37 



range extends from the Rocky Alountains to the east side of the 

 Cascades, and from the United States boundary-line to as far north 

 as the 55th parallel of latitude ; a few years ago their range only 

 extended to between the 52nd and 53rd parallels of latitude, but they 

 have gradually worked north until they are now quite plentiful in the 

 vicinity of Francois Lake, and a few are now to be found near Babme 

 Lake. 



The Lillooet District is without doubt the best on the Continent 

 for this species, and they are still increasing there. The Okanagan 

 District is again well stocked, wdiile Similkameen, Grand Forks, Kam- 

 loops, and Kootenay all aiTord good hunting ; in fact, there is not 

 now much of the southern interior where fair sport may not be 

 obtained. 



White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). — These deer are 

 chiefly confined to the bottom lands and low-lying hills to the east of 

 the Coast Range and south of the main line of the C.P.R. A few 

 years ago their numbers were greatly diminished, and in many places 

 where they once abounded they have had to retire owing to the advance 

 of settlement. However, during the past year or two they have made 

 a wonderful recovery in Kootenay, and in the south-eastern part of 

 that district, along the line of the Crowsnest Railway, they are now 

 more plentiful than ever. 



There are still a few to be found in Okanagan, Grand Forks, and 

 one or two more of the southern districts. 



Columbia or Coast Deer, also called the Black-tail (Odocoileus 

 columbianus). — The Coast deer is extremely numerous all along the 

 coast, and is especially so on all the islands, except the Queen Char- 

 lotte Group, to which they have only lately been transported. The 

 best heads are obtained on the mainland. 



MOUNTAIN-SHEEP. 



Big-horn (Ovis canadensis). — The big-horn reaches its highest 

 stage of development in the Rocky Mountains, and in South-East 

 Kootenay is still quite plentiful. There used to be a good number in 

 parts of the Gold Range, in the Okanagan, and on the eastern slope 

 of the Coast Range, in the Ashnola Mountains. In both these districts 

 they have been so decimated that there has been a c'ose season declared. 

 In Ashnola District there has been a large increase, and an open 

 season may be allowed in a year or two. 



In the Lillooet District, also on the eastern slope of the Coast 

 Range, there is a fine big sheep-range, and they are found there in 

 large numbers. In this district, owing to their range being a beautiful 



61093 



