14 FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 



uies will not do; they failed in the Russian period signally; they 

 will as signally fail with us if we yield in the slightest degree to any 

 argument tor their adoption. 



It is interesting, therefore, to study the figures which Veniaminov 

 gives us of the yield from these islands during that period extending 

 down from 1817 to 1837. Study it in connection with his statement of 

 what those attempts were, and which were being made — futile efforts 

 by the old company to build up the business and yet continue sealing: 

 until finnlly, after seventeen years of continual diminution and repeated 

 introduction of halfway methods of restoration, the end came abruptly; 

 and, what ought to have been done at first, was finally forced in 1834. 

 The absolute rest of the rookeries in 1835 came and practically contin- 

 ued until 1846-1850; then a gradual rise above 10,000 "holluschickie," 

 or young male fur seals, per annum, began to be safely taken; and by 

 1854theexhaustedand nearly ruined rookeriesof St.Pauland St. George 

 were able to yield 35,000 prime fur-seal pelts without the slightest in jury 

 to them; and, by 1857-180(> the seals were so numerous that the Rus- 

 sians ceased to regard them as objects of care, and thereafter governed 

 their annual catch by the demands outside alone, taking as the market 

 called for them anywhere from 40,000 to 80,000 annually. 



As matters stand to-day on the seal islands, the situation is very 

 much the same as it was in 1834. Then it was expected that 20,000 

 seals would be taken; but, only 12,000 were secured "with all possible 

 exertion,'' This year it was expected that 60,000 fine skins would be 

 taken; but, only 21,000 have been secured with all possible exertion, 

 nearly half of this catch being small, or 5^ to 6i pound skins, raking 

 and scraping the rookery margins without a day's intermission from the 

 opening to the closing of the season. Of this work of 1890, 1 give you 

 in this report the fullest detail of its progression, day by daj^, to the 

 merciful ending of it, ordered so happily by you. 



It will be promptly observed from a study of this record of the Rus- 

 sians, which has been so plainly and honestly given to us by Veniaminov 

 and Shaiesnickov, that the Russians during their control were faced at 

 two periods with the prospect of a speedy exterro tion of these fur- 

 seal rookeries of Alaska. In 1806 and 1807 they stopped all killing on 

 these islands of St. Paul and St. George, but began to kill again in 

 1810; too soon. Venianiinov's record and account shows that from 1817, 

 in si>ite of everything they could do, save stopping short of all killing, 

 "only made matters worse." 



Finally, in 1834, with the second and positive threat of swift exter- 

 tnination again facing them, the Russians reluctantly surrendered and 

 ordered a rest, which lasted seven years ere any beginning was fairly 

 made to kill more than a few thousand young male seals annually. In 

 the first year only 100 of such animals were taken, the number being 

 very slowly raised year after year until 1847-1850. 



With reference to the preservation and conduct of this interesting 

 and valuable industry, my study last summer of the subject has led me 

 step by step to the following conclusions: 



Fir,st. That we restrict and prohibit all killing of fur seals on the Pribilov Islands 

 for tax and shipment of skins for the next seven years, without rellectiou on the pres- 

 fent lessees: the Government to assume entire control, care, and supervision of tlie 

 restoration of these interests during that period, snice a division of responsibility 

 will ouly provoke confusion and scandal, and probablv result in defeating the object 

 in view. 



Second. This step on our part warrants us in asking the cooperation of Great Brit- 

 ain and Russia in establishinfr a close time for the protection of the fur seals of 

 Bering Sea during their breeding season, and that final regulations be agreed upon 

 by a joint commission, which shall consist of experts selected by the powers inter- 



