62 HABITS OF THE FUK-SEALS. 



Tbo evidence in mander Islands, and several intelligent and 



favor of aquatic 



coition. observant hunters who have been engaged in 



sealing at sea" (Sec. 296). The latter general- 

 ization of information, in which neither the 

 names of the "four or five gentlemen" nor those 

 of "the intelligent and observant hunters" are 

 given, can not be considered in the light of proof 

 to substantiate the position of the Report on this 

 question. 



It is a significant fact in connection with the 

 proofs advanced by the Commissioners that, not- 

 withstanding the observations made by these 

 officials on and about the Pribilof and Commander 

 Islands, they fail to have seen, or at least to re- 

 cord, a single instance in which the act of coition 

 took place in the water, although it would seem 

 that instances must have been frequent in the 

 waters about their vessel, if their statements as 

 to the scarcity of the adult males on the Islands 

 are to be accepted. 

 Capt. Byrant as As to the opinion of Capt. Bryant, relied upon 



an authority. x ■*■ J * 



by the Commissioners, the attention of the Arbi- 

 trators is directed to' his deposition submitted 

 with the Case of the United States. 1 The other 

 w. h. Daii as an authority cited in the Report, namely, Mr. W. H. 

 Dall, gives the following testimony in relation to 

 pelagic coition, after saying that his statements 



1 Appendix to Case of the United States, Vol. II, p. 6. 



