A Trapper’s Life

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31316, 11 March 1967, Page 4

A Trapper’s Life

Hunters of the North. By John E. Hood. Phoenix. 155 pp.

This book is a simple and factual guide to the habits of both human and animal dwellers in the northern latitudes of Canada and America. The techniques of trapping described in these pages belongs to a bygone age, but reveals all the details of a trapper’s life, be he Indian or white man. The Hudson’s Bay Company dates back to 1670 when it received its charter from Charles 11, but Eastern Canada remained under French domination until Wolfe’s victory at the battle of Quebec, nearly a hundred years later, after which the country became a British colony. The various trappers of furbearing animals had, up to this date, relied on the Hudson’s Bay Company for their livelihood—bartering skins for such necessities as flour, tobacco, clothing, etc. But in the later part of the 18th century a rival trading group calling themselves the Northwest Company, under French direction, set up in opposition to the Hudson’s Bay Company, which resulted in a good deal of violence and - bloodshed from the rival interests. The companies eventually merged, and the trappers were given a square deal when trading their fox, mink, caribou, beaver and other skins for the merchandise they needed. The habitat and habits of animals as various as otters, muskrats, moose and bears are described in successive chapters, as well as that wicked brute the carcajo, or wolverine, who lives in a perpetual condition of simmering hatred fbr all living things.

I The Indian with his tepee, and > the Eskimo, with his igloo, are I householders in a very practi- , cal form of way, though their . lives have always, by Western I standards, been hard. But the > benefits of civilisation, which - most of them now enjoy, have r also brought rather enervat--1 ing effects, and some susceptibility to illness in its train.

The book is illustrated and suggests that it could be meant for educational use, but it has much entertainment value for people of all ages, and especially those who are interested in the wild life of the far north.