Game of the Hudson's Bay Region. 191 



boldly in open view. Indeed the older stags, especially during the 

 rutting season, are much more inclined to fight than to run while 

 you are to leeward. The Eskimos call, or toll, them up to within 

 fifty and often ten or fifteen yards. They generally go in droves of 

 three or five, or more; one stag only, all the others being hinds. 



The flesh of the reindeer in August and September is most 

 delicious; when they often have as much as three or four inches of 

 fat on them. You may be sure the Neptune was not- wanting in 

 venison while we were within easy reach of the land in Hudson 

 Strait. 



There is considerable to be said about the Nannook (polar bear). 

 He is a most interesting looking animal, but exceedingly ugly, as are 

 all bears. The most valuable thing about him is his pelt, which is 

 worth from $10 to $15. The hair is very soft, a beautiful creamy 

 or blue-white, very thick, and highly prized. His size is monstrous, 

 weighing over six hundred pounds, if full grown. The flesh of a two 

 or three months' old cub is fat, tender, and very palatable. In 

 hunting them one cannot tell what to expect. They may run away 

 at first sight, or they may come upon you with furious rage. If you 

 sight one two hundred yards off, and wish to get close, it is better 

 to let the bear come towards you, than to attempt to approach him. 

 This may nearly always be accomplished by walking away from 

 him a short distance, and then stopping. He will follow and stop 

 also. In this way you may lead him on another fifty yards. He 

 will seldom run after that. It is only when they see you at a con- 

 siderable distance that they put off as if alarmed. If you come 

 suddenly upon them they will stand their ground, and always fight 

 as soon as they are attacked, often before. 



The polar bear is a most wonderful swimmer, and is able to cross 

 channels of great width; and, where ice abounds, to almost live in 

 the water. He makes the voyage across Hudson Strait with perfect 

 ease, and lives luxuriantly on the journey. In appearance the white 

 bear, like all others of his race, is sleepy and lazy, but is really most 

 active and alert. His powers of aquatic locomotion are almost 

 marvellous. He will often plunge into the water of the rivers 

 flowing into Hudson Strait, where salmon abound, and, after a few 



