344 [June, 



or on some little streamlet, perhaps on account of its favorite maple being most 

 abundant in such places. 



The age of the moose is not great. I have never known but one to at- 

 tain the age of twenty years ; in fact, it is a rare and uncommon thing to 

 find one tbat has attained the age of fifteen years. It possesses a quick 

 ear and very strong, keen scent, and differs from most other wild animals 

 in regard to its desire to attack a person bearing a torch, or rather the 

 torch itself. For instance, in bunting on a dark night, in a canoe, on the water, 

 when in pursuit of deer, &c, a flambeau, or torch, or candle, can be used to 

 great advantage, the animals being apparently bewildered or fascinated by the 

 bright, steady light which approaches them so noiselessly and still; but the 

 moose, as soon as he perceives it, approaches it, quickening his pace as he comes 

 nearer, till (unless utterly disabled by the deadly rifle shot) he charges full upon 

 it, destroying the canoe, and frequently injuring its occupant. However, with 

 the extinction of the torch his fury ceases. The moose is easily tamed, and when 

 domesticated, exhibits much sagacity, and, if well treated, a very affectionate 

 disposition. I kept a young one (one year old) a short time, which mani- 

 fested as much docility and affection as a pet lamb. But when insulted or injured 

 they are very revengeful and unforgiving. In reference to which I will relate 

 an anecdote. 



The moose above alluded to was a great favorite with a young girl, who used 

 to visit him several times a day, playing with him and giving him such delicacies 

 as were most grateful to his epicurean palate (by the way, he acquired a strong 

 predilection for boiled, mashed potatoes), and the moose alwavs showed the 

 greatest pleasure when she was present. But one day, in a frolicksome mood, 

 she bound some gaily colored ribbons in her hair, leaving the ends loose and 

 fluttering, surmounting the whole by a tall and flaunting plume. Thus attired 

 she slowly approached the moose, while we stood watching and wondering how 

 he would recognize her. At length, gently and in perfect silence, she stood 

 beside the moose, and he slowly and haughtily turned his head, surveying her 

 strange appearance with the most ineffable contempt. At last, utterly unable 

 to repress her mirth at the ridiculous scene, she gave way to a fit of loud joyous 

 merriment. The wonted sound seemed to affect the moose, and he partially 

 turned his head away, then took another survey of her strange appearance and 

 his eyes suddenly lit up with a red, savage, fiery light, and he struck her forcibly 

 with his fore foot, and, had it not been for instant assistance, would probably 

 have killed her. He never afterwards would permit her to approach him, 

 showing signs of discontent and anger if she came within ten or twelve rods 

 of him, and if (when at liberty in the field) he ever saw her he would instantly 

 rush to attack her. Two or three times, when escaping into the house, she 

 had not time time to shut the door, and the revengeful beast followed her 

 into the rooms, to the great detriment of the furniture. We have often heard 

 of a bull in a crockery shop, but fancy a moose in a parlor. And if I was not 

 present, no other person could eject him, but he would instantly come at my call 

 and be obedient and submissive ; and if at any time this strange creature fancied 

 itself not sufficiently noticed or petted by me, it would utter most piteous cries 

 until it attracted attention. 



The animal in a wild state is very lithe and supple, turning itself about and 

 bending its form as easily as an ordinary dog, frequently standing in the most 

 singular postures. It also frequently crawls on its knees, to pass under logs, 

 &c, and drinks, in very shoal water, in the same position. 



I am afraid I have wearied you with my tediousness, but vouch for the facts 

 above stated, every one of which I know from actual observation and experience." 



June 12th. 



Dr. BridgeSj Vice President, in the Chair. 



Letters were read 



From the Acad. 0. L. C. Naturas Curiosorum, dated Breslau, 2d 



