A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF SOUTHERN BAFFIN ISLAND 
CHAPTER I 
INTRODUCTION 
The following report presents the known essential facts concerning 
the fauna of Baffin island. The information contributed by the writer 
was mainly secured during a continuous two-year period of exploration 
lasting from the summer of 1924 to late summer of 1926. The surveys 
represented on the accompanying map were made by compass and by 
boat log when practicable or by estimating the rate of travel. 
Without the kindly assistance of numerous friends, the present work 
would have been impossible. On the 1923 Canadian Arctic Expedition, 
the work was greatly facilitated by the kindness of Mr. J. D. Craig, Officer- 
in-Charge, and Captain J. E. Bernier. In 1924 every courtesy possible was 
again received from these gentlemen, as well as from Mr. J. D. Henderson, 
Officer-in -Charge of the expedition. Mr. George P, Mackenzie, Offieer-in- 
Charge of the 1925 Canadian Arctic Expedition, rendered all possible aid 
in re-outfitting at Pangnirtung for another year in the Arctic. Every 
kindness was shown by the members of the Royal Canadian Mounted 
Police in furthering the aims of the exploration. Especially should mention 
be made of Sergeant J. E. F. Wight with whom headquarters at 
Pangnirtung were shared for nearly two years. Through his direct aid 
many points of interest in Cumberland sound were reached, and his 
unselfish concern is responsible for twice risking in the autumn of 1925 
the passage of Nettilling fiord in order to return the party from the interior 
to Pangnirtung fiord. Constable S. H. G. Margetts, engineer of the 
Lady Borden, rendered much assistance, as did also Constable T. Tredgold, 
a travelling companion on the long trip to the interior during the summer 
of 1925. Corporal F. Mclnnes furnished valuable notes on the wild life 
of northern Baffin island, and many personal favours were received from 
Staff Sergeant A. H. Joy (now Inspector), of Ponds inlet, Constable G. T. 
Makinson of Craig Harbour, Ellesmere island, Constables F. Fielder and 
E. F. Tutin of Pangnirtung, and Corporal H. G. Nichols of Port Burwell. 
The officers of the Hudson’s Bay Company rendered every possible assis- 
tance toward the successful achievement of various journeys. Especially 
is it desired to acknowledge the kindness of Mr. F. Heath of Pangnirtung, 
Mr. David Wark of Amadjuak bay, and Mr. James Aitken of cape 
Dorset. 
Physical Features 
Baffin island, the largest and probably the most valuable of the 
Canadian Arctic islands, stretches northwesterly for 960 miles; the widest 
part is about 420 miles, the narrowest, 150 miles. Its area is about 200,000 
square miles, the island being the third largest in the world, exceeded in 
size only by Australia and Greenland. Precambrian granitic rocks form 
most of the island, but the high, plateau area of the northwest part, and 
the low plains which in the south extend east from Foxe basin to the 
region of the great lakes of the interior, are floored with nearly horizontal 
