GAME PRESERVATION IN DOMINION PARKS 135 



The question of the introduction of reindeer into our 

 of Refnd*""" ^^^ north as a means of opening up the mineral 

 resources of the Yukon territory and other portions 

 of the Canadian hinterland, is also one which has been referred to the 

 Parks Branch for report, and they have recommended that, when future 

 attempts are made to introduce this valuable animal into our northern 

 country, the Labrador herd be not looked to as a possible source of 

 supply. Apparently, these reindeer are too small and too light for use 

 as a means of transportation. It is stated that they are smaller than 

 our barren-land caribou, which are about one third smaller than our 

 grey woodland caribou. Dr. Grenfell has stated that his reindeer, 

 which came from Norway, are too small. He admits that good dog- 

 teams can out-travel his deer and says he hopes to get new stock to 

 improve his herd. 



The United States herd in Alaska, however, appears to offer a type 

 admirably suited to our requirements. Originally, this herd was made 

 up of 200 of the finest and largest of the Tunguse variety of Siberian 

 reindeer and about 1,000 large and hardy Russian animals. The 

 type which has been developed is, in consequence, a larger and stronger 

 one and, therefore, one much better adapted for transportation pur- 

 poses than the Labrador herd. In addition, the Alaska reindeer are 

 now acclimatized and, if transplanted to Canada, would probably meet 

 no new or adverse conditions. Before the experiment is made, how- 

 ever, it will be necessary to ascertain whether reindeer moss is pro- 

 curable in the districts in which it is proposed to establish herds and, 

 also, whether it will be possible, during the fly season, to transfer the 

 reindeer to mountainous regions where they will be free from insect 

 pests — their deadly enemies. 



As the Alaskan authorities have gained, by costly experiments, much 

 •experience in the management of their herds, the Parks Branch 

 recommended : 



(1) That it should be ascertained whether the United States 

 Government would be willing to dispose of a number of its reindeer in 

 Alaska to the Canadian authorities. 



(2) That, if the United States Government were willing, a special 

 officer be sent from Canada to Alaska to thoroughly investigate condi- 

 tions on the ground. 



(3) That no action be taken as to the definite location of the herd 

 or cognate matters until all possible information with respect to the 

 Alaskan experiments has been secured. 



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