Throughout this fine region range large herds of buffalo,--not extending
their migrations, however, beyond its northern boundary. Here, too, are
found two kind of small deer--the wapiti, and the prong-horned antelope.
Hares--called rabbits, however--exist in great numbers. Porcupines are
frequently found. The black bear occasionally comes out of the
neighbouring forests, while a great variety of birds frequent the lakes
and streams, whose waters also swarm with numerous fish. The white fish
found in the lakes are much esteemed, and weigh from two or three to
seven pounds. There are fine pike also. Sturgeon are caught in Lake
Winnipeg and the Lower Saskatchewan of the weight of 160 pounds. Trout
grow to a great size, and there are gold-eyes, suckers, and cat-fish.
Unattractive as are the names of the two last, the fish themselves are
excellent. Among the birds, Professor Hind mentions prairie-hens,
plovers, various ducks, loons, and other aquatic birds, besides the
partridge, quail, whip-poor-will, hairy woodpecker, Canadian jay, blue
jay, Indian hen, and woodcock. In the mountain region are bighorns and
mountain goats; the grizzly bear often descends from his rugged heights
into the plains, and affords sport to the daring hunter. The musk-rat
and beaver inhabit the borders of the lakes. The cariboo and moose
frequent the Fertile Belt, though the musk-ox confines himself to the
more northern regions. Wolves have been almost exterminated in the
neighbourhood of the Red River settlement. The half-breeds and Indians
possess peculiarly hardy and sagacious horses, which are trained for
hunting the buffalo. Their dogs are large and powerful, and four of
them will draw a sleigh with one man over the snow at the rate of six
miles an hour. Herds of cattle, as well as horses and hogs, are left
out during the whole winter, it being necessary only--should a thaw come
on, succeeded by a frost--to supply them with food; otherwise, unable to
break through the coating of ice thus formed, they are liable to starve.
The farmers of the Red River settlement grow wheat, barley, oats, flax,
hemp, hops, turnips, and even tobacco, though Indian-corn grows best,
and can always be relied on. Wheat, however, is the staple crop of Red
River. It is a splendid country for sheep pasturage, and did easier
means of transporting the wool exist, or could it be made into cloth or
blankets in the settlement, no doubt great attention would be given to
the rearing of sheep.