WILD ANIMALS AND MEN 245 



feasted upon it for several hours, then loaded my sled and hur- 

 ried home with the meat for my starving family." 



There are three principal species of Canadian caribou: the 

 smallest living on the Barren Grounds and taking their name 

 from that region; the largest frequenting the Rocky Mountains 

 west of the Mackenzie River and known as Woodland or Moun- 

 tain caribou; and the intermediate size inhabiting the Great 

 Northern Forest and called Woodland caribou. 



In comparison with moose, wapiti, and other deer of North 

 America, the Woodland caribou ranks third in size. In colour 

 its coat is of a grayish brown with a white neck and belly. In 

 winter the heavy growth of neck hair really amounts to a mane. 

 Of the three breeds, the Woodland caribou have the smallest 

 horns, the Barren Ground the slenderest, while the Mountain 

 caribou have the most massive. Record antlers range from 

 fifty- to sixty-inch beams, with a forty- to fifty-inch spread, and 

 possessing from sixty to seventy points. The does are usually 

 provided with small horns, and in that way they are distinct 

 from all other Canadian deer. 



On account of its wide-spreading and concave hoofs the 

 Woodland caribou does not have to "yard" as other deer do 

 in winter time, for thus provided with natural snowshoes, 

 the caribou can pass over the deepest snow with little trouble. 

 Also, throughout the year it is an extensive traveller, and as 

 its food is found everywhere within its wide range, its wander- 

 ings are determined chiefly by the wind. Indeed, so great a 

 traveller is it that, when thoroughly alarmed, it may cover 

 from fifty to a hundred miles before settling down again. 

 Rivers and lakes do not hinder its roaming for it is a powerful 

 and a willing swimmer. The mating takes place in October 

 and the calves are born in June. 



The following morning while at breakfast Oo-koo-hoo dis- 

 coursed upon the game we were about to hunt: 



"My son, everything that applies to hunting the moose, 



