NATIVE TRIBES. 17 



A country so poor is naturally destitute of animal 

 life, and, as a consequence, in these desolate regions but 

 few species are to be found. The reindeer and that 

 quaint -looking animal the musk-ox are the principal 

 quadrupeds, and form the staple of subsistence to the 

 few wretched tribes which dwell on the outskirts of 

 this dreary land. Wolves are also found ; and along 

 the coasts of Hudson Bay walruses, seals, narwhals, and 

 polar bears furnish food for the wandering Eskimos. 



From the shores of the Great Bear Lake, and reach- 

 ing to the Coppermine River, lie the hunting-grounds 

 of the Dog -rib Indians. Here reindeer abound, and 

 their flesh and skins afford food and clothing to the 

 natives. These Indians are a well-formed and athletic 

 tribe, and are the terror of their more peaceful and less 

 powerful neighbours. 



The various tribes inhabiting the country along the 

 banks of the Mackenzie and the regions reaching inland 

 from that river, are all members of the Chippewan 

 family, and are called Slaves, Dog-ribs, Rabbit-skins, 

 and Gens des Montagnes. Along Peel River is found 

 a tribe which speaks a language different from the 

 Chippewayan ; but these are migrants, and are believed 

 to have come from within the Territory of Alaska. 

 They are called Loucheux or Squint-eyes. 



Although the different tribes constituting the great 

 Chippewayan group inhabit districts widely distant 

 from each other, and have done so for many genera- 

 tions, it is remarkable that their various dialects are 



