135 



varied for so northern a climate. The island is thickly wooded, 

 except where there is water or peat bogs, but it is probable that 

 nearly one-third of the island is covered by lakes and bogs or heaths. 

 As a result of this, the black flies (Simuliwn ornatura) and mosquitoes 

 were found in immense numbers, often rendering it impossible to 

 remain on shore, or penetrate into the interior, without the loss of a 

 •great amount of blood and patience. The black flies are by far the 

 worst of these two pests of the north. 



The marine animals found on the shores are very few, and, owing 

 to the smooth bottom of flat limestone strata, dredging was equally 

 unprofitable. A collection of the marine invertebrates was made, 

 however, but is necessarily very incomplete. Among the land 

 moUusca we found Vitrina pellucida, Pupa hadia and Helix nemoralis 

 very abundant near the beach, together with several other species. 



The land mammalia are of very few kinds. There are no hares or 

 squirrels on the island, and we saw no mice or moles. No reptiles 

 are found at Anticosti, but on several of the Mingan Islands we found 

 a peculiar species of frog, still undetermined. Fish are abundant 

 about Anticosti, of various species. Cod can be caught at almost any 

 time in abundance. Halibut, herring, capelin and mackerel are 

 usually abundant. In all the larger streams salmon are found, 

 together with " sea-trout," but, since the streams are aU quite small, 

 the amount of fish cannot be large. There are fishing stations at the 

 mouths of all the larger streams. Brook trout were also found. 

 Two very beautiful specimens of Psolis were dredged at the eastern 

 end of the island, in about 20 fathoms, on a rocky bottom. Many 

 other less interesting fishes were collected. 



Mammals observed at Anticosti during the Summer of 

 1861. By A. E. Verrill. 



Vulpes fulvus, Rich. Common Eed Fox. Said to be common on 



the island by the inhabitants, but skins only were seen by the 



party. 

 Vulpes fulvus var. argentatus, Rich. Silver Fox. We were shown 



some skins of young silver foxes at Ellis Bay, and were told 



that a few were taken nearly every year on the island. The 



young, when quite small, are entirely black. 

 Mustela americana, Turton. American Sable. We were shown a 



number of skins of this species, but saw none living. They 



are said to be quite common. 

 Lutra canadensis^ Sab. American Otter. A few skins were seen in 



possession of a hunter. We were told that they are not 



uncommon. 



