The Unexploited West: A Compilation of all of the authentic information available at the present time as to the Natural Resources of the Unexploited Regions of Northern CanadaChambers, Ernest J.
History
The Unexploited West: A Compilation of all of the authentic information available at the present time as to the Natural Resources of the Unexploited Regions of Northern Canada
Chambers, Ernest J.
Canada -- Economic conditions; Northwest, Canadian -- Economic conditions
in the fall and winter, large herds of barren lands caribou were
encountered. These herds supply fresh meat of an excellent quality for
the residents of Churchill. Polar bears are occasionally shot in the
vicinity of Churchill. Along the western peninsula Eskimo congregate in
the spring for the purpose of seal hunting, these animals frequenting
these shores in the spring in large numbers. Among the fur bearing
animals are found black fox, silver fox, red and white fox, marten, and
wolves both black and gray. Swans, geese, ptarmigan and many species of
duck in large numbers, and some spruce grouse are found along the shores
of Churchill harbour and river.
Referring specially to his exploration of that part of the country
between Churchill and Owl river in December, 1906, Mr. Thibaudeau
states:—“For one whole day we passed through an immense herd of barren
lands caribou. There must have been thousands of them.”
Reporting on the fish and game along the route of his exploration trip
from Churchill to The Pas, Mr. Thibaudeau says:—“From timber line on
Hudson bay to The Pas are found moose and caribou in fair quantities.
Rabbits are scarce throughout the country explored. Saw a few spruce
grouse; ptarmigan are found plentifully, but not further south than
Grass river. Whitefish abound in all the lakes from Churchill to The
Pas; also in some lakes are found trout, pike and suckers. Indians and
travellers rely upon this source of supply for dog feed.”
Mr. William Beech, of Churchill, in his communication to the press
already quoted, writes:—“Fur-bearing animals exist in large quantities,
and in many varieties, throughout the woods and along the shores and
rivers. I have seen enormous white polar bears three hundred yards from
my house as early as August 9, and at times they are very aggressive.
Wolves are numerous, and very bold at times, so bold in fact that I have
frequently heard them running round upon the roof above my head. White,
red and black foxes, and a few of the rare silver variety are to be
found at all seasons, and are
VALUABLE FOR THE FUR THEY BEAR.
Caribou roam in herds, and are very good eating, while seals, ducks,
ptarmigan, geese and swans abound throughout the districts round about.
Curlew, snipe, and loons also provide good shooting. Of fur-bearing
animals besides foxes there are beaver, otter, mink, ermine, and
wolverine, innumerable.
“Great sport is afforded to those who are so inclined in harpooning
whales. I have counted as many as twenty in one school, going up the
river at almost every tide, and an impressive sight it is. In summer at
Churchill the Hudson’s Bay Company capture many white whales, from ten
to fifteen feet in length and weighing from one thousand to two thousand
pounds, by the use of extra strong nets. The flesh is cut up and kept to
feed the dogs in winter, while the blubber is boiled down at the factory
and the hides are sent to England.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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