102 BIG OAMK OF NORTH AMERICA. 



warrant description of the characteristic peculiarities, 

 habits, habitat, geographical distribution, and physical con- 

 formation of the Barren-ground Caribou. I have done this 

 for two reasons: First, because the Tarandus Arcticus is 

 one of the most curious and interesting animals of the entire 

 cervine genus; and, secondly, because this beautiful animal 

 is, perhaps, the least known, generally speaking, of the 

 large family of the Ceroidce. In anatomical structure, and 

 in all other respects, the Caribou of the Far North is admi- 

 rably adapted to the cold and inhospitable regions in which 

 he finds his home. Without the Caribou, the native inhab- 

 itants indigenous to the frigid regions in which Nature has 

 fixed their congenial habitat could not exist. The pre- 

 carious supply of Walrus and Seals would inadequately 

 compare with the abundant provision found in the Rein- 

 deer, an abundance which must soon become limited, should 

 the unwise and improvident slaughter to which I have 

 referred be much longer permitted to continue. 



From the vie\v of a sportsman and a naturalist, it seems 

 to me that wise and rational legislation should be made to 

 control the Indian, as it does, or ought to do, the white 

 man. Culpable and barbarous extermination of large 

 game, which constitutes the glory of the forests of any land, 

 is worse than willful setting of lire to the woods. Society 

 should protect itself against criminals guilt} T of either act; 

 and the law, with a wise, strong, an-d relentless hand, should 

 protect the Indian against himself. 



The Barren-ground Caribou is less cunning and less wary 

 than any other species of Deer; and, consequently, when, as 

 shortly will be the case, the iron-horse plunges through the 

 frigid habitat of the Musk-ox and the Tarandus Arcticus, 

 and the roar of the steam-whistle startles the affrighted 

 denizens of the Arctic Circle, the enterprising sportsman, 

 armed with the deadh r repeating-rilie, will soon decimate 

 the mighty herds which still exist, despite the deplorable 

 butchery of the Indians on the constituted highways of 

 their migrations, as well as by means of the pens already 

 described. 



