REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION 



REINDEER 



Possible Maintenance in Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic — 



There is no reasonable doubt as to the possibihty of reindeer being able 

 to live and thrive in most parts of northern Canada. 



The experience of the United States authorities in Alaska, that of the Gren- 

 fell herds in Newfoundland and Labrador, the presence of the wild caribou in 

 large numbers in many different parts of the north and the ample evidence 

 which has been obtained as to the nature of the different areas and the vegetation 

 and other natural conditions found therein, all indicate that while there may be 

 difficulties in the way, these are neither fundamental nor insuperable. 



European Reindeer, Teller, Alaska. 



That the wild caribou, which is a member of the same species, with very few 

 points of difference, and these insignificant, can exist in large numbers in the 

 Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Canada, furnishes practically indisputable 

 evidence as to the suitability of these regions for the maintenance of reindeer 

 herds. 



Necessity of Restraint — 



In this connection, however, it must not be forgotten that if the reindeer 

 is to retain his quality of domestication, which is, after all, the only argument in 

 his favour as against the caribou, he must of necessity be kept under a measure 

 of restraint. 



The caribou, ranging at will from season to season and from place to place, 

 has a distinct advantage not only in the matter of grazing areas, but in being 

 able to avoid insect pests and other conditions which may from time to time 

 interfere with his well being. 



Grazing Problems — Parasitical Infestation — 



As evidence that the United States Government is beginning to appreciate 

 this phase of the question, it is noteworthy that Dr. E. W. Nelson, Chief of the 

 United States Bureau of Biological Survey, in giving evidence before the House 



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