DO PEOPLE LIVE IN LABRADOR? 51 



These Indians, who once held North America from 

 the " Rockies " to the sea, have steadily decreased 

 in numbers. As they live by hunting only, the ex 

 tensive forest fires, and depletion of fur-bearing 

 animals, have driven them further and further west. 

 Whole encampments have been reported " found dead 

 from starvation." Only occasionally do they visit 

 the coast, bringing furs with them to trade with 

 the Hudson Bay Company. They never take to sea 

 fishing. 



The Eskimo, of Mongolian origin, at one time 

 were as far south as Newfoundland. In 1780 a 

 tribe 500 strong still dwelt along the Straits of 

 Belle Isle. Now almost all are north of Hamilton 

 inlet ; of these I shall speak later. 



Whence do the whites come ? Some are said to 

 be descendants of those who fled the old country in 

 press-gang days. In 1780 we hear of a crew of con- 

 victs sent out there. Some are descendants of sailors 

 wrecked on the coast, or of Newfoundland and other 

 fishermen who have been left there. More come 

 from those who have gone out in the service of the 

 Hudson Bay Company, while some few have emi- 

 grated directly there. The largest settlement consists 

 of about 100 persons, and with the people of neigh- 

 bouring coves numbers about 350. It is here where 

 the mission has built the first hospital ever known 

 in Labrador. In May or June every year the 

 coast is visited by from 20 to 25,000 fishermen, 

 women and children. These arrive as soon as the 



