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 détour, 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 
ie 3 FF 
