THE GAME ANIMALS OF CANADA 39 
can easily be slaughtered, as the valleys are very narrow, 
and the elk, unlike sheep or goat, do not find sanctuary in 
the higher altitudes of rugged peaks. A sanctuary of several 
square miles at the head of the White, Palliser, Spray, Kana- 
naskis, and Elk Rivers would assist in preserving these bands 
of elk.” 
I have also received other reports of a similar encouraging 
nature from men who have recently visited this region. 
In his annual report for 1914, Mr. Bryan Williams, the 
provincial game warden for British Columbia, reports on 
the wapiti as follows: 
Reports from Vancouver Island are much more encouraging than they 
were. Several quite big bands and a number of small ones are known of 
in certain places, and these bands are larger, at any rate, than they were 
when the last report was written. Also calves have been reported for 
the first time for several years; so that there is good reason to believe 
that there is an increase. Now that wolves are getting quite scarce and 
- cougars hunted more and more, the calves will have a much better chance, 
and the prospects for the future are much better. 
Wapiti in southern East Kootenay are still doing well. In the north- 
ern part of the district wapiti have been reported in the western side of 
the Columbia. This is the first time such a report has been received. 
If it is true, and they have established themselves there, it will be a 
splendid thing. Years ago wapiti used to winter right along the benches 
of the valley, and though the lower benches of the valley are much too 
settled for this to happen again, there is and will be plenty of range for 
them for years to come along the foot-hills. 
In his annual report for 1915, Mr. Williams is able to 
record a continued encouraging increase. He states: 
In East Kootenay wapiti are still increasing, although no further re- 
ports of the small band that crossed the Selkirks have been received. 
On Vancouver Island there is an undoubted increase, particularly in the 
southern part. It will, however, be most advisable to keep a close season 
on these animals for a good many years yet; at any rate, on Vancouver 
Island, though in the Kootenay District in a year or two it may be possi- 
ble to have a short open season, 
