REIN-DEER. 99 



supplied us with forty carcasses. They were at 

 this time in such high condition, that the fat 

 upon the loins of some measured from four to 

 six inches, and a carcass, ready for being dressed, 

 weighed two hundred and eighty-five pounds. 

 In August, however, they were so lean that it 

 was rare to meet with any fat upon them. 



From the wary disposition, and the very keen 

 scent of these animals, we found it extremely 

 difficult to get within gun-shot of them, espe- 

 cially from to windward ; and were obliged 

 either to separate into two or three parties, 

 and to harass them until they took to the water, 

 where they were easily overtaken by the boats, 

 or to secrete ourselves behind large stones, con- 

 tiguous to one of their walks, and there wait 

 until they approached. They were, at this time, 

 in pairs, and when one was shot the other would 

 hang over it, and occasionally lick it, apparently 

 bemoaning its fate ; and, if not immediately kill- 

 ed, would stand three or four shots rather than 

 desert its fallen companion. This compassionate 

 conduct, it is needless to say, doubled our chance 

 of success ; though, I must confess, it was obtain- 

 ed in violation of our better feelings. Their sym- 

 pathy must, indeed, have been very strong to 

 have induced them to remain so long by their 

 wounded; for if at other times our shots missed, 



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