THE CAEIBOU. 93 



The last-mentioned Deer must have been far above the 

 ordinary size and weight even of Newfoundland Caribou, 

 well-known to be the largest in America, I think, consider- 

 ing the size and weight of the horns, an illustration of 

 which is subjoined, and estimating the total weight by the 

 statements of Mr. Gisborne, as well as the weight of the 

 hide, that this magnificent animal would weigh at least 

 five hundred and fifty pounds. The shooting of such a 

 grand animal is an event of never-to-be-forgotten interest 

 and importance in the career of any sportsman, and our 

 friend, Mr. Gisborne, is to be congratulated upon having, 

 by keen insight and true sporting patience and strategy, 

 succeeded in laying low perhaps the largest Caribou ever 

 killed in America. 



On reading the far-back history of the large game ani- 

 mals of the British maritime provinces, one finds it difficult 

 to believe that any number of Moose or Caribou can still be 

 found near the eastern coast. The Micmacs, or " Red 

 Indians," of Newfoundland, in ancient times were in the 

 habit of destroying both species for their skins alone, leav- 

 ing the carcasses — the finest venison in the world — to rot 

 where they fell, or to be devoured by the carnivora of the 

 woods. 



In Cape Breton alone, the Indians destroyed, in one 

 winter in the olden time, five hundred Moose, taking away 

 nothing but the skins. This shameful slaughter of Caribou 

 was accomplished in the following manner: Brush fences, 

 miles in length, were constructed on each side of their line 

 of march in their autumnal migrations. These fences 

 narrowed at a X)oint where there was a lake or river to be 

 crossed, widening out laterally for many miles through the 

 wilderness. Tlie ijoor animals unsuspectingly passed along 

 through this fatal defile, which ended at the edge of the 

 water. The day, even the hour, of their arrival was known 

 through the agency of the scouts; and when they entered 

 the water, they were set upon by the concealed hunters in 

 force, in canoes, and hundreds were thus mercilessly butch- 

 ered in a few hours. 



