eye-brows, very large and beautiful in the male, but less conspicuous in
the female. In Summer they are brown, elegantly barred and mottled with
orange, white, and black; and at that season the males are very proud
and handsome, but the females are less beautiful, being of one universal
brown. As the Fall advances they change to a delicate white, except
fourteen black feathers in the tail, which are also tipped with white;
and their legs and feet, quite down to the nails, are warmly covered
with feathers. In the latter end of September and beginning of October
they gather in flocks of some hundreds, and proceed from the open plains
and barren grounds, (where they usually breed,) to the woods and
brush-willows, where they hord together in a state of society, till
dispersed by their common enemies, the hawks, or hunters. They are by
far the most numerous of any of the Grouse species that are found in
Hudson's Bay; and in some places when permitted to remain undisturbed
for a considerable time, their number is frequently so great, as almost
to exceed credibility. I shall by no means exceed truth, if I assert
that I have seen upward of four hundred in one flock near Churchill
River; but the greatest number I ever saw was on the North side of Port
Nelson River, when returning with a packet in March one thousand seven
hundred and sixty-eight: at that time I saw thousands flying to the
North, and the whole surface of the snow seemed to be in motion by those
that were feeding on the tops of the short willows. Sir {412} Thomas
Button mentions, that when he wintered in Port Nelson River in one
thousand six hundred and twelve, his crew killed eighteen hundred dozen
of those birds, which I have no reason to doubt; and Mr. Jérémie,
formerly Governor at York Fort, when that place was in the possession of
the French, and then called Fort Bourbon, asserts, that he and
seventy-nine others eat no less than ninety thousand partridges and
twenty-five thousand hares in the course of one Winter; which,
considering the quantity of venison, geese, ducks, _&c._ enumerated in
his account, that were killed that year, makes the number so great, that
it is scarcely possible to conceive what eighty men could do with them;
for on calculation, ninety thousand partridges and twenty-five thousand
hares divided by eighty, amounts to no less than one thousand one
hundred and twenty-five partridges, and three hundred and twelve hares
per man. This is by far too great a quantity, particularly when it is
considered that neither partridges nor hares are in season, or can be
procured in any numbers, more than seven months in the year. Forty
thousand partridges and five thousand hares would, I think, be much
nearer the truth, and will be found, on calculation, to be ample
provision for eighty men for seven months, exclusive of any change. The
common weight of those birds is from eighteen to twenty-two ounces when
first killed; there are some few that are nearly that weight when fit
for the spit, but they are so scarce as by no means to serve as a
standard; and as they always hord with the common {413} size, there is
no room to suspect them of another species. As all those over-grown
partridges are notoriously known to be males, it is more than probable
that they are imperfect, and grow large and fat like capons; and every
one that has had an opportunity of tasting those large partridges, will
readily allow that they excel the common sort as much in flavour as they
do in size. It is remarked in those birds, as well as the Rock
Partridge, that they are provided with additional clothing, as it may be
called; for every feather, from the largest to the smallest, except the
quills and tail, are all double. The under-feather is soft and downy,
shooting from the shaft of the larger; and is wonderfully adapted to
their situation, as they not only brave the coldest Winters, but the
species now under consideration always burrow under the snow at nights,
and at day-light come forth to feed. In Winter they are always found to
frequent the banks of rivers and creeks, the sides of lakes and ponds,
and the plains which abound with dwarf willows; for it is on the buds
and tops of that tree they always feed during the Winter. In summer they
eat berries and small herbage. Their food in Winter being so dry and
harsh, makes it necessary for them to swallow a considerable quantity of
gravel to promote digestion; but the great depth of snow renders it very
scarce during that season. The Indians having considered this point,
invented the method now in use among the English, of catching them in
nets by means of that simple allurement, a heap of gravel. The nets for
this purpose are from eight {414} to twelve feet square, and are
stretched in a frame of wood, and usually set on the ice of rivers,
creeks, ponds, and lakes, about one hundred yards from the willows, but
in some situations not half that distance. Under the center of the net a
heap of snow is thrown up to the size of one or two bushels, and when
well packed is covered with gravel. To set the nets, when thus prepared,
requires no other trouble than lifting up one side of the frame, and
supporting it with two small props, about four feet long: a line is
fastened to those props, and the other end being conveyed to the
neighbouring willows, is always so contrived that a man can get to it
without being seen by the birds under the net. When every thing is thus
prepared, the hunters have nothing to do but go into the adjacent
willows and woods, and when they start game, endeavour to drive them
into the net, which at times is no hard task, as they frequently run
before them like chickens; and sometimes require no driving, for as soon
as they see the black heap of gravel on the white snow they fly straight
towards it. The hunter then goes to the end of the line to watch their
motions, and when he sees there are as many about the gravel as the net
can cover, or as many as are likely to go under at that time, with a
sudden pull he hauls down the stakes, and the net falls horizontally on
the snow, and encloses the greatest part of the birds that are under it.
The hunter then runs to the net as soon as possible, and kills all the
birds by biting them at the back of the head. He then sets up the net,
{415} takes away all the dead game, and repeats the operation as often
as he pleases, or as long as the birds are in good humour. By this
simple contrivance I have known upwards of three hundred partridges
caught in one morning by three persons; and a much greater number might
have been procured had it been thought necessary. Early in the morning,
just at break of day, and early in the afternoon, is the best time for
this sport. It is common to get from thirty to seventy at one hawl; and
in the Winter of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, Mr. Prince,
then Master of a sloop at Churchill River, actually caught two hundred
and four at two hawls. They are by no means equally plentiful every
year; for in some Winters I have known them so scarce, that it was
impossible to catch any in nets, and all that could be procured with the
gun would hardly afford one day's allowance per week to the men during
the season; but in the Winter one thousand seven hundred and
eighty-five, they were so plentiful near Churchill, and such numbers
were brought to the Factory, that I gave upward of two thousand to the
hogs. In the latter end of March, or the beginning of April, those birds
begin to change from white to their beautiful Summer plumage, and the
first brown feathers make their appearance on the neck,[CI] and by
degrees {416} spread over the whole body; but their Summer dress is
seldom complete till July. The feathers of those birds make excellent
beds, and as they are the perquisite of the hunters, are usually sold to
the Captains and Mates of the Company's ships, at the easy rate of three
pence per pound.
[Sidenote: Rock Partridges.]
ROCK PARTRIDGES.[179] This species of Grouse are in Winter of the same
colour as the former, but inferior in size; being in general not more
than two-thirds of the weight. They have a black line from the bill to
the eye, and differ in nature and manner from the Willow Partridge. They
never frequent the woods or willows, but brave the severest cold on the
open plains. They always feed on the buds and tops of the dwarf birch,
and after this repast, generally sit on the high ridges of snow, with
their heads to windward. They are never caught in nets, like the Willow
Partridge; for when in want of gravel, their bills are of such an
amazing strength, that they pick a sufficient quantity out of the rocks.
Beside, being so much inferior in size to the former species, their
flesh is by no means so good, being black, hard, and bitter. They are in
general, like the Wood Partridge, either exceeding wild or very tame;
and when in the latter humour, I have {417} known one man kill one
hundred and twenty in a few hours; for as they usually keep in large
flocks, the sportsmen can frequently kill six or eight at a shot. These,
like the Willow Partridge, change their plumage in Summer to a beautiful
speckled brown; and at that season are so hardy, that, unless shot in
the head or vitals, they will fly away with the greatest quantity of
shot of any bird I know. They discover great fondness for their young;
for during the time of incubation, they will frequently suffer
themselves to be taken by hand off their eggs.[CJ] Pigeons[180] of a
small size, not larger than a thrush, are in some Summers found as far
North as Churchill River. The bill is of a flesh-colour, legs red, and
the greatest part of the plumage of a light lilac or blush. In the
interior parts of the country they fly in large flocks, and perch on the
poplar trees in such numbers that I have seen twelve of them killed at
one shot. They usually feed on {418} poplar buds, and are good eating,
though seldom fat. They build their nests in trees, the same as the Wood
Pigeons do; never lay but two eggs, and are very scarce near the
sea-coast in the Northern parts of Hudson's Bay.
[Sidenote: Red-breasted Thrush.]
The RED-BREASTED THRUSHES, commonly called in Hudson's Bay the Red
Birds,[181] but by some the Black Birds, on account of their note, and
by others the American Fieldfares usually make their appearance at
Churchill River about the middle of May, build their nests of mud, like
the English Thrush, and lay four beautiful blue eggs. They have a very
loud and pleasing note, which they generally exercise most in the
mornings and evenings, when perched on some lofty tree near their nest;
but when the young can fly they are silent, and migrate to the South
early in the Fall. They are by no means numerous, and are generally seen
in pairs; they are never sought after as an article of food, but when
killed by the Indian boys, are esteemed good eating, though they always
feed on worms and insects.
[Sidenote: Grosbeak.]
GROSBEAK.[182] These gay birds visit Churchill River in some years so
early as the latter end of March, but are by no means plentiful; they
are always seen in pairs, and generally feed on the buds of the poplar
and willow. The male is in most parts of its plumage of a beautiful
crimson, but the female of a dull dirty green. In form they much
resemble the English bullfinch, but are near {419} double their size.
They build their nests in trees, sometimes not far from the ground; lay
four white eggs, and always hatch them in June. They are said to have a
pleasing note in Spring, though I never heard it, and are known to
retire to the South early in the Fall. The English residing in Hudson's
Bay generally call this bird the American Red Bird.
[Sidenote: Snow Bunting.]
SNOW BUNTINGS,[183] universally known in Hudson's Bay by the name of the
Snow Birds, and in the Isles of Orkney by the name of Snow Flakes, from
their visiting those parts in such numbers as to devour the grain as
soon as sown, in some years are so destructive as to oblige the farmer
to sow his fields a second, and occasionally a third time. These birds
make their appearance at the Northern settlements in the Bay about the
latter end of May, or beginning of April, [_sic_] when they are very
fat, and not inferior in flavour to an ortolan. On their first arrival
they generally feed on grass-seeds, and are fond of frequenting
dunghills. At that time they are easily caught in great numbers under a
net baited with groats or oatmeal; but as the Summer advances, they feed
much on worms, and are then not so much esteemed. They sometimes fly in
such large flocks, that I have killed upwards of twenty at one shot, and
have known others who have killed double that number. In the Spring
their plumage is prettily variegated, black and white; but their Summer
dress may be called elegant, though not gay. They live {420} long in
confinement, have naturally a pleasing note, and when in company with
Canary birds soon imitate their song. I have kept many of them in cages
in the same room with Canary birds, and always found they sung in Winter
as well as in Summer; but even in confinement they change their plumage
according to the season, the same as in a wild state. This species of
bird seem fond of the coldest regions, for as the Spring advances they
fly so far North that their breeding-places are not known to the
inhabitants of Hudson's Bay. In Autumn they return to the South in large
flocks, and are frequently shot in considerable numbers merely as a
delicacy; at that season, however, they are by no means so good as when
they first make their appearance in Spring.
[Sidenote: White-crowned Bunting.]
WHITE-CROWNED BUNTING.[184] This species is inferior in size to the
former, and seldom make their appearance till June. They breed in most
parts of the Bay, always make their nests on the ground, at the root of
a dwarf willow or a gooseberry-bush. During the time their young are in
a callow state they have a delightful note, but as soon as they are
fledged they become silent, and retire to the South early in September.
[Sidenote: Lapland Finch.]
LAPLAND FINCH.[185] This bird is common on Hudson's Bay, and never
migrates Southward in the coldest Winters. During that season it
generally frequents the juniper plains, and feeds on the small buds of
that tree, also on grass-seeds; {421} but at the approach of Summer it
flies still farther North to breed. A variety of this bird is also
common, and is beautifully marked with a red forehead and breast.[186]
It is most common in the Spring, and frequently caught in nets set for
the Snow Bunting; and when kept in cages has a pleasing note, but seldom
lives long in confinement, though it generally dies very fat.
[Sidenote: Larks.]
LARKS[187] of a pretty variegated colour frequent those parts in Summer,
and always make their appearance in May; build their nests on the
ground, usually by the side of a stone at the root of a small bush, lay
four speckled eggs, and bring forth their young in June. At their first
arrival, and till the young can fly, the male is in full song; and, like
the sky-lark, soars to a great height, and generally descends in a
perpendicular direction near their nest. Their note is loud and
agreeable, but consists of little variety, and as soon as the young can
fly they become silent, and retire to the Southward early in the Fall.
They are impatient of confinement, never sing in that state, and seldom
live long.
[Sidenote: Titmouse.]
The TITMOUSE[188] is usually called in Hudson's Bay, Blackcap. This
diminutive bird braves the coldest Winter, and during that season feeds
on the seeds of long rye-grass, but in Summer on insects and berries.
The Southern Indians call this bird Kiss-kiss-heshis, from a twittering
noise they make, which much resembles that word in sound.
[Sidenote: Swallows.]
{422} SWALLOWS[189] visit these parts in considerable numbers in Summer,
and are very domestic; building their nests in necessaries, stables, and
other out-offices that are much frequented. They seldom make their
appearance at Churchill River till June, and retire South early in
August. They, like the European Swallow, gather in large flocks on the
day of their departure, make several revolutions round the
breeding-places, and then take their leave till the next year. I do not
recollect to have seen any of those birds to the North of Seal River.
[Sidenote: Martins.]
MARTINS[190] also visit Hudson's Bay in great numbers, but seldom so far
North as Churchill River. They usually make their nests in holes formed
in the steep banks of rivers; and, like the Swallow, lay four or five
speckled eggs; and retire Southward in August. At the Northern
settlements they are by no means so domestic as the Swallow.
[Sidenote: Hooping Crane.]
HOOPING CRANE.[191] This bird visits Hudson's Bay in the Spring, though
not in great numbers. They are generally seen only in pairs, and that
not very often. It is a bird of considerable size, often equal to that
of a good turkey, and the great length of the bill, neck, and legs,
makes it measure, from the bill to the toes, near six feet in common,
and some much more. Its plumage is of a pure white, except the
quill-feathers, which are black; the crown is covered with a red skin,
{423} thinly beset with black bristles, and the legs are large and
black. It usually frequents open swamps, the sides of rivers, and the
margins of lakes and ponds, feeds on frogs and small fish, and esteemed
good eating. The wing-bones of this bird are so long and large, that I
have known them made into flutes with tolerable success. It seldom has
more than two young, and retires Southward early in the fall.
[Sidenote: Brown Crane.]
The BROWN CRANE.[192] This species is far inferior in size to the
former, being seldom three feet and a half in length, and on an average
not weighing seven pounds. Their haunts and manner of life are nearly
the same as that of the Hooping Crane, and they never have more than two
young, and those seldom fly till September. They are found farther North
than the former, for I have killed several of them on Marble Island, and
have seen them on the Continent as high as the latitude 65°. They are
generally esteemed good eating, and, from the form of the body when fit
for the spit, they acquire the name of the North West Turkey. There is a
circumstance respecting this bird that is very peculiar; which is, that
the gizzard is larger than that of a swan, and remarkably so in the
young birds. The Brown Cranes are frequently seen in hot calm days to
soar to an amazing height, always flying in circles, till by degrees
they are almost out of sight, yet their note is so loud, that the
sportsman, before he sees their situation, often fancies they are very
near him. They visit {424} Hudson's Bay in far greater numbers than the
former, and are very good eating.
[Sidenote: Bitterns.]
BITTERNS[193] are common at York Fort in Summer, but are seldom found so
far North as Churchill River. I have seen two species of this bird; some
having ash-coloured legs, others with beautiful grass-green legs, and
very gay plumage. They always frequent marshes and swamps, also the
banks of rivers that abound with reeds and long grass. They generally
feed on insects that are bred in the water, and probably on small frogs;
and though seldom fat, they are generally good eating. They are by no
means numerous even at York Fort, nor in fact in the most Southern parts
of the Bay that I have visited.
[Sidenote: Curlew.]
CURLEWS.[194] There are two species of this bird which frequent the
coasts of Hudson's Bay in great numbers during Summer, and breed in all
parts of it as far North as the latitude 72°; the largest of this
species is distinguished by that great Naturalist Mr. Pennant, by the
name of the Esquimaux Curlew. They always keep near the sea coast;
attend the ebbing of the tide, and are frequently found at
low-water-mark in great numbers, where they feed on marine insects,
which they find by the sides of stones in great plenty; but at
high-water they retire to the dry ridges and wait the receding of the
tide. They fly as steady as a woodcock, answer to a whistle that
resembles their note; lay long on their wings, and are a {425} most
excellent shot, and at times are delicious eating. The other species of
Curlew are in colour and shape exactly like the former, though inferior
in size, and differ in their manner of life, as they never frequent the
water's-edge, but always keep among the rocks and dry ridges, and feed
on berries and small insects. The flesh of this bird is generally more
esteemed than that of the former, but they are by no means so numerous.
This species of Curlew are seldom found farther North than Egg River.
[Sidenote: Jack Snipe.]
JACK SNIPES.[195] Those birds visit Hudson's Bay in Summer in
considerable numbers, but are seldom seen to the North of Whale Cove.
They do not arrive till the ice of the rivers is broke up, and they
retire to the South early in the Fall. During their stay, they always
frequent marshes near the sea coast, and the shores of great rivers. In
manner and flight they exactly resemble the European Jack Snipe; and
when on the wing, fly at such a distance from each other, that it is but
seldom the best sportsman can get more than one or two at a shot. Their
flesh is by no means so delicate as that of the English Snipe.
[Sidenote: Red Godwait.]
RED GODWAITS,[196] usually called at the Northern settlements in
Hudson's Bay, Plovers. Those birds visit the shores of that part in very
large flocks, and usually frequent the marshes and the margins of ponds.
They also frequently attend the tide, like the Esquimaux Curlews; fly
down to low-water-mark, and feed on a small fish, {426} not much unlike
a shrimp; but as the tide flows, they retire to the marshes. They fly in
such large flocks, and so close to each other, that I have often killed
upwards of twelve at one shot; and Mr. Atkinson, long resident at York
Fort, actually killed seventy-two at one shot; but that was when the
birds were sitting. Near Churchill River they are seldom fat, though
tolerably fleshy, and are generally good eating. They usually weigh from
ten to thirteen ounces; the female is always larger than the male, and
differs in colour, being of a much lighter brown. They retire to the
South long before the frost commences; yet I have seen this bird as far
North as the latitude 71° 50'.
[Sidenote: Spotted Godwait.]
SPOTTED GODWAIT,[197] known in Hudson's Bay by the name of Yellow Legs.
This bird also visits that country in considerable numbers, but more so
in the interior parts; and usually frequents the flat muddy banks of
rivers. In summer it is generally very poor, but late in the Fall is, as
it may be called, one lump of fat. This bird, with many others of the
migratory tribe, I saw in considerable numbers as far North as the
latitude 71° 54'; and at York Fort I have known them shot so late as the
latter end of October: at which time they are in the greatest
perfection, and most delicious eating, more particularly so when put
into a bit of paste, and boiled like an apple-dumpling; for in fact they
are generally too fat at that season to be eaten either roasted or
boiled.
[Sidenote: Hebridal Sandpipers.]
{427} HEBRIDAL SANDPIPERS,[198] but more commonly known in Hudson's Bay
by the Name of Whale Birds, on account of their feeding on the carcases
of those animals which frequently lie on the shores, also on maggots
that are produced in them by fly-blows. These birds frequent those parts
in considerable numbers, and always keep near the margin of the sea.
They may, in fact, be called beautiful birds, though not gay in their
plumage; they are usually very fat, but even when first killed they
smell and taste so much like train-oil as to render them by no means
pleasing to the palate, yet they are frequently eaten by the Company's
servants. As the Summer advances they fly so far North of Churchill
River, that their breeding-places are not known, though they remain at
that part till the beginning of July, and return early in the Fall. They
are by no means large birds, as they seldom weigh four ounces. The bill
is black, plumage prettily variegated black and white, and the legs and
feet are of a beautiful orange colour.[CK]
[Sidenote: Plover.]
PLOVERS,[199] commonly called Hawk's Eyes, from their watchfulness to
prevent a near approach when sitting. When these birds are on the wing,
they fly very swift and irregular, particularly when single or in small
flocks. At Churchill River they are by no means numerous, but I have
seen them in such large flocks at York Fort in the Fall of one {428}
thousand seven hundred and seventy-three, that Mr. Ferdinand Jacobs then
Governor, Mr. Robert Body Surgeon, and myself, killed in one afternoon
as many as two men could conveniently carry. They generally feed on
insects, and are at all times good eating, but late in the Fall are most
excellent. They are by no means equally plentiful in all years; and at
the Northern settlements in the Bay they are not classed with those
species of game that add to the general stock of provisions, being only
killed as a luxury; but I am informed that at Albany Fort, several
barrels of them are annually salted for Winter use, and are esteemed
good eating. This bird during Summer resorts to the remotest Northern
parts; for I have seen them at the Copper River, though in those dreary
regions only in pairs. The young of those birds always leave their nests
as soon as hatched, and when but a few days old run very fast; at night,
or in rainy weather, the old ones call them together, and cover them
with their wings, in the same manner as a hen does her chickens.
[Sidenote: Black Gullemots.]
BLACK GULLEMOTS,[200] known in Hudson's Bay by the name of Sea Pigeons.
Those birds frequent the shores of Hudson's Bay and Straits in
considerable numbers; but more particularly the Northern parts, where
they fly in large flocks; to the Southward they are only seen in pairs.
They are of a fine black, but not glossy, with scarlet legs and feet;
and the coverets of the wings are marked with white. They are in weight
equal to a Widgeon, {429} though to appearance not so large. They
usually make their nests in the holes of rocks, and lay two white eggs,
which are delicate eating, but not proportionably large for the size of
the bird. My friend Mr. Pennant says, they brave the coldest Winters in
those parts, by keeping at the edge of the ice near the open water; but
as the sea at that season is frozen over for several miles from the
shore, I believe no one's curiosity ever tempted him to confirm the
truth of this; and it is well known they never make their appearance
near the land after the frost becomes severe.
[Sidenote: Northern Divers.]
NORTHERN DIVERS.[201] These birds, though common in Hudson's Bay, are by
no means plentiful; they are seldom found near the sea coast, but more
frequently in fresh water lakes, and usually in pairs. They build their
nests at the edge of small islands, or the margins of lakes or ponds;
they lay only two eggs, and it is very common to find only one pair and
their young in one sheet of water; a great proof of their aversion to
society. They are known in Hudson's Bay by the name of Loons. They
differ in species from the Black and Red throated Divers, having a large
black bill near four inches long; plumage on the back of a glossy black,
elegantly barred with white; the belly of a silver white; and they are
so large as at times to weigh fifteen or sixteen pounds. Their flesh is
always black, hard, and fishy, yet it is generally eaten by the Indians.
[Sidenote: Black-throated Divers.]
{430} BLACK-THROATED DIVERS.[202] This species are more beautiful than
the former; having a long white bill, plumage on the back and wings
black, elegantly tinged with purple and green, and prettily marked with
white spots. In size they are equal to the former; but are so watchful
as to dive at the flash of a gun, and of course are seldom killed but
when on the wing. Their flesh is equally black and fishy with the
former, but it is always eaten by the Indians. The skins of those birds
are very thick and strong, and they are frequently dressed with the
feathers on, and made into caps for the Indian men. The skins of the
Eagle and Raven, with their plumage complete, are also applied to that
use, and are far from being an unbecoming head-dress for a savage.
[Sidenote: Red-throated Divers.]
RED-THROATED DIVERS.[203] This species are also called Loons in Hudson's
Bay; but they are so far inferior to the two former, that they seldom
weigh more than three or four pounds. They, like the other species of
Loon, are excellent divers; they always feed on fish, and when in
pursuit of their prey, are frequently entangled in fishing-nets, set at
the mouths of creeks and small rivers. They are more numerous than
either of the former, as they frequently fly in flocks; but like them
make their nests at the edge of the water, and only lay two eggs, which,
though very rank and fishy, are always eaten by Indians and English. The
legs of those three species of Loon are placed so near {431} the rump as
to be of no service to them on the land, as they are perfectly incapable
of walking; and when found in that situation (which is but seldom) they
are easily taken, though they make a strong resistance with their bill,
which is very hard and sharp.
[Sidenote: White Gulls.]
WHITE GULLS.[204] These birds visit Hudson's Bay in great numbers, both
on the sea coasts and in the interior parts, and probably extend quite
across the continent of America. They generally make their appearance at
Churchill River about the middle of May; build their nests on the
islands in lakes and rivers; lay two speckled eggs, and bring forth
their young in June. Their eggs are generally esteemed good eating, as
well as the flesh of those in the interior parts of the country, though
they feed on fish and carrion. They make their stay on Hudson's Bay as
long in the Fall as the frost will permit them to procure a livelihood.
[Sidenote: Grey Gulls.]