NATURAL HISTORY.— MAMMALS 249 



value, is of great service to the natives. They cut the skins 

 into strips and weave them into robes which are said to be the 

 warmest made. The Slaveys, Trout Lake, and other Indians, 

 south and west of the reindeer country, weave capotes of the 

 skins. I noticed that nearly every man, woman, and child at 

 Hay River had such a garment. The traders buy hares for the 

 flesh at six cents each. 



They occur throughout the wooded portion of this region 

 and among the willow-fringed islands in the delta of the Mac- 

 kenzie beyond the limit of forest growth. 



Twelve specimens were secured; eight at Grand Rapids, two 

 at Chippewyan in summer pelage, and two at Rae. 



Sciurus hudsonius Pallas. Red Squirrel. 



An-ik-wai-chas, C. Tlo, D. R. Clo, S. Tluk, L. 



Common throughout the wooded country, seen at all seasons. 

 Their loud scolding chatter often proved annoying when I was 

 in pursuit of wary birds. 



Twelve specimens were secured at Grand Rapids. 



Sciuropterus volucella sabrinus {Shaw). Flying Squirrel. 



Tswag u-nik-wai-chas. C. 



A single specimen was obtained at Grand Rapids, where they 

 are very rare. 



Tamias asiaticus {Gmelin) Allen. Chipmunk. 



Chas-se-cow-e-pis-kus, C. 



Two specimens were secured at Grand Rapids, where they 

 are not uncommon. 



Spermophilus empetra ? Ground Squirrel. 



Ground squirrels or " siffleux " as they are known to the 

 Company's people, are a characteristic feature of the barren 

 portions of Arctic America. In summer the traveler is greeted 

 from every dry knoll and hilltop by their pert whistle. The 

 skins are used for clothing by the natives. 



Three specimens were secured at Herschel Island. 



