ZAPADNI EOOKERY OF ST. GEORGE. 299 



The southern part of the rookery was divided into three parts. The bench itself 

 was counted by Mr. Macoun and Dr. Stejneger. Twenty-flve bulls with harems and 

 500 cows were founcj. The slope was counted by Dr. Stejneger, and contained 10 

 harems, 160 cows. The beach below could only be estimated, and was placed by 

 Dr. Stejneger and Mr. Macoun at 40 harems, 600 cows. Messrs. Macoun and 

 Townsend counted the middle part, finding 36 harems and 450 cows. The northern 

 portion was counted by Dr. Jordan, Professor Thompson, and Colonel Murray, their 

 counts being respectively 298, 312, and 263 cows. Mr. Townsend counted 29 harems; 

 Professor Thompson 32. 



For the whole rookery, combining these results, there were found to be 143 

 harems, 2,006 cows, an average of slightly over 13 per harem. A record of individual 

 harems was not kept on this rookery. The count was necessarily imperfect and 

 unsatisfactory. 



The number of idle bulls on Zapadni was unusually large. Between 150 and 175 

 were counted, the greater part being behind on the slope of the hill, and apparently 

 indicating a greater falling off in the southern portion. The idle bulls here, as on 

 Staraya Artel, were very bold and quarrelsome. They could scarcely be made to 

 move. One fellow held his position, and even charged up the hill at us, though 

 repeatedly struck with stones. While the photographing was in progress a bull 

 charged at the camera, which had to be abandoned and was rescued with difficulty. 

 On this rookery, as on Staraya Artel, there are apparently twice as many bulls as 

 needed. It would be well if half of them were shot. 



Among the outlying bulls was seen one of the largest and best looking on the 

 rookery. The success of a bull in securing a harem evidently depends more upon 

 favorableness of location than upon fighting qualities. Bulls near the water 

 have the best chance. The incoming cows are taken by them or absorbed by other 

 harems before they^ reach the rear where the idle bulls are. If the idle bulls get cows 

 they must steal them. 



Many attempts to steal cows were witnessed. Kone seemed to meet with success, 

 so far as the idle bulls were concerned, though one instance was noted where a bull 

 in a harem lower down the beach stole a cow from the harem above and transferred 

 her to his own. 



Every commotion among the seals is the signal for numerous fights. The bulls 

 usually roar and blow out their breath in a threatening manner before biting. They 

 have a wholesome dread of each other's teeth. 



Two half-bulls, each alone, were seen on the top of the hill at a considerable 

 distance from the rest, probably driven off. Occasionally a half-bull attempts to break 

 through the harems. But woe to the one attempting it. The harem masters make 

 common cause against him, and he is lucky if he gets away to the sea with his life. 



Many of the bulls on Zapadni show scars, evidence of fights they have been in. 

 One pretty cow was seen with a badly bitten shoulder. One unlucky bull lay near 

 by with several bad cuts. A bull with a single cow seized and shook her, making a 

 cut in her neck apparently 6 inches long. 



One female pup, an estray, very feeble, was found on the crest of the hill above 

 the rookery. Many bones of pups lay just inland of the northern section of the, 

 rookery. Pups were numerous and podding. One dead pup lay at a distance from 

 15184, PT 2 4 



