APPENDIX TO COQNTER-CASE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 897 



skins are denser in fur, or better in quality, and the value is conse- 

 quently greater. 



8. I am not aware of any other differences. I do not consider that 

 the fur of the Alaska type is appreciably longer, or that the shape of 

 the skin differs. 



9. In the last few years excepting 1892 I have observed a larger and 

 increasing number of female skins taken in the Alaska catch. Some 

 years ago a female skin could not be detected. 



10. That in the differences I have observed between the Alaska and 

 Copper Island seals there are not the slightest grounds which would 

 lead one to infer that they were a distinct species, the variations of 

 climate, food, «&c., would be, in my opinion, suliicient to account for the 

 differences I have mentioned. 



11. In saying this I speak from the point of view of a naturalist, as 

 well as from that of a merchant, and I am of opinion that the seals from 

 the Pribyloff Islands must often migrate to the Commander Islands, 

 and vice versa. A seal would soon lose the differences in the changed 

 surroundings. In natural history they are one species, the northern 

 fur-seal. 



12. As regards what is generally known as the " North-west Catch," 

 I consider that, on the whole, the proportion of females to males taken 

 is from 75 to 80 per cent. ; in " grey pups " and " extra small pups " the 

 proportion would be 50 per cent. In the large sizes the proportion, on 

 the other hand, would exceed 80 per cent. 



13. I have made certain suggestions as to regulations to preserve seal 

 life in my previous depositions on the CTnited States Case. I have not 

 all the materials which would enable me to speak positively, but I cer- 

 tainly think that some regulations, such as a close or partly close season 

 or some kindred arrangement, should be introduced. 



14. I am not in favour of the suppression of i^elagic sealing for two 

 reasons: (1) it would partially close the ojien market, and (2) would 

 interfere with the right of sealers to fish in the high seas. 



15. By partially closing the market, I mean that it would leave the 

 monopoly of tliese classes of seals in the hands of the persons leasing 

 the islands, and it would give an undue advantage to the lessees of the 

 Pribyloff Islands and this I hold would not be beneficial to the trade 



generally. 



251 And I make this declaration conscientiously believing the con- 



tents to be true, and by virtue of " The Statutory Declaration 



Act, 1835." 



(Signed) Henry Poland. 



Declared at No. 110, Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London, 

 this 16th day of January, 1893. 

 Before me: 



(Signed) Walter B. Priest, 



A Commissioner for Oaths. 



No. 34. 



LudwigFelsenstein, of No. 1, Edmunds Buildings, Jewin Street, E.G., 

 solemnly and sincerely declare as follows : 



1. I am a member of the firm of Felsenstein, Brothers, who carry on 

 business in London, Leipzig, and Fuerth (Bavaria). The firm has been 

 established sixty-one years. 

 B S, FT VIII 57 



