148 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



nor runs away, so it is not difficult to shoot it and get a good head and 

 a robe. Of all mammals it is probably one of the most stupid in the way 

 of not taking care of itself. No doubt its solitary life and the absence 

 of enemies with firearms in previous years have led to that, but these 

 characteristics lead to very speedy extermination and I have recom- 

 mended, as one of the best means of preventing the total extermination 

 of this animal, the declaration of at least a portion of Victoria island an 

 absolute reserve for musk-ox and the prohibition of any killing of these 

 animals there. If that were done, it would serve to ensure the food 

 of the Eskimo who remain in that part of the country, and be a source 

 of fur of increasing value, as from time to time it might spread out 

 into other regions where its numbers were decreasing. 



Moreover, protection is needed in the Northwest for the white 

 fox which is there becoming gradually reduced in numbers. It is not 

 provided for in the Northwest Game Act and it has been suggested 

 by us that a close season be also given to this animal. 



Protection for There is one thing that I should like to mention before 

 Sentimental closing and that is the general need of educating peo- 

 Reasons pjg jjj regard to the necessity of protecting these 



animals, as one might say, from a sentimental point of view. Take, 

 particularly, the case of the buffalo at Wainwright. While it is con- 

 ceivable that under certain conditions there might be some commercial 

 return from them, that is not primarily the object of the Wainwright 

 reserve, which is to preserve the buffalo from extermination. In this 

 material age the majority of people look at things from a material 

 standpoint and questions are likely to be asked as to why this money 

 is being spent, why this large tract of land is being withheld from 

 settlement and allowed to be roamed over by a lot of wild animals. 

 It is against that sentiment that this Commission has sharply to set 

 its face and to carry out its campaign of education in order to make 

 the people realize that we have a duty to perform in preserving these 

 relics of a former fauna in our country. It is our duty to generations 

 yet to come, who would blame us if they found that we had allowed 

 this fauna to become extinct and to disappear forever when it was in 

 our power to preserve it. 



Those of us who have had to study the question of the gradual 

 extinction of mammals will appreciate that point of view. The average 

 man on the street does not, but he soon appreciates it if it is explained 

 to him in the proper way, and that is one of the important lines of 

 work that this Commission will have to continue. We cannot speak 

 once and then be silent. We must continue to preach this gospel and' 



