8Z2 APPENDIX TO CASE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 
5d Return showing Iur-Seals caught by Poreiqn Vessels and disposed of in Victoria, 
British Columbia. 
Number of | Number of Total 
Name of Vessel. Name of Owner. Sand Point} Behrin unhee 
Catch. Sea Catch. 3 
MSO UO RS tae ceetetiaaee ine aa ana ee AMCNICHUN: an a)saaeeaisina = UE eanbeec esse: 74 
SES DEyE0) Ses8 Coan Ao pSae doneh Ec oolerose IMD ee Sesecasoach es cHelluocanssnacoc 579 579 
FEO. Wille cece dec cide Soacse aera aeer WTO cece ee tetensre ae ae locates wnaemists 400 400 
Biarny Daas pos eaten toe ie toneeacies DittO\~--<sine cae eee ae |ee seem ate ae 1, 500 1, 500 
Weture sre See ts. .2 ee ek ace Dittoin8s sce code pete ee eee aces 564 564 
A WOLOss. to2 a wep Sem Gaincarde aoaesyascnie ate German see eeeeeere re 220 431 651 
Lotalics-heticedeeccsccmshceaeaean Geer eae pee en oe eee en eee 294 3, 464 3, 768 
It will be noticed that the names of vessels and owners are given, together with 
the tonnage, as in previous reports, while the number of boats “and canoes is kept 
separate and the total values given. ‘The value of vessels comprises the fit-out with 
firearms, ammunition, &c., when prepared for a hunting voyage. 
The catch of seals has been divided into three classes, viz.:—Spring catch, Sand 
Point catch, and Behring’s Sea cateh. The Spring catch comprises the seals cap- 
tured after the vessels have left Victoria, say the Ist February, hunting as far south 
as Lower California; Sand Point catch ineltides the skins taken off the west ccast of 
Vancouver Island; and the Behrin g's Sea catch those killed in Behring’s Sea proper. 
It will be noticed that the two first-named kinds exceed the Behring’s Sea cateh by 
3,217 skins, and, as is usually the case, I learn from dealers that the percentage of 
grey pups is larger in the Sand Point catch than in that of the Behring’s Sea. 
On comparing the schedule with that of 1889, it will be seen that the sealing fleet 
was increased by six vessels; and, from present outlook, there will likely be a much 
larger increase daring the coming season. JI understand that there have already been 
purchased three American, a Japanese, and five Nova Scotia schooners for this trade. 
‘The names of the Nova Scotia vessels now on their way are—‘‘ Union,” ‘ Geneva,” 
“Mand 8,” “Otto,” and ‘‘ Annie M. Paint,” besides a steamer recently fitted up for 
the same purpose. 
I was informed that the seals in Behring’s Sea changed their feeding-grounds last 
season from the south-west to the north-east of St. George and St. Paul’s Islands, the 
large catches being made at the north-east end. The cause of this change is said to 
be on account of submarine voleanic eruptions, which drove away the feed from 
the banks. I understand that Customs Collector Milne, of Victoria, has given a 
detailed Report on this fishery, and there is no need of my dwelling further on it. 
As I am situated here, and so seldom able to visit Victoria, I find it extremely diffi- 
cult to get reliable information. 
No. 88. 
The Marquis of Salisbury to Sir R. Morier. 
(Telegraphic. ] 
FOREIGN OFFICE, July 8, 1891. 
Itis thought by the two Commissioners whom Her Majesty’s Govern- 
ment are sending to investigate the conditions of seal life in the North 
Pacific Ocean and in Behring’s Sea that, in order to complete their 
inquiry, it may be necessary for them to visit the seal islands belonging 
to Russia. One of the principal reasons for their doing so is that they 
will have to ascertain how far the alleged diminution in the number of 
Seals is merely due to their emigration to other rookeries. 
I have to request you to apply for the necessary permission to the 
Russian Government, and it is desirable, if possible, that before they 
leave Vancouver the Commissioners may be able to receive the permis- 
sion by telegraph. Their names are Sir George Baden Powell and Pro- 
fessor Dawson. A steamer has been specially chartered for them in 
which they will visit the islands. 
