The next morning at three o'clock they were running about
on the hills at the post in such numbers that without trouble as
many could be killed as were desired.
From the George River post they hunt west for the caribou, which
are more often found in the vicinity of Whale River post than at
either George River or Fort Chimo to the west. For the five years
preceding my visit the caribou had crossed regularly in November at
Whale River. That is to say they were seen there in great numbers,
but no one knew whence they had come, or whither they went. Their
coming cannot, however, be counted upon every year.
In September 1889 the whole band of George River Eskimo went for
the annual hunt, by which they expect to supply themselves with
winter clothing. Day after day they travelled on without finding
the deer. When provisions gave out they were so far away from the
post that they dared not turn back. One family after another
dropped behind. Finally, the last little company gave up, one
young man only having the strength to go any farther. He, too, was
about to sink down, when at last be came upon the caribou. He went
back to help the others, but in spite of their best efforts twenty-
one of the band perished from starvation.
Pages:
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177