x PREFACE 



I have never received anything but the heartiest good- 

 will and the most kindly consideration from all people 

 whom I met in Yukon Territory. Without exception, will- 

 ing assistance was always offered, and given when needed, 

 and I take this opportunity of expressing my thanks. 



It would be difficult to adequately express my in- 

 debtedness to my friend, A. B. Newell, who at that time 

 was Vice-President of the White Pass Railroad, and man- 

 aged the river steamers between Whitehorse and Daw- 

 son. Not only did he place at my disposal all the facili- 

 ties of that vast transportation system, but he did what 

 was still more valuable for the accomplishment of my plans 

 he gave his personal interest. 



W. H. Osgood and Carl Rungius have both placed 

 all their photographs at my disposal, and I must especially 

 mention the interest of Mr. Rungius in making some 

 illustrations for this book. No other artist has had the 

 experiences that would make it possible for him to record 

 so accurately the animal life of the Yukon region. Mr. 

 H. Q. French has kindly permitted me to use two of his 

 photographs. 



E. W. Nelson and Arthur Colton have both read over 

 that part of the narrative which relates to Coal Creek, 

 and I have received much valuable criticism from 

 them. 



With extraordinary patience, Dr. C. Hart Merriam 

 has sacrificed his time and read the whole manuscript. 

 I have accepted his numerous suggestions as to its form, 

 and also his still more numerous corrections of the text. 

 My obligation is so great, that I wish to lay special em- 

 phasis on his interest and assistance, and in thanking 

 him, to express my feeling of appreciation. 



Nobody except myself, however, is responsible for any 

 of the conclusions in the text. 



