THE RUSSIAN FUR-SEAL ISLANDS. 
79 
The answer came from an authoritative source that — 
No abnormal mortality bad been observed among the i>ni).s on the Commander Islands. A few 
are killed on the laxdveries Ijy the old bulls step[)ing on them, or otherwise, and others are caught in 
the breakers and surf and are thrown on the beaches. The skins of these are all utilized and their 
number on each island averages about 200 a year. 
This was also the opinion of everybody I spoke with. 
On Angnst 1 and 2, 1895, Mr. (Irebnitski and T visited the Karabelnoye Eookery 
on Copper Island, i. e., the eastern end of it, partic.nlarly the beach near the “Stolp” 
and the lirst breeding-ground. On the 1st of August we found “two dead pups, one 
with the i)lacental cord still attached, but too much decomposed to make a-n exami- 
nation of the cause of death possible.” 
The next day we visited the same place again: 
A few more dead pups were seen on the rookery this morning, all decomposed. They are easily 
accounted for, and the native was undoubtedly correct who stated that ho had observed that the great 
number of sikatchi [rememljer, there were plenty of bulls on the Copper Island rookeries] caused so 
much fighting among them that many pups which came in their way got trampled upon and killed. 
The uumber, however, is plainly insignificant. 
Oil August 22, 1895, in company with the captain, Mr. Francis K. Felly, and sev- 
eral of the officers of H. B. M. S. Porpoise^ I attended a large drive on the North Beef 
Bookery, Bering Island, the same of which I have given a description previously in 
this report (pp. 74-75). In order to fully appreciate the account which is to follow, 
it is necessary to remember that this great rookery covers a long rocky reef and that 
low tide (the difference between high and low water being about 4^ feet) uncovers a 
long stretch of rocky beach which forms the firvorite roaming and playing ground for 
the pups. (Compare photographs 195 with 225.) It should also be borne in mind 
that, as I have stated previously, it was extreme low water at the time we went Avith 
the natives on the rookery to take the drive. 
When all the animals had been driven off, I remained behind to investigate. On 
the rookery ground I Avas startled by the great number of dead pups. I Avas Avholly 
unprepared for this, because at the great distance from which it had become neces- 
sary to Avatch the rookeries here the small bodies of the dead seals have not been 
noticeable; in fact, I do not see how in the binocle they could have been distinguished 
from sleeping ones. 
Those lying in a windrow along the high-water margin of the rookery were most 
conspicuous. These had evidently been washed ashore. A good many of them Avere 
in an advanced stage of putrefaction — some entirely flattened out and without hair. 
But an equal proportion had evidently died more recently, being in good condition. 
There was another class of pup carcasses, viz, those Avhich Avere lying dead upon the 
higher portion of the breeding-ground, aAvayback from the Avater’s edge. These Avere 
mostly all in good condition and apjieared as if they had died within a fcAV days. 
When the seals were driven off, as many pups as possible were allowed to escape 
into the sea, and they availed themselves of the opportunity offered to go off in large 
Hocks. But there was a considerable number of pups staying behind singly, which 
upon our approach, made but feeble attempts at getting aAAUiy. Evidently something 
Avas the matter Avith them. Upon a closer examination they were found to be very 
Aveak. and their thin, pinched appearance Avas at once noticeable. They were starving; 
their shoulder blades and ribs and hijis were sticking out in strong contrast to the 
rounded and plump forms of those scampering off Avith the others. Upon handling 
