THE WAPITI. 241 



a stranger if separated from their clams. Toward tlic end of August the females 

 begin to get together and are soon joined by the males, over whom, as well as their 

 young, they seem to keep watch, being continually on the lookout while feeding, 

 and moving ahead on the march, the big bull usually bringing up the rear. 



The male drops his horns in early spring, and in early summer retires high up 

 the mountains so as not to be bothered by flies during the slow process of growing 

 new ones. On the spot from which the old horns fell, there appears a spongy growth 

 seemingly all blood vessels, which increases at the rate of nearly an inch a day, gradu- 

 ally hardening around a central core until the full size is reached. Then when fully 

 hardened, the outer skin, or " velvet," dries up, splits, and seems to itch, for they are 

 continually rubbing it off against small trees, " shaking" (them) as it is called, during 

 which time of course they are making so much noise and so occupied that they are 

 easily approached. About the first of September, fat, sleek, and with branching 

 antlers, they come down to join the herd. 



Might makes right among deer as well as among men, and dispositions vary as 

 with us. There certainly is some fighting; and it really would seem hard to spend 

 so much time and labor growing such glorious things to butt one's enemies with and 

 never use them. But I have rarely seen a drove, however small, in which there were 

 not several bulls, and they are usually feeding quietly together. If a stranger comes 

 whistling through the timber saying he is " the best man " the statement is not taken 

 on faith by the head of the herd, and there is trouble immediately ; but one curious 

 fact is that the young bulls, instead of staying and watching the fun, as men would, 

 flee in a panic of terror. 



On the whole they seem a peaceful animal when undisturbed, browsing in bands 

 along the mountain side and walking every now and then out on some jutting crag 

 or promontory where they seem to enjoy the broad outlook, and make superb 

 pictures against the sky line. When frightened they go off at a long, lumbering 

 trot, taking naturally to the most difficult ground, over which they seem to travel 

 as easily as if it were smooth. 



The elk "whistle " varies very much, so that it doubtless has different meanings; 

 but it is assuredly not a sign of fear or signal of danger as is often stated. It is a 

 defiance, and is promptly answered by any other bull that hears it. If he is with 

 his herd he usually stays there waiting for the stranger ; but if alone he is apt to 

 start toward the sound to investigate, and he will come up pretty close before 

 deciding what to do ; I have seen them come within fifty feet of a pack train in 

 answer to an imitation of it, and then, notwithstanding the noise and talking, follow 

 along abreast for a mile or so, challenging at intervals, and never over one hundred 

 yards away. 

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