Fauna of Western Eskimaux -land. 3379 



vicinity all day, and kept better watch than myself. Upon awakening, 

 I found to my surprize that the frying-pan was empty, and no rem- 

 nants of the repast whatever were to be seen. Pursuit was hopeless, 

 and my companions returning, they had to go supperless to sleep. 

 The wolf-skin is much prized by the Eskimaux, and the animal itself 

 is often caught for the purpose of crossing their dogs, and thus adding 

 to their size and strength. 



The lynx (Felis rufa) is scarce, but destructive to the deer. It 

 takes its place among the branches of trees, and pounces upon its 

 prey beneath. The skin, though the fur is very soft and thick, is not 

 valuable, because it is remarkably thin. The flesh forms a dainty 

 article of food, and is made into broth for the sick and aged, as chick- 

 ens are with us. 



The different species of seal in the Arctic sea are numerous, and 

 form one of the necessaries of life to the Eskimaux. Their flesh is 

 an esteemed article of food, and their skins are used for various do- 

 mestic purposes. 



Of still greater importance is the morse or walrus (Trichechus ros- 

 mams), without which the condition of the natives would be wretched 

 indeed. Its skin forms the outer covering of their baidars and kay- 

 acks ; from its tusks are made weapons, sledge-runners, and a variety 

 of useful articles; and its flesh and blubber afford both food and light. 

 Even to a European, the walrus-meat is not disagreeable. Captain 

 Cook calls it marine beef; and on board the relief ships, soup made 

 from it frequently appeared at table. 



Rats and mice are numerous, and, as the aborigines put everything 

 to some use, the former are trapped for their skins, the latter as food. 



The marmots (Axtomys Parri) are abundant all along the coast : 

 they are of a yellowish gray colour, inclining to russet. The skin is 

 esteemed, forming, as it does, a warm covering. The marmots bur- 

 row in holes, and remain in a state of lethargy during the winter. 



The beavers {Casto?* Fiber) are caught or trapped in numbers, 

 and, like the marten and others, are found in greater abundance to- 

 wards the south. The natives obtain a good price for the skins, which 

 the Russians appear to consider the most lucrative branch of their fur 

 trade, and import vast numbers into China, in exchange for tea. 



The hare {Lepus glacialis) roams over the vast moorland, and seve- 

 ral killed on Choris Peninsula averaged J 4 lbs. in weight. During 

 the winter they are entirely white, with the exception of the tips of 

 the ears, which are black ; but in the summer the colour changes, 

 until in September it cannot be distinguished from that of the hares 



