CHAP. XXX. LABRADOR DOGS. 155 



spring of the year that the Acadians have permanently 

 estabhshed themselves there. From the month of April 

 to the month of November, the fishermen of Natash- 

 quan are engaged in catching seals, salmon, cod, her- 

 ring, and mackerel. They own three schooners, while 

 the more wealthy residents of Esquimaux Point boast of 

 a round dozen. In the rear of this settlement there is 

 abundance of timber for fuel, and a short chstance from 

 the shore the trees are sufficiently large for buildino- 

 purposes. Communication between the different settle- 

 ments on the coast is chiefly by w^ater during the sum- 

 mer, and in winter on snow-shoes or by dog-trains. 



Each family has generally eight or ten dogs, either of 

 the pure Esquimaux breed or intermixed with other 

 varieties from New^foundland or Canada. Durino- the 

 summer time the dogs have nothing to do but eat, drink, 

 sleep, and quarrel ; but when the first snow falls, their 

 days of ease are numbered, and the working season 

 begins. The Labrador dogs are excessively quarrelsome, 

 and, wolf-like, always attack the weaker. All seem 

 anxious to take part in the fray, and scarcely a season 

 passes without the settlers losing two or three dogs 

 during the summer from the w^ounds which they 

 receive in their frequent quarrels among themselves. 

 Confirmed bullies are generally made comparatively 

 harmless, by tying one of their forefeet to the neck, 

 which, although it does not prevent them from joining 

 in any extempore scuffle which may spring up, yet so 

 hampers their movements that the younger and weaker 

 combatants have time to escape. Peace is instantly 

 restored, even if twenty or more are engaged in the 



