order to prevent the gradual diminuation of the stock; 2do-Regulations for the Pelagic Sealing or for the hunting of the Seals swimming in the ocean in large herds to and from the rookeries, or around the rookeries during the time when the females are suckling the pups on land. As to the former question, the killing of the Seals on the rookeries, it seams at present regulated in a suitable manner to effectually prevent the gradual diminuation of the stock. If a wider experience should require some modifications in these regulations, there is no danger but that such modifications will be adopted. It is evidently in the interest of the owners of the rookeries to take care that this source of wealth should not be lessened by excessive exploitation. Nor will there be any difficulty for studying the conditions for health and thriving of the animals during the rookerie season. As to the Pelagic Sealing, it is evident that a systematic hunting of the Seals in the open sea on the way to and from or around the rookeries, will very soon cause the complete extinction of this valuable, and from scientific point of view, so extremely interesting and important animal, especially as a great number of the animals killed in this manner are pregnant "cows," or "cows" temporally separated from their pups while seeking food in the vicinity of the rookery. Every one having some experience in Seal-hunting can also attest that only a relatively small part of the Seals killed or seriously wounded in the open sea can in this manner be caught. We are therefore persuaded that a prohibition of Pelagic Sealing is a necessary condition for the prevention of the total extermination of the Fur Seal. Very truly, yours, W. LILLJEBORG. A. E. NORDENSKIÖLD. Reply of Dr. A. Th. von Middendorf, of Dorpat, Hellenorm, Livland, Russia. Herrn W. WURTS, HELLENORM, d. § Mai 1892. 18 Chargé d'Affaires : HOCHGESCHÄTZTER HERR! Die Verspätung dieser Antwort bitte gefälligst meiner Krankheit zuzuschreiben. Es freut mich ausserordentlich, dass die Vereinigten Staaten eine so bewährte Persönlichkeit wie Dr. Merriam zum Ermittler der Ursachen gewählt haben, welche die reissende Abnahme der Seebären bedingen. Jetzt liegt der Thatbestand wissenschaftlich aufgehellt klar vor, sogar jedem Laien verständlich. Die von der Russisch-Amerikanischen Compagnie eingeführte Behandlungsweise dieser Thiere in ihrem Daheim auf den Pribylow-Inseln wird eben so rationell weiter fortgeführt und hat sich über ein halbes Jahrhundert hindurch bewährt, sowohl durch bedeutende Einnahmen als auch durch deren Nachhaltigkeit. So lange nur überschüssige Jungbullen geschlachtet werden, ist nicht nur der Bestand, sondern auch der Zuwachs der Heerde gesichert. * Leider sind die Seebären Wanderthiere und namentlich begeben sich die trächtigen Weibchen während der Wintermonate auf Reisen; dort nun werden sie mit riesig wachsender Raubgier aufgesucht und im offenen Weltmeere von Freibeutern aus aller Welt geschlagen. Selbst *Dr. Merriam benennt dieselben "cholluschikie;" ich glaube, dass diese auffalJende Bezeichnung durch unfreiwillige Verstümmelung des russischen Wortes: "cholostjaki” (xo.cmakи), d. i. “Junggesellen" oder "Unbeweibte" entstanden ist. verständlich wird nur durch international festzustellenden Schutz Abhilfe geschafft werden können. Wie rasch die Vernichtung einbricht, haben uns die Millionen dahingeschwundener Bison bewiesen. Mit Letzteren hat es aber insofern eine ganz andre Bewandniss, als die Vernichtung keineswegs volkswirthschaftliche Bedeutung hat, sondern nur eine ethische, nur von diesem Standpunkte verlangt die Civilisation der Jetztzeit die Erhaltung einer Musterheerde von wenigen hundert Köpfen sowohl in Litthauen als in Nord-Amerika. Seit die Zähmungs-und Hybridisationsversuche mit Bisouthieren resultatlos geblieben, ist es klar, dass die Weidegründe der Bison vortheilhafter durch die frühreifen und milchgebenden Rinderheerden ausgenützt werden können. Ganz anders verhält es sich mit den Seebären: sie sind unbedingt von volkswirthschaftlichem Interesse und zwar ohne Zuthun des Menschen zu Hausthieren erschaffen, wie ich das schon vor langen Jahren betont habe. (Vergl. meine "Sibirische Reise," Band IV, Theil 1, Pag. 846.) Sie sind sogar das nützlichste Hausthier, das gar keine Fürsorge, keine Ausgaben verlangt und dadurch die höchsten Reingewinne erzielen lässt. Lassen wir in Gedanken den Seebären verschwinden, was könnte dann denselben ersetzen um unfassbare Fischvorräthe des Ozeans in gesuchte Waare des Weltmarktes umzuarbeiten? Als warnende Gedenktafel steht jetzt die seit anderthalb Jahrhunderten verödete Beringsinsel da. Hat seitem der mächtige Fortschritt der Neuzeit in irgend einer Weise die Seekuh (Rhytina Stelleri) zu ersetzen vermocht, diesen Koloss, welcher als mariner Pflanzen-Fresser dazu bestimmt war, unbrauchbare Tange in schmackhafte Fleischkost umzuwandeln? Wenn Sie, Ihrer Andeutung gemäss, Herrn Dr. Merriam, dessen Adresse ich nicht kenne, den Inhalt dieses Briefes mittheilen wollten, so würden Sie mich sehr verbinden. Ich habe die Ehre zu sein, hochgeehrter Herr, Ihr ganz ergebener, (Dictat wegen Lähmung.)-E. v. MIDDENDORFF. SIR. My delay in answering your letter is due to illness. I am very glad that the United States have selected so competent a person as Dr. Merriam for the purpose of ascertaining the causes of the rapid decrease of seals. The facts of the case have now been scientifically explained, so that they may be readily understood even by an unscientific person. The method of treating these animals which was originally adopted by the Russian American Company at their home on the Pribilof Islands is still continued in the same rational manner, and has, for more than half a century, been found to be excellent, both on account of the large number of seals taken, and because they are not exterminated. So long as superfluous young males* only are killed, not only the existence, but even the increase of the herd is assured. Seals are, unfortunately, migratory animals, and set out on their journeys during the winter months. This is especially true of the pregnant * Dr. Merriam calls these "cholluschickie." I presume this remarkable designation is the outgrowth of an involuntary mutilation of the Russian word "cholostjaki” (see German original), i. e., bachelors, or those having no wives or mates. females. They are then hunted with constantly increasing rapacity, and are killed in the open sea by freebooters from all parts of the world. It is evident that the only remedy for such a state of things can be afforded by international protection. How rapidly extermination progresses is shown by the disappearance of millions of bisons. With these, however, the case is quite different, since their destruction is of no importance in an economical point of view. Its importance is merely of an esthetical character, and from this standpoint only does modern civilization demand the preservation of two specimen herds, numbering a few hundred head each-one in Lithuania and the other in North America. Since the attempts to domesticate the bison, and to produce a cross between it and our domestie cattle have proved a failure, it is plain that the ground where the bison formerly grazed can be more advantageously occupied by herds of domestic cattle, since these animals mature earlier and yield milk abundantly. The case is quite otherwise with the seal. This animal is of economical importance, and was created for a domestic animal, as I pointed out many years ago. (See my "Siberian Journey," Vol. IV, Part 1, p. 846.) It is, in fact, the most useful of all domestic animals, since it requires no care and no expense, and consequently yields the largest net profit. If we suppose the seal to have disappeared, what could take its place as a converter of the immense supply of fish in the ocean into choice furs to stock the markets of the world? Bering's Island, which has been deserted for a hundred and fifty years, now stands as a warning. Has modern progress succeeded, in any way, in supplying the place of the sea cow (Rhytina Stelleri), that huge monster which, as a consumer of marine plants, was intended to convert useless sea-weed into savory meat? If you will communicate (as you say you propose to do) the contents of this letter to Dr. Merriam, whose address I do not know, you will oblige me greatly. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, Dr. A. v. MIDDENDORFF. (Dictated, owing to lameness.)-E. V. MIDDENDORFF. Reply of Dr. Emil Holub, of Prague, Austria-Hungary. [Unter dem Protectorate Sr. Kais. u. Konigl. Hoheit des Erzherzogs Franz Ferdinand von Osterreich-Este. Dr. Emil Holub's Südafrikanische Ausstellung in Prag, 1892. (Darstellung der Forschungsresultate seiner Letzten Afrikareise, 1883-1887.)] Dr. C. H. MERRIAM, Esq., Washington, D. C.: PRAGUE, May 18, 1892. DEAR SIR: With sincere attention I have perused the records of your investigation of the habits, the present decrease, and regarding the future of the Fur Seal (Callorhinus Ursinus Gray). Having well considered the matter, I will pass my opinion without any prejudice whatever. The Government of the United States may be congratulated upon the action taken, in having sent out for the investigation of a matter which falls into the Departement of the Board of Trade a Scientist, and in this special case a man who has taken such great pains with the object of his researches. Our age makes it to a duty for all civilized nations to bring trade and commerce in a close contact with science. This becomes quite a neces sity, like in the present case, in which commercial customs, even international agreements, laws, etc., become insufficient to secure a sound decision. Such scientific investigations can supply the desired conclusions; they do advice the measures to be taken, and provide the basis upon which an international understanding can be established. Regarding the object of your researches I indorse your opinion, that the decrease of the numbers of the fur seal on the Pribilof Islands has been caused by pelagic sealing in the North Pacific and in the Bering Sea, and that this taking of the seals at sea has to be stopped as early as possible. To restore in time the numbers of animals of former years, I take the liberty to name the following measures for the sake of consideration: A. Concerning certain agreements with other powers. 1. A mutual understanding upon the question between the United States, Russia, and Japan. These three states are concerned primo loco in this matter as being the proprietors of the breeding places as well, like also of the fishing grounds of the said animals during their yearly wanderings to and fro. 2. For the sake of brevity in action and a speedy settlement, these three States (after having agreed upon p. 1) to select but one Representative. 3. The United States having given impulse to the matter to gain the prestige, that an United St. man shall be elected to this honour. 4. A Congress to be called together, invitations to be sent to those of the European and American powers, whos subjects indulge in pelagic sealing in the North Pacific and the Bering Sea. 5. In the Congress the Representative of the three powers (sub. p. 1) to have six voices, resulting in two voices for every of these powers, which concession to be granted upon the facts of p. 1. 6. The Congress to deal with the stoppage of pelagic sealing of the fur-seal, and possibly to come to an understanding upon it and to enforce it. B. Concerning certain laws and precautions in the dominions of the United States. 7. To prohibit taking seals at sea by home-vessels and by small boats along the coast during the wanderings of the animals. I think that a great many of fur-seals are killed on their way to the South and their return to their breeding places in the north before ever they do reach the neighbourhood of the latter. The fact that these wandering animals are chiefly pregnant females, which as game, are protected by laws among all civilized nations, may grant them safety also along the coasts of Br. Columbia. 8. To see that the existing laws at present in use on both St. Paul and St. Georg islands regarding the protection of male pups are strictly observed. 9. To investigate the nutritious necessities of the fur seal. I believe that the animals feed, besides on fisch and crustaceans, also on different forms of mollusca, especially on mussels, and also on certain seaweeds. 10. In ascertaining (p. 9) to try to increase the quantity of food in the sea of the Pribilof Islands, especially for that reason, that females, when nursing, may be not compelled to stray as far as 100 to 150 miles from shore, deserting their pups for so long and being also exposed to the weapons of the pelagic sealers. 11. In ascertaining (p. 9) to pay a special attention to mussels belonging to the families of the Mytilida and Aviculida (to the genera of Mytilus, Modiola, Lithodemus, Pinna et others), who have thin shells, or to other species of the North Pacific, which would promise a good prolification; further, also, to certain seaweeds, for submarine plantation, the species to which I allude containing a great deal of eatable gelatinous matter. 12. These measures, besides to be taken from œconomical reasons on behalf of home commerce and home trade, to be recommended also from a scientific point of view, as an act of preservation of a sea-mammal and from the common laws of humanity, that species of large and wild living mammal may be guarded against utter anihilation. Mankind never to forget that, being the master among the living creatures on earth, it has the power of re-creation. If the pelagic sealing of the fur-seal is carried on still longer, like it has been executed during the last years, the pelagic sealing as a business matter and a "living" will soon cease by the full extermination of the useful, animal. The objections brought forward by the friends of the pelagic sealing against its stoppage, that the latter will ruin a great many families of seamen and fishers can not be taken as sound arguments. It is a well known and a common thing in our age, but a weekly occurrence during the last years, that a new trade springing up ruins two other trades, and hardly in one case out of hundreds can a compensation be given or is asked for. In concluding my note, I thank you, my dear sir, as my esteemed fellow-worker in another transatlantic sphere, for the excellent work which you have executed during your weary investigations in the Bering Sea. May this noble and important work be crowned with the deserved success, that that piratic hunt may be stopped forever. The opportunity of the Col. Exhibition in Chicago might be used to call the Congress to Washington and then to give to the delegates the treat of a visit to the monstrous Exhibition. I should feel very happy if one day to come I can make your personal acquaintance and can shake hands with you, my dear sir, With my humble respects, I remain, your most obedient, REPLY OF DR. CARLOS BERG, OF BUENOS AIRES. SIR: In answer to your circular dated April 2, a. c., and directed to Dr. Hermann Burmeister, I regret to let you know that same died shortly before the transmission of your circular by D. N. Bertolette, esqr. Having been named director of the National Museum in place of the deceased, I have read with great interest your report and conclusions about the causes of the decrease and the measures necessary for the restoration and permanent preservation of the seal herd on the Pribilof Islands in Bering Sea, and according to your wish I have the pleasure to let you know that from the standpoint of a naturalist I perfectly agree with you in considering your conclusions and recominendations justified and necessitated by the facts stated by you as a result of your special investigation on the above named islands. Very truly yours, Mr. C. HART MERRIAM, CARLOS BERG. |