SEAL LIFE ON THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 109 



CAUSE OF THE DECREASE OF SEALS. 



It has been generally conceded that the decrease of the seals is "due 

 to human interference, and in view of the many known cases of extermi- 

 nation by human ^igency there is no reason for dissent from this opinion. 

 When we go a step further, however, and incpiire what special form of 

 interference is resi)onsible for the results observed, we are met at once 

 by diversity of opinion. ]\len have located and carried on the ordinary 

 operations of life on the seal islands. They have killed seals on the 

 islands. They have intruded upon the resorts of the seals and driven, 

 off certain classes of these animals. They have killed mature males and 

 young on laud, and both nuiles and nursing and pregnant females at 

 sea. Some of these operations ceased many years ago, and others are 

 still carried on. Out of all these factors of destruction, old and new, 

 we are called ui)on to select the one or ones which are responsible for 

 the etfects observed, and with whose cessation the decrease would like- 

 wise cease. In the present state of knowledge 1 conceive that this can 

 not be done in such a manner as to place the matter beyond dispute. 

 Conclusions have to be based largely on opinions, rather than on facts, 

 and as long as these opinions can be challenged the conclusions will 

 fail to receive universal acceptance. 



Putting aside the effects of all past forms of interference, however, 

 as intangible, we know what operations are going on to-day and what 

 is the condition of the seal herds. We know that the seals of all classes 

 have greatly decreased in number and have shown that the decrease is 

 still going on. We know that considerable numbers of male and of 

 nursing and pregnant female seals are killed at sea, and that considerable 

 numbers of male seals are killed on land. Now, whether few or many 

 males remain is of no consequence, so long as there are enough to 

 fertilize the females. 



My observations during the past summer show that there are enough, 

 and that they are desirous of taking part in reproduction. If this is 

 not true, why are there always males hovering about the water's edge 

 and attempting to intercept the females as they leave the rookeries? 

 Why are there small harems at the water's edge (and even in the water) 

 which are constantly being broken up by the stronger bulls near by? 

 Why are there new harems formed at the back of the rookeries 

 (the cows with pups) at the close of the season? Why are the pups 

 harassed? If there were not enough bulls to fertilize the females, or if 

 the bulls lacked vigor, none of these things would occur. But they do 

 occur, as I witnessed with my own eyes. Hence, I do not hesitate to 

 state that, in my opinion, the number of bulls is sufficient for present 

 purposes of reproduction, and that the bulls are virile. It is not to be 

 inferred, however, that the number of males has not decreased. This 

 is conceded, but, as already stated, the fact is of no interest in the 

 present connection if enough remain. 



When we turn to consider the female seals, we find that the question 

 assumes a very different aspect. It is useless to inquire whether there 

 are enough females. Even if the islands of St. Paul and St. George 

 were covered comi^letely with female seals, there still would not be too 

 many, provided there were males enough to fertilize them. When, 

 however, we find the females decreasing year by year, there is every 

 cause for alarm. Taking the condition regarding males as they are 

 to-day, the question we are considering resolves itself to this: What is 

 the cause of the decrease of female seals? If we can not find a cause 



