THE ROOKERY MAPS. 323 



may, map in h^nd, sketch in accurately the areas occupied by the breeding seals 

 which are inaccessible. With the Stanley-Brown maps it is difficult to establish one- 

 self in position, and if established the same difficulty is experienced in recognizing the 

 reference points; this bowlder, that gorge, this slope, that projecting ledge are not 

 indicated, or if indicated are indefinitely shown or out of position. The result is that 

 one is in doubt how to sketch the rookery areas, and after they are sketched one is 

 equally uncertain as to their accuracy* * 



But if a map executed in the highest style of the topographer's art now existed 

 it would fail to satisfy the immediate demands, unless many reference points positive 

 in their character were located on the rookeries, maintained by the Government, and 

 accurately represented on the map. Every prominent land feature might be indicated 

 and contours multiplied, and yet we would be unable to sketch in the desired area 

 properly, in most instances, without artificial marks. It must be remembered that 

 when it is desirable to -map the areas occupied by breeding seals the rookeries are 

 inaccessible. No man could possibly invade the breeding grounds without suffering 

 probably the loss of his life ; therefore measurement is impossible. Nor is it practicable, 

 in my opinion, to locate stations from which instrumental observations can be made 

 for the purpose of cutting in the limits of the breeding ground. Exceptionally the 

 harems are spread out in plain view, but generally a single station on shore commands 

 only a few harems. In fact, in some instances they can only be seen from seaward. 



I can not too strongly dwell upon the necessity of well-located artificial marks on 

 the rookeries for reference points. These should be numerous and occupy seal area 

 if possible. Crosses have been painted on some of the rocks and seem to wear well. 

 I would therefore suggest for the purpose serial numbers painted in white on the 

 largest bowlders and ledges where the breeding grounds impinge on the shore, and 

 that are visible from prominent points. A hole drilled in the rock or a cross cut with 

 a chisel would serve to identify it in the event of the paint being worn off. 



It must be remembered that these islands are surrounded by ice during the winter, 

 and that under its influence bowlders may be moved. Hence the necessity of fixing 

 these bowlders with reference to located positions on the cliffs, so that the refierence 

 may be tested in case of doubt. On the slopes occupied by the breeding herds which 

 are not reached by the ice, and where no prominent natural features exist, heavy posts 

 projecting a foot or two from the ground might be adopted. With these reference 

 points well located on a good topographical map on a liberal scale the areas occupied 

 by the seals can be sketched within very narrow limits of error. 



The work originally laid out for this vessel, namely, to correct inaccuracies of 

 rookeries and shore line, to properly locate Townsend's landmarks, to determine 

 length and width of at least most important rookeries by actual measurement, to 

 establish outlines of rookeries by plane table, or, in other words, to correct the 

 existing maps and furnish a set of rookery maps that were correct in every detail, was 

 impracticable, even if the original order had not been modified by a different detail, 

 and for the following reasons: 



By reference to the Stanley-Brown maps, on which the angles observed by the 

 party on board the Albatross this year have been set down, it will at once be seen 

 that the maps are as a rule in error. In some places the error is small, in others large. 

 In other words, the maps are not topographically correct. If, therefore, any one of 

 these data is accepted with the intention of making corrections, a start is made with 



