THE REIN-DEER. 



THE REIN-DEER . P LATE X L 1 1 I . 



As with the moose or elk, we shall consider the history 

 of the Rein-deer separately, as an inhabitant of the old 

 and new world. In both he fills a very important part in 

 the economy of the native tribes ; but it is marked with 

 this peculiarity, that in the one he is hunted in a state of 

 nature, while in the other the greater proportion of the 

 race is under the guidance and protection of man, and is 

 considered as part of the riches and private property of 

 the individuals. Also as with the animal above alluded 

 to, they present varieties in the different countries, which 

 have not yet been defined, and which may ultimately lead 

 to a distinction of the species which inhabits the two conti- 

 nents. We shall first notice the Rein-deer in America. 



The works of Hearne, Hutchins, Pennant, Say, and 

 more lately of Dr. Richardson, have given many details 

 regarding this animal. It inhabits a great range of coun- 

 try, dearly as far south as Canada, and extending north 

 farther than any other deer. Two varieties at least exist, 

 named by Dr. Richardson, the Barren-ground Caribou, 

 and the Woodland Caribou. The latter is the smallest in 

 si2e, is less esteemed, and in every way reckoned inferior 

 to the other. It inhabits a limited tract of country, a stripe 

 of low primitive rocks, well clothed with woods, about one 

 hundred miles wide, and extending at the distance of 

 eighty or a hundred miles from the shores of Hudson's 

 Bay, from Athapascow Lake to Lake Superior ; and it is 

 curious, that the woodland caribou migrates or travels to 

 the' southward in the spring a direction opposite to that of 

 those inhabiting the barren grounds. This animal requires 

 investigation. A naturalist has not yet had an opportu- 

 lity ; and it is much more than probable, that it may turn 



