﻿1843. MUSK-OXEN, 323 



native of East Main, now for the first time ap- 

 proached its haunts. Mr. Rae, with the feelings 

 of an ardent sportsman, had longed to encounter 

 so redoubtable an animal ; and the following is an 

 account of the meeting : — 



On perceiving a herd of cows, under the pre- 

 sidency of an old bull, grazing quietly at the dis- 

 tance of a few miles from our bivouack, he and 

 Albert crept towards them from to leeward; but 

 the plain containing neither rock nor tree behind 

 which they could shelter themselves, they were 

 perceived by the bull before they could get within 

 gun-shot. The shaggy patriarch advanced before 

 the cows, which threw themselves into a circular 

 group, and, lowering his shot- proof forehead so as 

 to cover his body, came slowly forwards, stamping 

 and pawing the ground with his fore-feet, bellowing, 

 and showing an evident disposition for fight, while 

 he tainted the atmosphere with the strong musky 

 odour of his body. Neither of the sportsmen were 

 inclined to irritate their bold and formidable op- 

 ponent by firing, as long as he ofi'ered no vital part 

 to their aim ; but, having screwed the bayonets to 

 their fowling-pieces, they advanced warily, relying 

 on each other for support. The cows, in the mean- 

 time, beat a retreat, and the bull soon afterwards 

 turned ; on which Mr. Rae fired, and hit him in 

 the hind quarters. He instantly faced about. 



