116 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. 



tunately, however, owing no doubt to the lavge number that are 

 killed annually for their tongues whicj*> are shipped to the London 

 market, they are not so numerous an formerly and many a poor 

 Eskimo has to make shift with a few thin seal skins for his bed and 

 the same for his clothing throughout the winter. 



While exploring one day, a natural deer trap was found in the 

 shape of a wide crevice in the side of a hill that had doubtless been 

 formed by the action of frost. The sides of it were perpendicular 

 and about twelve feet high, and in it wei-e the skeletons of several 

 deer, and one that had recently fallen in. 

 Polar Hare (Lepiis Olacialis, Leach) Oak-a-luk, Eskimo. 



Like other varieties of the same species, the Polar Hare is a most 

 timid animal, and is so watchful of its enemies that it can seldom be 

 seen to any advantage, and is only shot as it passes, like a ball of 

 snow, in its swift retreat; nevertheless, a few fine specimens were 

 taken and added to my collection. 



Although it undoubtedly remains here throughout the year, none 

 were seen until the month of December, and from that time until 

 the end of May in the following yeai', its well-known tracks could 

 be seen in the snow in every direction. Its food consists of a num- 

 ber of small plants, especially the knotty roots of certain grasses, 

 which it obtains by burrowing in the snow and moss. 

 HuDSONS Bay Lemming (Myodes torquatiis Pallas : = Mus Huchonius, For- 

 ster) Avingmik, Esk. : 



This is the smallest of the quadrupeds found in these regions, and, 

 apparently, only inhabits the coast where it is so numerous that by 

 turning over a few stones, one or more are sure to be found. On a 

 still wintei-'s night, when everything appears hushed in sleep, this 

 interesting little animal may be heard in every direction boring 

 through the snow, and then stopping as if to take breath, and 

 again returning to its labours. Then is the time its enemy, the fox, 

 stands and listens a minute, and pouncing upon the spot where the 

 boring is heard, cuts off its retreat and with little trouble secures 

 its prey. 



The fur of the Lemming is of a greyish colour in the summer time, 

 gradually turning white as the winter approaches, but never becom- 

 ing perfectly so. In some cases the skin was found perfectly hair- 

 less in pai-ts that had been affected by a parasite which infests this 

 animal. 



