of the Mackenzie, River District, 11 



the smoke made to keep off the myriads of noxious flies from the 

 cattle it reposed with the other animals, and, although there was 

 a small calf in the band, it never attempted mischief. It was shot 

 at by an Indian and never seen after. Wolves, when pressed by 

 hunger, often come into the square of the fort, and one was shot 

 once when endeavourins: to affect an entrance into a meat store. 



There are five methods by which wolves are captured or des- 

 troyed. By the pitfall ; by the gin ; by the trap ; by the set 

 gun ; and by poison. 



JBy the PitfalL — This method is tolerably successful. A hole 

 about 7 feet deep, broader at the bottom than at the top, is dug 

 during the summer. It is covered with twigs and grass, and after 

 the first fall of snow bears the same appearance as the surround- 

 ing ground. In the centre of the hole the bait is laid, and on 

 approaching the animal falls into the pit, when he is easily 

 killed. 



By the Gin or Steel-trap. — The trap is set in the usual manner, 

 covered with snow and baited ; when caught the wolf struggles 

 violently, and if the trap be not very strong will escape, after which 

 he is very difficult to catch, as he w^ill begin digging at some dis- 

 tance from the trap, which, when reached he will throw aside 

 with his nose, and devour the bait at his leisure. Once 

 securely caught, the wolf will take the bar of wood, to which the 

 trap is fixed by an iron chain in his mouth, and trot ofl' at a des- 

 perate pace seeking the worst country he can find. I was once 

 obliged to follow a wolf two days in this manner, and only secured 

 him in the end by the aid of dogs. 



By the Wooden Trap. — A large trap of strong pieces of wood 

 is made. First stakes are driven into the earth enclos- 

 ing a circular space, with two convenient saplings for 

 door-posts, a log of wood, or sleeper, is laid across the door, at 

 the foot of these, with another longer and lighter piece on the top 

 for the purpose of being lifted up when set. The roof of the trap 

 is then covered with small sticks and brush, some logs of wood 

 are laid as weights on the upper piece lying across the door, and 

 a strong stake is driven into the ground to prevent the animal, 

 when caught, from hauling the top piece off the sleeper. The 

 trap is then prepared for setting, to effect this some of the weights 

 are thrown off, and one end of the top piece hfted sufficiently 

 high to permit a stick about a foot long to be inserted upon the 



