79 
In 1926, large numbers were observed, May 18, off the floe-edge in 
Hudson strait, between Amadjuak bay and cape Dorset. During the 
latter half of June they were encountered in great abundance among 
Fox islands, where, according to the Eskimo, they breed. The first 
fresh eggs of the season were taken on June 27 near cape Dorset. Several 
guillemot breeding islands east of cape Dorset were visited on July 9, 
but not a single egg was found. The natives said that the birds had not 
yet begun to nest in this locality. Revisiting the islands on July 21, a 
number of fresh sets of eggs were secured. Other islands south of the cape 
were visited on July 25, and the birds found to be breeding in some numbers. 
Several sets of eggs were collected and some found to be nearly fresh, 
whereas those of other sets contained embryos within a few days of hatching. 
J. C. Ross (1826, p. 107) recorded this bird as abundant at port Bowen 
and stated it to be the only water bird that remained in the Arctic 
throughout the winter. Kumlien (1879, p. 104) found the species common 
in Cumberland sound and observed some that remained in the tide-rifts 
all winter. Low (1906, p. 314) states the species to be common everywhere 
in Hudson bay and in smaller numbers northward. 
Hantzsch (1914, pp. 163-164), writing of Blacklead island, stated: 
“During the whole winter (1909-10) single individuals observed, or two or 
three individuals together. Not very shy.” During the winter of 1910-11, 
while on the eastern coast of Foxe basin north of the mouth of Koukjuak 
river, he saw specimens on open water on November 6, and one individual 
flying on December 8. Referring to January, 1911, he wrote: 
“Birds observed during the whole month by my people on the open water, now and 
then only singly; occasionally, however, also in large groups which then like to swim in 
little companies near one another, or at least in the neighbourhood. Eat crustaceans, 
besides little sea creatures and small cusks. Only in January in full winter plumage.” 
The same conditions were noted to obtain in February and March. 
6. Uria lomvia (Linnaeus), brunnich murre. 
Eskimo: Aukpa. 
No murres were seen while with the 1923 Canadian Arctic Expedition 
until July 22 in latitude 57 degrees off the Labrador coast. Fair 
numbers were seen on August 18 in Admiralty inlet and Strathcona sound. 
On August 20, along the north coast of Bylot island, thousands of murres 
were seen in small flocks of from 50 to 100. They were nearly absent from 
Navy Board inlet. Only one was observed at Ponds inlet between August 
23 and September 4. A few were noted during September along the east 
Baffin Island coast. 
In 1924 a number were seen from latitude 50 degrees to Cumber- 
land sound, July 9 to 21. The species is very rare in Cumberland Sound 
waters. Eskimo state that it is an abundant breeder at Merchants bay 
and along the coast to the north. On May 14, 1926, numbers were noted 
in the open sea between Tikkoat islands and cape Dorset. Many were 
observed during the summer about cape Dorset and Fox islands. 
J. C. Ross (1826, p. 106) recorded the occurrence of this bird at port 
Bowen, Prince Rupert inlet, where it arrived early in June. Kumlien 
(1879, p. 105) found them common from Grinnell bay north to the entrance 
of Cumberland sound, but rare in the sound. The Eskimo informed him 
that the birds formerly bred in great numbers on Kekerten islands. The 
species is said by Low (1906, p. 314) to be common everywhere in the north 
64400 — 6J 
