THE CARIBOU. 549 



the herd, loading as they run, and discharge a second couple of shots. 

 But these shots must be well directed in order to kill. In most cases, 

 however, the pursuit of the Caribou is a long affair, for it is not only a 

 very strong but a very enduring animal, and often leads its pursuers 

 a chase of four or five days. A small herd of these animals was chased 

 continually for a week, when the original hunters were tired out, and 

 gave up the pursuit to a new party. Whenever practicable, the Caribou 

 makes for the frozen lakes, and then it is sure to escape, although in a 

 very clumsy and ludicrous fashion. Rushing recklessly forward, the 

 Caribou will be suddenly startled by some object in front, and falls on 

 the ice in a sitting posture, in which attitude it slides for a considerable 

 distance before it can recover its feet. As soon as it does so, it rushes 

 off in another direction, and with the same results. Still, the speed 

 attained is so great that the hunters always give up pursuit when the 

 animal gets upon ice. 



During the greater part of the year, the flesh of the Caribou is dry 

 and tasteless, and when eaten seems to have no effect in satiating hunger. 

 There is, however, a layer of fat, sometimes two or three inches in thick- 

 ness, that lies under the skin of the back and croup in the male, and is 

 technically termed the dcpouillc. This fatty deposit is so highly esteemed 

 that it outweighs in value the remainder of the carcass, including skin 

 and horns. The marrow is also remarkably excellent, and is generally- 

 eaten raw. When pounded together with the dcponillt? and the dried 

 flesh it makes the best pemmican, a substance which is invaluable to the 

 hunter. Even the horns are eaten raw, while they are young and soft. 

 The skin is very valuable, especially when taken from the young animal ; 

 and when properly dressed, it is an admirable defence against the cold 

 and moisture of the inclement North. 



