Animal Sanctuaries in Labrador: An Address Presented by Lt.-Colonel William Wood, F.R.S.C. before the Second Annual Meeting of the Commission of Conservation at Quebec, January, 1911

In Short

This work is a passionate address delivered by a Canadian military officer to a government conservation commission. It serves as both a survey of Labrador’s abundant, fragile fauna and an aggressive policy proposal for establishing wildlife sanctuaries. By rejecting the "get-rich-quickly" mentality of early twentieth-century industry, the author argues that protecting nature is a national duty that yields both economic and moral dividends. Its enduring value lies in its early, articulate vision of ecological stewardship and its historical snapshot of a landscape on the brink of profound transformation.

The Story

The narrative begins as an appeal to the collective conscience of a nation. The author frames Labrador not as a barren, frozen wasteland, but as a spectacular, sprawling treasure—"eleven Englands" worth of territory—that holds unique evolutionary significance. He paints a vivid picture of the peninsula’s rugged geography, from the majestic fiords of the Atlantic coast to the untrodden mountains of the north, establishing the region as a primary theater for the natural world.

However, the tone quickly darkens as the author details the "vicious circle" of exploitation currently devastating this environment. He exposes the unchecked practices of market hunters, "eggers" who systematically destroy bird populations, and wealthy sportsmen who treat wildlife as target practice. He describes the gruesome reality of these activities, noting that species like the great auk have already vanished and that others, like the Eskimo curlew, are teetering on the edge of extinction. He forcefully argues that this is not merely a tragedy of lost resources, but a failure of human character, noting instances where indigenous populations were starved because commercial interests prioritized the trade of walrus hides over human lives.

The solution, he proposes, is not to lock away the wilderness entirely, but to implement a sophisticated, science-based system of sanctuaries. He suggests specific coastal zones that could be protected without hindering necessary local industry or fishing. The argument moves from the local to the international, calling for cooperation with the United States and other nations to safeguard migratory birds that are currently flying through a "deadly gauntlet" of human invention.

The arc reaches its climax in a philosophical defense of nature as a "priceless heirloom." The author insists that modern, city-dwelling humanity has a spiritual and intellectual need for wild places that far outweighs the fleeting profits of rapid extraction. He concludes by envisioning a future where the government, armed with public opinion and scientific oversight, treats the preservation of these lands as a national asset. The final pages shift toward a practical bibliography, providing the tools for his audience—and subsequent generations—to continue the work of study and protection. There is no ambiguous ending; the author presents his proposal as a clear, urgent choice between the permanent destruction of a legacy or its deliberate, managed stewardship for the benefit of all posterity.

How It Unfolds

The call to action The author opens by establishing that Labrador’s wild life is being "wantonly done to death" and asserts that public opinion is the only force capable of shifting government policy. He frames the issue as a non-partisan cause that unites sportsmen, naturalists, and business interests in a shared desire to preserve a national heritage.

The survey of the land The text shifts to a geographical and biological assessment, debunking the myth that Labrador is merely an inhospitable, frozen barrens. He describes the immense scale of the landscape and the surprising variety of its bird and mammal species, arguing that the country is perfectly suited for large-scale conservation.

The anatomy of destruction The author provides a sobering catalog of human cruelty and shortsighted greed. He details how commercial market hunters and reckless individuals have systematically reduced once-plentiful populations, warning that the current path leads toward total ecological collapse.

The proposal for sanctuaries The argument moves into practical solutions, suggesting specific, manageable zones for protection. He emphasizes the need for international agreements to protect migratory routes and suggests a rotation system for hunting that mimics indigenous practices.

The final appeal The address concludes by connecting the preservation of Labrador to the "higher interests" of evolutionary science and human spirit. He asserts that Canada has a unique opportunity to act as a guardian for the Earth’s primeval history, leaving the reader with a sense of immense, untapped responsibility.

The People

The book focuses on distinct archetypes rather than individual protagonists. The author, William Wood, acts as the voice of moral reason and scientific foresight. He is a man who positions himself as an outsider to both industry and sport, seeking only to act as a bridge between data and government policy. Opposing him is the "get-rich-quickly" exploiter, an amalgamation of commercial traders, market eggers, and trophy hunters who represent a short-sighted, destructive worldview. These individuals seek immediate profit at the expense of long-term stability.

The local resident—often a struggling settler or indigenous hunter—is treated with nuance. While the author acknowledges that some of their practices contribute to the decline of species, he distinguishes their needs for survival from the "wanton" destruction of commercial interests. He advocates for a system that accommodates these residents while clamping down on the commercial "eggers" and professional poachers who abuse the law. Finally, the "zoophilist" emerges as the essential modern citizen. Representing tourists, naturalists, and the reading public, this group is presented as the rising power in society. The author wants to empower them to demand better, arguing that their appreciation for nature is an economic and social force that can eventually outweigh the incentives of the exploiters.

In Its Own Voice

All to whom wild Nature is one of the greatest glories of the Earth, all who know its higher significance for civilized man to-day, and all who consequently prize it as an heirloom for posterity, are asked to help in keeping the animal life of Labrador from being wantonly done to death.

This serves as the author's opening plea, framing the preservation of wildlife as a moral duty to future generations.

The "eggers" increased in numbers and thoroughness till the eggs decreased in the more accessible spots below paying quantities.

The author uses this specific example of egg-collecting to illustrate the systematic, market-driven destruction of bird life.

Labrador is a miracle of youth and age combined.

The author describes the geological and ecological uniqueness of the region, emphasizing its status as a site of both primeval rock and evolving life.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book is an early argument for the necessity of ecological infrastructure in a modern state. It poses the fundamental question of whether a nation’s development must inherently come at the cost of its natural environment, or if economic growth can coexist with rigorous conservation. The author contends that "conservation" is not the enemy of business but its long-term partner, as the destruction of nature ultimately impoverishes the economy and the human spirit alike. The text probes the tension between the immediate, selfish desires of the individual and the collective, long-term interests of the public. It is a work about the power of information to reshape public morality, asserting that once the truth of ecological loss is made visible, the government has both the mandate and the obligation to act.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of environmentalism will find this a fascinating, foundational text. It feels remarkably modern in its rhetoric, echoing contemporary debates about biodiversity and the role of government in regulating protected lands. The author writes with a warmth and sincerity that makes his indignation feel personal, and his descriptions of the Labrador landscape are sharp, evocative, and deeply appreciative of the sublime beauty of the north.

However, the reader must be prepared for the realities of the era. The book carries the paternalistic attitudes common to 1911, particularly regarding indigenous peoples and the "civilizing" influence of European governance. The author’s language reflects the values of his time, and those sensitive to period-specific biases will notice the way he categorizes different groups of people. Furthermore, the text is structured as a formal address, meaning it is dense with policy arguments and specific, localized references that may require patience. Despite these hurdles, the book remains a powerful piece of writing. It stays with you not just for its scientific observations, but for its unshakeable belief that humanity has a sacred obligation to leave behind a world that is not entirely broken, proving that the struggle to value the wild over the wallet is a timeless human endeavor.