RESERVES FOR WILD LIFE IN CANADA 237 



two transcontinental railroads which traverse the park, 

 and, although large numbers were killed during the con- 

 struction of these railroads, they will undoubtedly increase. 

 Wapiti or elk were formerly found in the wooded valleys, 

 and it is hoped that on account of their protection and in- 

 crease in the region south of the park they will repopulate 

 their former range to the north. Deer and beaver are in- 

 creasing in abundance. Caribou may be expected to bene- 

 fit from the protection now given to the area which includes 

 and adjoins excellent caribou range, including the chief 

 haunts of the black mountain caribou (p. 63). Wild fowl 

 also occur in large numbers, and excellent breeding-places 

 are afforded by the extensive marshes. 



We may confidently look forward to the time when this 

 great area will be one of the best-stocked wild-Hfe reserves 

 on the North American continent, and a source of pride 

 and pleasure to the tired city-dwellers, who visit it for rec- 

 reation and to study our wild life under natural condi- 

 tions. 



The Rocky Mountains Park. — This is the oldest of the 

 Dominion Parks. It w£is estabhshed in 1887, two years 

 after the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It 

 embraces an area of 2,751 square miles, and includes some 

 of the finest mountain, forest, and lake scenery in the Rocky 

 Mountains. On its mountain ranges mountain sheep and 

 goats are increasing in numbers. So abundant are the sheep 

 that it is no unconamon sight for visitors to see, during the 

 summer months, a flock of over thirty ewes and lambs on 

 one of the main automobile roads which traverse the park. 



In April, 1919, the superintendent reported that on the 

 motor road west 375 mountain sheep, 10 goats, and 16 deer 

 were seen within ten miles of Banff, The increase of moun- 

 tain sheep in this park has been very noticeable, and is in- 

 dicated by the following extracts from reports made by the 

 wardens early in 1919: 



