KR 
88 THE FUR SEALS OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 
moment the various estimates that have been made on this basis. They are as 
follows: 
Acreage estimates of fur seals, Pribilof Islands. 
By whom made. Area. Animals. Remarks. 
Square feet. 
Bryant (1869) .....----- 23, 328, 000 1,128,000 | Breeding seals. 
Elliott (1872-1874) 6, 386, 840 8,193,420 | Breeding seals and young. 
Tingle (1886)........... 12, 715, 500 4, 768, 430 Do. 
Elliott (1890)..-..------ 1,918, 786 959, 393 Do. 
Trne and Townsend 
(1895) sa ccicie ce see encies 2, 616, 063 70,423 | Cows only, including one 
and two year olds, 
SUMMARY OF PAST CONDITIONS. 
To sum up this discussion of past conditions, we may conclude that the estimate 
of 1869 by Captain Bryant is only a rough approximation, and gives but little idea of 
the real condition of the herd. Mr. Elliott’s estimate of 1872-1874 is scarcely less 
unsatisfactory, being, as we now know, nearly twice too great. His 1890 estimate, 
through the arbitrary curtailment of the breeding territory occupied, is nearer the 
truth, but still far from it. The estimate of Mr. Tingle is wholly untrustworthy. The 
estimate of Messrs. True and Townsend for 1895, when subjected to the obvious 
corrections and additions, which later observations show to be necessary, is very 
near the facts. 
A RECONSTRUCTION OF EARLIER ESTIMATES. 
In view of what has just been said, it becomes evident that the early estimates, 
made shortly after the herd came into the possession of the United States, can not be 
relied upon. There is abundant proof that the estimates are grossly exaggerated, but 
data is wanting to enable us to determine the real facts. Some estimate of these early 
conditions is, however, necessary, and no better method for obtaining it is available 
than a theoretical reconstruction of the herd on the basis of the present known 
condition of its breeding seals. To assist in this we have the record of the bachelor 
herd, as indicated in the history of the quota for the first twenty years of American 
control. 
THE EARLIER AND LATER QUOTAS. 
From 1871 to 1889, inclusive, the hauling grounds of the Pribilof Islands yielded 
100,000 skins annually. The seals for the greater part of this period were obtained 
before the 20th of July. Itis the testimony of those connected with the work that 
there were always killable seals left at the close of the season, and we know that the 
rookeries never lacked the necessary supply of male life. 
During the present season a quota of slightly more than 20,000 seals was obtained 
after coutinuing the driving until the 10th of August and killing closer than ever 
before. In other words, at the present time the hauling grounds are not capable 
under like conditions of supplying one-fifth the number of killable seals to-day that 
they were able without difficulty to furnish for 13 years prior to 1884, 
THE QUOTA DEPENDENT UPON THE BREEDING HERD. 
The bachelor herd is directly dependent upon the breeding herd. It is nominally 
taken from the surviving 3-year-old males and is directly related to the birthrate of 
three years prior to its taking. Three years ago, or in 1894, therefore, the birthrate 
