REINDEER AND MUSK-OX 



I have talked with Mr. Stefansson and have had several very interesting 

 conversations with him regarding his plan for musk-ox domestication. While I 

 feel that the undertaking is beset with many difficulties, I shall be the last 

 person in the world to discourage experiments. I realize quite fully the value 

 that would accrue to civilization in Northern Canada if the domestication of 

 the musk-ox could be accomplished on an extensive scale. I think that the 

 stake is w^orth playing for, patiently, skillfully and determinedly. The chances 

 against a quick and easy winning are, in my opinion, about as nine to one; but 

 in view of what man has accomplished in other directions, it does seem worth 

 while to pursue the musk-ox idea. 



In my opinion, the very first thing for you to call for is a thoroughly 

 definite and fully detailed plan, that can be considered and judged on its merits, 

 and either adopted, modified or discarded. At present I know of nothing more 

 available for discussion than the mere outline of the idea. I have no doubt Mr. 

 Stefannson would, if asked, be glad to enter into details covering the selection 

 of a locality as being most suitable and advantageous for the experiment, the 

 capture and transportation of specimens, and finally, their care in captivity. 



It must be remembered that in the domestication of a wild species, fenced 

 areas are absolutely essential. I think there is no such thing possible as acclim- 

 atizmg the musk-ox in a state of semi-domestication, for such subsequent use 

 as man may elect, without resorting to wire fences, and plenty of them. In my 

 opmion, large areas wnll need to be enclosed in order that the animals may be 

 as free as possible and yet not be permitted to wander away. 



_ I think that any specimens of the musk-ox that might be brought into any 

 civilized settlement would in the first instance have to be most carefully guarded 

 against being killed by dogs; and in the second place, they must be imprisoned 

 by fences or they assuredly would wander away and come to grief. 



The capture of specimens would be a comparatively easy matter. An 

 expedition could be sent to Ellesmere Land in the spring season, and if con- 

 ditions are at all as they were in the days when Mr. Paul J. Rainey captured a 

 herd for us, it would be a matter of no great difficulty to obtain twenty-five 

 young specimens. These specimens could then easily be transported to Fort 

 Churchill, or some other point on the west shore of Hudson bay, which I should 

 judge would be the best locality available for the experiment. 



I will not enter upon the subject of the care of the musk-ox in captivity 

 when first captured, for by reason of our experience that now has become a 

 routine matter. 



The crucial test would come when the animals would be sent forth into the 

 world to subsist through their own efforts, not only in summer but in winter. 

 Whether they would find food of a satisfactory character in their new home 

 can be determined only by actual experiment. 



Needless to say, all these various steps must be made the subject of careful 

 study, and executed on a scientific basis. Fortunately, the cost involved would 

 not be so great as to be prohibitive. 



Thus far, the musk-ox never has bred in captivity, and the calves that were 

 captured at Franz Fjord, on the east coast of Greenland, and transported to 

 Norway for acclimatization in a similar locality promptly failed to survive. 



In the United States (save now and then an exceptionally choice individual) 

 the rnoose cannot live or breed south of the southern boundary of the habitat 

 that it occupied when man became acquainted with it. Just why the moose can 



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