conclusions; they do advice the measures to be taken, and provide the basis 

 upon which an international understanding can be established. 



Regarding the object of your researches, I indorse your opinion that the decrease 

 of the numbers of the fur seal on the Pribilof Islands has been caused by pelagic 

 sealing in the North Paciric and in the Bering Sea, and that this taking of the seals 

 at sea has to be stopped as early as possible. 



To restore in time the numbers of former years, I take the liberty to name the fol- 

 lowing measures for the sake of consideration : 



A. Concerning certain agreements with other powers. 



(1) A mutual understanding upon the question between the United States, Russia, 

 and Japan. These three States are concerned primo loco in this matter as being the 

 proprietors of the breeding places as well, like also of the fishing grounds of the 

 said animals during their yearly wanderings to and fro. 



(2) For the sake of brevity in action and a speedy settlement, these three States 

 (after having agreed upon the foregoing) to select but one representative. 



(3) The United States having given impulse to the matter to gain the prestige, 

 that a United States man shall be selected to this honor. 



(4) A congress to be called together, invitations to be sent to those of the Euro- 

 pean and American powers, whose subjects indulge in pelagic sealing in the North 

 Paciiic and the Bering Sea. 



