The Caribou 277 



fact, no part of the animal's body that can be 

 masticated is rejected, even the lichens and 

 such vegetable matters as are found in the 

 stomach being also eaten. The skin with the 

 hair on is used for clothing, and no garment so 

 successfully resists the Arctic cold as this, it is 

 so light, and so impervious to the wind, which 

 always blows a gale on the Barren Grounds. 

 When dressed it becomes very soft and pliable, 

 and when a number of hides are sewn together 

 they make an excellent tent for summer, large 

 enough for a numerous family. Cut into thongs 

 of various sizes, it makes very strong bowstrings, 

 wherever those ancient weapons of the chase 

 are still used, and lines for nets and cords for 

 deer snares; when cut into strings it is called 

 babiche and is used for shoe-lacing; in fact, it 

 is utilized for the many purposes that civilized 

 peoples employ ropes and cords. A split shin 

 bone makes a good knife, and fish-hooks and 

 spears are made from the horns, while the ten- 

 dons of certain muscles make very fine and 

 strong thread for sewing with the bone needle. 

 When travelling during the summer, caribou 

 go in great herds, and the Indians lie in wait for 

 them and kill many when the animals attempt to 

 cross rivers or lakes. Many are also taken in 

 traps or pounds, into which the unsuspecting deer 

 walk through a narrow entrance, which is then 



