NORTHERN OCEAN 367 



miles. One day thousands and tens of thousands of geese are 

 seen, but the next they all raise flight, and go to the North to 

 breed. Salmon, as I have lately observed, is so plentiful in 

 some years at Churchill River, that it might be procured in 

 any quantity ; at others, so scarce as to be thought a great 

 delicacy. 



In fact, after twenty years residence in this country, I am 

 persuaded that whoever relies much on the produce of the 

 different seasons, will frequently be deceived, and occasionally 

 expose himself and men to great want. 



To remedy this evil, it is most prudent for those in 

 command to avail themselves of plentiful seasons, and cure a 

 sufficient quantity of the least perishable food, particularly 

 geese. 



^hell Fish. 



Shell Fish of a variety of kinds are also found in some Shell Fish, 

 parts of Hudson's Bay. Muscles ^ in particular are in great 

 abundance on the rocky shores near Churchill River, and what 

 is vulgarly called the Periwinkle are very plentiful [397] on 

 the rocks which dry at low-water. Small Crabs - and Starfish ^ 

 are frequently thrown on the shore by the surf in heavy gales 

 of wind ; and the empty shells of Wilks, small Scallops, 

 Cockles, and many other kinds, are to be found on the beaches 

 in great plenty. The same may be said of the interior parts 

 of the country, where the banks of the lakes and rivers abound 

 with empty shells of various kinds ; but the fish themselves 

 have never been discovered by the natives. 



p Apparently referring to Mytilus ediilis (Linn.)) which is very abundant 

 on the shore of Hudson Bay.] 



[* Hyas coarctatus Leach, occurs on the west coast of Hudson Bay. Prob- 

 ably other species inhabit its waters.] 



[' A common starfish on the west coast of Hudson Bay is a six-armed 

 species, Asterias polaris (Miiller and Troschel).] 



