258 EXPLORATIONS IN THE FAR NORTH 



Surf Scoter. 



166. Odemia perspicillata (Linn.). 

 One specimen, ?; Rae, July 27. 



167. Erismatura rubida (Wils.). 



Two specimens; Cedar Lake. 



a* 168. Nomonyx domincus {Linn.). 

 •^J^ % _ ju^ ! One specimen; Cedar Lake. 



Branta canadensis (Linn.). 





crW- 



Ruddy Duck. 



Masked Duck. 



Canada Goose, 



172. 



172A. Branta canadensis hutchinsii (Sw.&Rich.). 



Ka, D. R. Hutchins's Goose. 



The "gray goose" is common throughout this region, at least 

 during the migratory season, and furnishes food in the spring 

 for many natives. The arrival of the first goose in the spring 

 is a matter of record at every post. The Indian bringing the 

 first specimen of the season to the station is rewarded with a 

 handsome " present," the engaged servant who first kills a goose 

 also receives a gratuity amounting to several skins in value. 

 The average date of arrival of the geese at Simpson for a period 

 of thirteen years is April 28th. The record is as follows. 



1881 

 1882 

 1883 

 1884 

 1885 

 1S86 

 1887 



April 30 1888 May 3 



April 29 1889, April 23 



April 26 1890, April 30 



April 27 1891, 



April 25 1892 April 24 



May 8 1893, May 8 



April 26 1894 May 4 



Geese are purchased at the rate of two for 1 MB. Large num- 

 bers are salted for use at the stations. The snow geese are 

 killed by thousands at Chippewyan. A much smaller number 

 than formerly is obtained at Big Island, a famous "goose 

 ground," and they are surely passing away. 



223. Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.). Northern Phalarope. 



One specimen, $; Herschel Island, July 14. Common on the 

 tundra. 



233. Micropalma himantopus (Bonap.). Stilt Sandpiper. 



Two specimens, $; Chippewyan, June 6-12. Passing north- 



