REINDEER AND MUSK-OX 



chased in the years 1892 to 1902 inckisive. This is a remarkable showing, but 

 it is worthy of note that as the animals increase in number and the herds in 

 size, unforeseen difficulties are encountered and that most of these result from 

 the restraint which it is necessary to impose on the domesticated reindeer as 

 compared with the caribou in its natural state of freedom. 



The caribou, in his relation to the reindeer industr\% is dealt with fully 

 elsewhere in this report, but at this juncture it should be noted that he un- 

 questionably constitutes the greatest obstacle in the way of establishing herds 

 of domesticated reindeer in Northern Canada, and especially in that portion of 

 the mainland which lies between Hudson bay on the east and the Alaskan 

 boundary on the west. 



Much evidence was secured as to the numbers and habits of the wild caribou 

 which inhabit this region, and while this evidence is not as full and complete as 

 it might be, it is quite clear that these animals exist in such numbers and are so 

 wddely distributed, that there will be constant danger of their attracting and 

 absorbing any herds of domestic reindeer which may be established in this area. 



Establishment of Experimental Herds — 



While the difficulties are not to be ignored or minimized, your commissioners 

 are of opinion that there is no doubt as to the advisability of establishing a 

 number of experimental herds in the most suitable locations which can be 

 selected, for the following reasons: — 



(1) The cre- 

 ation and de- 

 velopment of 

 such herds will 

 provide reliable 

 and economical 

 food and cloth- 

 ing supplies for 

 the natives, both 

 Esquimaux and 

 Indians. 



As will be 

 seen from the 

 evidence sub- 

 mitted, there 

 have been most 

 distressing in- 

 stances of actual 

 starvation 

 among these 

 people, due to 



failure of their usual food supplies. In this connection it would appear to be 

 necessary to provide further safeguards against the possible extermination of 

 the caribou and other wild life, such as had already taken place in certain 

 localities. 



(2) To provide future food supplies for white men who may go in to develop 

 or exploit, as the case may be, the mineral and other natural resources of the north. 



It may be here pointed out that the food supply furnished by the reindeer 

 herds in Alaska has proved to be a very valuable factor in the development of 

 that country. 



21 



Reindeer — The young are very hardy. 



Coiirlesy of Carl Lomen, Nome, Alaska. 



