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 Mac- 

 kenzie river. 



From musk sheep being extremely shy, and the 

 roughness 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 endea- 

 vour 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 in time of 

 necessity, a supply of provisions if stores should run 

 low, and information where the game will be found, 



