32 
the condition of mountain snows threatened to cut off a retreat. On 
return again to Great Bear lake it was found that the Indians had scattered 
because the fishery at the head of the river had given out, so after sub- 
stituting a sled for a toboggan, it was decided to visit some of the spring 
camps of the natives. The first stop was made with Dogribs at the foot 
of Bear mountain, near the mouth of McVicar bay. This place afforded 
a profitable visit. A second followed at a fishing camp a few miles distant 
in the direction of Johnnylio river. The natives, however, seemed un- 
certain, due to their fear of another epidemic, whether to return to Norman 
or to go to Rae on the north arm of Great Slave lake. Since it was 
impracticable for the writer to go to the latter place he decided to move 
northward while it was still possible to travel with dogteam, with the 
expectation of finding another band of hunters on the east side of the lake. 
Four days were consumed in getting to the north shore of McTavish bay 
because of the bad condition of the ice and pressure ridges over which 
it was not possible for one man to manoeuvre a sled. Several days of 
hunting resulted in finding nothing but abandoned tent sites. The Caribou 
Point people had moved. The search was then pushed on in the belief 
that they had gone to the fishing grounds on the north side of Dease bay, 
but this also availed nothing. After coasting the north shore of the lake 
into Good Iiope (Smith) bay, the dogs were directed homewards. After 
sixteen days of search, during which time not a single person was seen, 
the writer was greeted hospitably at his destination by both the Dogribs 
and the Caribou Point people. 
At the end of June the annual summer visit was made to Norman 
to meet the steamer. Some satisfactory work was done during the following 
weeks, but it was interrupted by another, milder, epidemic of sickness. 
The last part of the stay in the Mackenzie region was made at Good Hope 
where very interesting data were obtained. 
The writer is particularly indebted for assistance given him by A. W. 
Boland, Esq., of Great Bear lake, without whose advice and aid it would 
have been impossible to surmount the physical difficulties of residence 
in that region. To the same gentleman credit is due for his services as 
interpreter and as an informant contributing many exact accounts of the 
country and its people. All was done in the spirit which over a large area 
has made his name a synonym both for generosity and for honesty. Ack- 
nowledgment must also be rendered for the kindnesses of the Rev. Father 
Houssais of the Roman Catholic Mission at Norman, and to Mr. and 
Mrs. N. Roberts. To the others whom space does not permit to name, 
a sincere appreciation is expressed for many favours. 
To Mr. Diamond Jenness credit should be given for aid in preparing 
this manuscript and his unfailing consideration as Chief of the Division 
of Anthropology. The writer wishes to thank Professors E. Sapir and 
F.-C. Cole, of the University of Chicago, for the inspiration and guidanfeg 
without which the work would not have been undertaken. ocn 
THE NORTHEASTERN ATHAPASKANS 
Great Bear lake is the focal centre of four tribes well known in the 
history of northern Canada, Dogribs, Yellowknives, Hares, and Slaves. 
Excepting the littoral held by the Eskimo, these tribes occupy or periodi- 
