FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA, 1909. 
47 
of 1903 has been very slow. The fox herd here probably never will 
reach its former size unless such foxes as are on the island can be 
trained to gather at certain localities where they may be fed. Here- 
tofore, although attempts have been made, some more or less elab- 
orate, it was not possible to induce foxes on St. Paul to eat food 
thrown out for them. This being the case, they could not be gathered 
into herds or bodies, without which systematic feeding or trapping 
could not be accomplished. Last year, however, for some unex- 
plained reason, a number of foxes gathered about the village and 
readily ate salt salmon freshened in pure water and thrown out to 
them. 
On February 19 it was noted that whereas a lone fox had been 
acting as scavenger about the village during the winter, on that date 
five were seen. Thereafter more than one fox could be seen constantly. 
In March, owing to the presence of drift ice and zero weather, it was 
believed to be good policy to Offer food to these foxes, and accordingly 
some salt salmon having been obtained, about March 25 (the exact 
date was not noted) some of it was freshened and thrown out. This 
disappeared, but rather slowly. On March 29 a second feeding was 
thrown out, consisting of six salmon. This was eaten. Previous to 
this date the quantity of food consumed each night had not been 
noted, but thereafter attention was paid to it. Salmon, sea-lion 
meat, and hog offal were supplied in varying quantities until May 
17, and were each time all or partially consumed. At the latter date 
feeding was discontinued, as birds were in abundance and the 
weather mild. Foxes increased in numbers about the village after 
feeding was begun. As many as 15 were seen atone time on the flat 
where the food was distributed. This is the first time these animals 
could be induced to congregate about the village and accept food. 
Perhaps the fact that the salmon was soaked in pure water instead 
of in sea water, as in previous attempts, made a difference. 
Further attempts will be made this winter to congregate the foxes 
by feeding. During the sealing season some seal carcasses were 
buried to be used for fox food in winter. 
ADMINISTRATION OF LAWS. 
PELAGIC SEALING. 
The subject of pelagic sealing has been treated at such length by 
investigators in the past that it is needless here to reiterate state- 
ments showing its deadly effect upon the seal herd. The laws of the 
United States in the matter have been published in Bureau of Fish- 
eries Document 732. 
Sealing fleet and catch . — The pelagic fleet about the seal islands in 
1909 was composed of 23 Japanese and 5 Canadian schooners. Of 
