34G 
LIEUT. -COL. II. W. FEILDEN ON THE ZOOLOGY OF 
Digges Islands, the open water of Hudson’s Bay was reached ; 
after which but little ice was seen. The “Alert” then passed 
between Mansfield and Southampton Islands, and a course was 
sliaped for Fort Churchill, which was reached on the 29th of July. 
This is a fine harbour, about two miles across, with very good 
anchorage ; a survey of the harbour was made. The ship then 
proceeded to York Factory, which was reached on August 5th. 
Captain Markham there landed, and with canoes and Indians made 
a start for Oxford House, which he reached on the 21st of August; 
leaving Oxford House on the 30th of August, with the Indians, he 
reached Winnipeg on the 12th of September, 188G. 
Mammalia. 
Canis lupus. The Wolf. 
A few were observed in the neighbouihood of Ashe Inlet by the 
meteorological observers stationed there. Some half-dozen skins 
were obtained from the Eskimos. A whelii was brought in alive 
to the station by the natives ; it was doing well under the influence 
of domestication. When seen by Captain Markham it was about 
two months old, and of a yellowish colour, and was about eighteen 
inches in height. Time and circumstances did not admit of any 
exact measurements being taken. 
Canis familiaius. Eskimo Hog. 
The Dogs used by the Eskimos in Hudson’s Straits resemble in 
every respect those found in Greenland and other parts of the 
Arctic regions. Two examined at Ashe Inlet appeared to be 
somewhat smaller than the usual run of Greenland Dogs, but they 
were acknowledged to be below the average in size. 
Ursus maritimus. Polar Bear. 
Ten of these were seen, and eight obtained by members of the 
expedition. Those first shot were in very poor condition, their 
stomachs being nearly empty — one entirely so. The White Bear 
may be called common in all parts of the Straits. 
Bangifer tarandus. Reindeer. 
Reported to be numerous in the neighbourhood of Ashe Inlet. 
So plentiful was the supply of venison brought to the station 
by the natives, that it appeared nearly daily on the table of the 
Observers, who, however, were dependent on the Eskimos for it. 
