IX 



DOGS AND SLEDGES 



THE dogs share equally the good-luck or misfortune of 

 their masters. The Indian is more regardful of his dogs 

 than of his women, for dogs are less numerous than squaws, 

 and more necessary to his support. The driver lashes them 

 mercilessly with his whip and beats them brutally with 

 clubs, but he never fails to include their rations in his 

 sledge-load, nor to divide his last fish for their benefit. 

 It is not goodness of heart that stirs his consideration, 

 but fear for his own safety and the loss of an indispensa- 

 ble draught animal. Without his dogs he would be com- 

 pelled to pack on his back what he now packs in the 

 sledge, to drag his game out of the woods, and carry his 

 furs to the post, while the loss of dogs en route might 

 mean for him delay, starvation possibly death. 



In the great civilized world the dog has been called 

 man's best friend ; in this limitless stretch of snow and 

 desolation and need he may be declared man's only friend ; 

 in the grand pays he has earned the trust without the test ; 

 here in this lone land he is being continuously tried, and 

 never found wanting. He has no pedigree, and he may 

 be of any color, but his usual appearance is that of a fairly 

 long-headed, sharp-nosed mongrel, well tucked up behind, 

 with big feet, and a coat of hair equal to that of a cub. 

 To call these dogs " huskies " is an error common to nearly 

 every one who has had anything to say on the subject. 



