258 THEOUGH THE MACKENZIE BASIN' 



1897, 43,000 in 1900, 46,000 in 1902, and 49,190 for 1903. 

 This is without doubt a bad showing for some of the later of 

 the twenty-six years whioh have succeeded that statement. 

 Even with the addition thereto of the " opposition " trade, 

 in the very same locality, it is doubtful if the aggi-egate of 

 both would greatly exceed one-half of this average. It is 

 generally assumed that " opposition " or competition is the 

 " life of trade " in all branches of business ; but, in the opin- 

 ion of many competent judges, the fur trade, from its very 

 nature and the scope of its operations, is, or should be, one 

 of the few essential exceptions to the rule. It is a matter of 

 fact that the advent and continued presence of "free traders" 

 at a Company's inland post has always had a more or less 

 stimulating effect on the natives, by inducing them to exert 

 themselves to a larger degree than usual in the hunting of 

 beaver and all other fur-bearing animals; but although at 

 first and for some time all concerned appear to benefit by 

 increased returns, yet the inevitable accompaniment of reck- 

 less and indiscriminate slaughter sooner or later adversely 

 manifests itself. This has hitherto been the invariable expe- 

 rience at every assailed post or district in iSTorth America. 



We all know how the bison or buffalo of the prairies of 

 Canada and the United States has practically disappeared, 

 although half a century ago it was reckoned by millions. 

 The beaver has been Canada's staple fur for centuries, and 

 but for the Hudson's Bay Coinpany and its officers it would 

 long ago have ceased to exist as a commercial asset. Unless 

 further action speedily intervene in the premises, however, 

 the ultimate extermination of the Canadian beaver is merely 

 a question of time. It has already disappeared for good 

 from many sections in which it was formerly present. It 

 is becoming very scarce in certain localities where it should 

 receive immediate protection in the way of several legaUy- 

 assured years of rest and full exemption from disturbance 

 by hunters. In other districts, where it is gradually but 

 surely diminishing in numbers, its killing should be re- 



