DR. BELL’S LECTURE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2167, 16 April 1908, Page 2

DR. BELL’S LECTURE.

EIGHTEEN MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS OF CANADA

w , Br \ Be J lj Government Geologist, ulio has been investigating the neogicaiforniatronof many parts ofAtlio East Coast, delivered a lecture on an expedition extending over eighteen mouths in tlio Arctic regions of Canevenin'* la*t evening. ihe lecture was admirahlv illustrated by limelight. The vroceeds were in aid of the cost of publishing the High School Magazine. Mr »** Tlio lecture was most interesting and instructive Dr. Bell suited hit lecturo admirably to his audience, and wlule giving a scientific account of the characteristics of tlio region, interspersed lus remarks with many graphic accounts of his travels, descriptions of the beautilul mountain, river and lake scenery, the peculiar life of the far northern Indians and Esquimos, their fears, ' dress, warlike hatalfty an<l Uucoutk bufc hospi- • Dr ‘ i 3 ?! 1 s^ id Giat with the perniission of the Canadian Government ho visited the largo tract of country far beyond the Arctic Circle, where few white men tread, extending from the Great Slave Lake up the McKenzie river to beyond the Great Bear Lako. ibis unexplored country was inhabited by largo tribes of Indians and Esquimos, who never camo into touch vvitli. European civilisation, and who still. retained all their old customs, traditions, and habits The sub-Arctic portion of the country was still worked tor fur by the Hudson Bay Company, but tlieir operations extended only to the lower readies of the McIvonzio river. By the aid of the lantern a largo number of photographs were thrown upon the screen, and as each one appeared, the lecturer explained the lormation of the cliffs and rocks, the phenomena of the Arctic winter and summer, the difficulties in crossing the rivers, and the wonderful skill ol the Indians in handling their canoes. The doctor also touched upon the life of the half-breeds that dwelt in these unfrequented parts, and to the delight of the schoolboys, as well as the older portion of the audience exhibited views of the h-rver at work’ the polar and the grizzly bear, the’ musk ox, and other '■ts-sngo animals that he saw on his expedition. Views of the few settlements in the regions were also shown, and the lecture was greatly appreciated. At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was tendered to Dr. Bell