MUSK OX 433 



and I think its flesh would be palatable anywhere ; but an old 

 bull, especially in the rutting season, is a thing to be palmed 

 off on your neighbour if there is any choice in the matter. The 

 flesh of the calves we found insipid, and, eaten as it was with- 

 out bread or vegetables, it failed to satisfy the appetite or to 

 keep up the strength. 



In the summer the musk ox live almost entirely on the 

 green leaves of the small willows that grow in patches in the 

 Barren Ground, and do not in this part of the country confine 

 themselves entirely to moss all the year round, as I have seen 

 stated. They fatten up in a wonderful manner during the short 

 time they have for feasting, and begin the winter in splendid 

 condition, though, according to the Indians, they are poor 

 enough at the time of the spring hunt in April. 



In summer hunting no dogs are used, but the still more 

 destructive method of driving the musk ox into the water is 

 often put into practice. When a band is discovered, a con- 

 venient place is chosen for the slaughter, and piles of rocks 

 adorned with coats and gun-covers are set up a short dis- 

 tance apart, at right angles to the small lake that has been 

 selected. Men are stationed at intervals to head the animals 

 off, while others, making a detour, start the band in the right 

 direction. On coming to the barricade the animals are afraid 

 to pass the line of rocks, and, seeing themselves surrounded, 

 take to the water as their best chance. Then the little canoes 

 are launched and the whole band is quickly exterminated. 

 The musk ox is a poor swimmer. He seems to have some 

 difficulty in keeping his head above water, and never leaves 

 the land except under compulsion. 



If the animals are at a long distance from water, or only one 

 or two are required for meat, they are easily approached under 

 cover of the rolling ground, and, being naturally of an unwary 

 disposition, are a sure prey for the Indian if he can persuade 

 his long muzzle-loader to go off at the right moment. It might 

 naturally be supposed that the musk ox is being rapidly exter- 

 minated, but I doubt if this is really the case. The head of 



i. F F 



