84 FORT CONFIDENCE. 



pass three or four days march above York Factory. 

 They were on their return northwards, and were 

 crossing Hayes River in incredible multitudes. The 

 Indians, excited by the view of so many animals 

 thronging into the river, committed the most un- 

 warrantable slaughter ; man, woman, and child 

 rushed into the water and stabbed the poor deer 

 wantonly, letting most of the carcases float down 

 the stream or putrefy on the beach, for they could 

 use only a small number of those they slew. From 

 that date the deer did not use the pass until last 

 year, when a few resumed their old route and were 

 suffered to go unmolested, the Indians not being 

 prepared for their coming. Mr. Rae made two 

 successful excursions in search of deer in the 

 winter, and the Hopes likewise went a short way 

 into the barren grounds on the same errand, but 

 though the latter also killed animals, their caches 

 being carelessly made, were invaded by the wol- 

 verenes, and our store reaped no advantage from 

 their efforts. The wolverene is extremely wary, 

 and shows extraordinary sagacity and perseverance 

 in accomplishing its ends. The Indians believe 

 that it is inspired with a spirit of mischief, and 

 endowed with preternatural powers. Though more 

 destructive to their hoards of provision than the 

 wolf, or even the bear, and able to penetrate fences 

 that resist their powerful efforts, it is only about 



