IS92-93.] 



NOTES ON' THE WESTERN D^N^S. 



95 



varieties of foxes and wolves, they are recognized and differentiated by 

 adjectives, not distinct names, in the native tongues, as they are founded 

 merely on colour, not, as with the dog, on anatomical peculiar- 

 ities. It is a well known fact among our aborigines that, for instance, 

 red, cross and black foxes are found in one and the same litter, so that it 

 seems naturalists should not see more difference between a red and a 

 black fox than they do between a gray and a white bull-dog.* 



When not chased or killed by chance as happens in the course of one's 

 travellings, the above named fur bearing animals are procured either with 



Fig. 80. 

 traps or snares. At least three varieties of the former contrivances, all 

 of genuine Dent^ origin, are still in general use, and a fourth, the bear 



* It sliould be mentioned iiere that aboriginal usage prevents tlie hunter from killing for him- 

 self any of the largest animals, especially such as are chased for tiieir meat. After his game has 

 been brought down, he will invariably give it to one of his companions, or if he happens to have 

 none, he will cache it up against wolverines or any carnivorous animals and return to the village. 

 Then he will say to any one whom he chooses to favour vvitii his spoils : " In such and such a 

 spot in the forest I have shot a cariboo for you. Go and fetch it." To act otherwise would be 

 equivalent to courting the scorn of every hunter of any standing in one's place. 



