122 NATURAL RESOURCES OF QUEBEC
fetch nearly the same price in London as salted salmon from the same locality.
They are plentiful about the mouths of the northern rivers and along
the coast, and the Eskimos report them abundant at the Belcher and other
islands lying off the west coast.
It was not definitely known that cod existed in Hudson and James
bays, until Dr. Low reported in 1900 that cod were taken at Cape Smith
and near Fort George in James bay by members of the expedition. The
Eskimos catch them in Nastapoka sound and at the Belcher islands.
Inland Fisheries.—Fish of various kinds and of large size are caught
in the lakes of New Quebec. The Great Lake Trout is very plentiful in
all the larger lakes and weighs from 8 to 25 pounds. Brook trout are
common in all the streams, and whitefish weighing 3 to 4 pounds, pike,
pickerel, and chub are found in all the lakes. The Atlantic salmon is
abundant in the rivers flowing into Ungava bay.
Furs.—Foxes are the most numerous of the fur-bearing animals in
New Quebec. In order as to quantity they may be rated white, red,
cross, black (silver) and blue. Next to foxes, marten are the most numerous.
It is one of the most abundant and valuable fur-bearing animals in
Ungava. Its northern range is practically limited to the southern boundary
of the semi-barrens, and it is found only in the wooded stretches of
the river valleys north of this line. The otter is common throughout
the wooded region, and ranges northward into the barren grounds. Beaver
is not found north of the thickly wooded area. On the Hudson bay coast
it is rare north of Fort George river. Beaver are plentiful on the lower
Eastmain river. Mink are common in the lake Mistassini region, and
ermine are found everywhere throughout the wooded regions. Other
fur-bearing animals include, lynx, fisher, bear, and wolverine.
Water-powers.—The interior of Ungava is a huge plateau which
rises somewhat abruptly within a few miles of the coast line to heights of
500 to 6,000 feet. The various streams accordingly afford numerous
water-powers. On Great Whale river, for instance, within twenty miles
of the mouth there are three falls 150 feet, 230 feet, and 65 feet respectively.
The extensive water-powers of New Quebec constitute a great
reserve for future development.
