FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 163 



figures and Mr. Elliott's would be more nearly correct. Of course I 

 adopted bis basis of measurement. 



By the Chairman : 



Q. Taking Mr. Elliott's field-notes and measurements, you estimate 

 an increased area occupied by the seals ? — A. The area has largely in- 

 creased. I can not say when they increased, of course, but the increase 

 must have been gradual during the jiast fourteen years. 



Q. Do your observations satisfy you that more ground was occupied 

 by the seals on the breeding rookeries when you made your measure- 

 ments than when Mr, Elliott made his? — A. Yes, sir. 



Q. What was the amount of the increased area occupied ? — A. I took 

 some men that Mr. Elliott used when he made his measurements, and 

 they showed me where Mr. Elliott's lines of measurement were. Mr. 

 Elliott's measurements were made in July, 187 ', when the breeding 

 rookeries were at their fullest. I made mine in the spring when there 

 were no bulls or other seals upon the rookeries, in 1886, so that when we 

 went over the rookeries we got the actual measurements. It is impos- 

 sible to go ui)on the grounds in July of any year. 



The Chairman. I will state this, that he took his observation of the 

 ground occupied in July aud made his measurements and field-notes 

 after the seals left. 



The Witness. I had nothing to go by except his reports, which show 

 that he made his measurements July 10 to 18. 



By Mr. Felton: 



Q. I understand you to say that there is more territory covered by 

 the seals now than there was when Mr. Elliott made his report"? — A. 

 Yes, sir ; that my reports show and there is no doubt about it. 



Q. Was there any increase in the breeding rookeries? — A. Yes, sir; 

 that I have stated. It was the breeding rookeries that were measured. 

 There is no doubt but that the number of seals as stated were ou the 

 islands both in 187:3 aud 18S0. From Mr. Elliott's statement I under- 

 stand he says that there are no more seals now than there wereiu 1872. 

 I am at a loss to know how Mr. Elliott got his information, as he had 

 not been on the islands for fourteen years. 



Q. You are now speaking of what? — A. The breeding rookeries. 

 Some of the rookeries have tilled out their lines. Ou some of the rook- 

 eries the seals are less in number, while on others they have extended 

 their limits. There are more killable seals at Northeast Point this year 

 than there has been since 1 have been ui)on the islands, but the seals 

 this year upon the breeding grounds I do not think have increased. I 

 do not think this year shows any increase at all. The seals were very 

 late in coming this year, some fifteen or twenty days late, and we be- 

 came somewhat alarme<l. ]\Ir. Mclntire audi talked it over every da.\. 

 I attributed the delay of their arrival to their having been harassed in 

 the sea by the marauders, a large number being killed an<l wounded as 

 they came up along the coast and passed through into Bering Sea. I 

 think it is safe to state that there is a tendency from some source to check 

 the landing of seals upon the islands, for this year I am quite certain 

 the seals have not increased. 



By the Chairman : 



Q. It is Mr. Mclntire's opinion that they have not only not increased, 

 but have decreased.— A. There has been a slight diminution of seals, 

 probably. 



Q. To what do you attribute that ? — A, 1 think there have been mojo 



