MIGRATIONS 83 



the sight of these marching herds is wonderfully beautiful, 

 especially if he has the good fortune to see them at really 

 close quarters, a perfectly possible condition if proper care 

 is taken in selecting a suitable hiding place. 



The first rule for success is to avoid leaving trails to 

 windward of where you lie in wait, for the animals have an 

 extremely keen sense of smell, and a man trail even though it 

 be several hours old is almost sure to be detected, unless it 

 has been obliterated by a kindly shower of rain or fall of snow. 

 The situation which promises the best chance of success is 

 the converging point of a number of leads. Near these, but 

 preferably not on them, a screen of fir trees can be easily 

 arranged so that perfect concealment is obtained. The 

 direction of the wind is of vital importance, for the faintest 

 breeze will carry the man-scent an incredible distance, and 

 the slightest breath of tainted air will frighten a Caribou 

 more than the sight of an army of men. 



Some of the happiest moments of my wandering life have 

 been spent in Newfoundland where, concealed behind small 

 clumps of dwarf firs, I have seen the silvery-coated Caribou 

 wending their way across the many-coloured barrens, 

 absolutely unconscious of the close proximity of their sup- 

 posed enemy, man. There is something indescribably 

 beautiful in watching wild animals that, free from all 

 suspicion, are behaving in a purely natural way, following 

 their habits with no disturbing condition to influence their 

 behaviour. There is something so peaceful and satisfying in 

 it, that it makes a life-long impression on anyone who has 

 been fortunate enough to have the opportunity of observing 

 the animals under such conditions, and one cannot help 

 wondering why some people who are really fond of outdoor 

 life do not more freely indulge in this form of pastime. 

 Perhaps it is because they are unable to bring home any 



