REINDEER AND MUSK-OX 



numbers on the barren lands where this condition does not 

 obtain. Musk-ox wool has a market value; it is a "slippery" 

 wool rather like Shetland. The wool is shed every year. I do 

 not consider much need be done to protect musk-ox at present. 

 The larger herds are too inaccessible to make their killing 

 profitable, and the skins are not worth enough. To-day a white 

 fox pelt is worth more than a musk-ox skin, and infinitely easier 

 to kill, carry and trade. 



An experiment in the food value of the musk-ox would be 

 most interesting, and likely to give some very surprising results 

 if carried out on cattle ranging methods. 



In conclusion I would point out that it is important that in 

 any considerable action by the Government, the native popula- 

 tion be considered. 



A systematic slaughtering for food purposes of, say, the 

 caribou of Southern Bafiins Land, would certainly not be 

 profitable and might bring hardships and probably starvation 

 on the Esquimaux there. I say "certainly not profitable," 

 because I take into consideration the condition that meat would 

 be in, the distance from market, and the kind of steamship 

 required for navigating these waters. The natives are the 

 wards of our Canadian Government and are entitled to consider- 

 ation as such. 



That there is a future for domestic caribou, both for 

 travelling purposes, food and Arctic clothing, seems certain, 

 and it is highly probable musk-ox can be domesticated profit- 

 ably also. 



(Sgd.) H. TOKE MUNN. 



Food Value 

 of Musk-ox 



Conclusion 



59 



