288 ANNUAL BEPORT OF N. Y. STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



to for their domestication, — not a very pleasant prospect when 

 our forests might produce, at comparatively small expense, an 

 abundance of venison, the quality of which is the very crowning 

 dish of the epicure, — adding materially to the wealth and the 

 importance of the country. 



The elk, although having many characteristics of the deer, in 

 his manner of living, has yet a strong individuality of his own; 

 is not particular, timid, or liable to stampede or sudden fright, 

 like the deer, but depends more upon prowess, than flight, in case 

 of danger. The elk is not so restless in disposition, and there- 

 fore more disposed to fatten. I have been much surprised to see 

 my whole number (ten) in higher condition than any ten animals 

 that could be selected among all the domestic cattle on the farm 

 which had the advantage of good pasture. 



The weight of a full-grown buck is, from five to six hundred 

 pounds; that of a doe, from four to five hundred. They mature 

 at about four years of age. The bucks only have antlers, which 

 they shed yearly like the deer. 



LORENZO STRATTON. 



Little Valley, JV. F., Feb., 1857. 



