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CHAPTER III. 



THE MUSK SHEEP. 



ON the vast steppes of barren land that stretch from 

 the 60th degree of north latitude to the Arctic circle, this 

 little-known animal is to be found ; however, I have 

 never been able with certainty to learn that it has ever 

 been seen to the eastward of Hudson's Bay. Its favourite 

 haunts are about Great Bear and Great Slave Lake, and 

 along the upper tributaries of the Mackenzie River. 



From musk sheep being extremely shy, and the rough- 

 ness of the nature of the country they inhabit, there is but 

 one method for the sportsman to adopt in their pursuit, 

 viz. stalking; and although a small-bore rifle might on 

 such an occasion be employed, I should advise a calibre 

 which shoots a bullet of not under twelve to the pound. 



Any gentleman visiting these regions should endeavour 

 to propitiate the Hudson Bay Fur Company, and if possible 

 obtain letters of introduction to the factors of the various 

 forts that extend along his route ; for it will ensure him 

 a hearty welcome, shelter him in time of necessity, a supply 

 of provisions if stores should run low, and information 



