318 



The hind hoofs of the moose are of beautiful formation, and adorned with 

 horny spurs, or points, which make a loud clattering noise when the animal is 

 running. 



The hind legs straddle when the moose is at fidl speed, to prevent treading 

 on the tore-feet. 



The moose subsists by browsing, grazing being rendered almost impossible 

 on account of the long forelegs and short neck. 



The long forelegs enable ths animal to reach far up into the trees and bring 

 them down, whilst the tender branches are plucked by the huge lip aad carried 

 to the mouth. The leaves and small branches of young trees, such as birch, 

 maple, and mountain ash, form the staple diet of the moose. 



The horns are striking on account of their enormous dimensions. The young 

 bull grows two knobs about two inches long in its first season ; when a year old 

 the knobs develop into spikes about six inches long, and reniiin on the head until 

 late in spring when they drop off and are replaced by long forked horns. In the 

 fourth year the horns branch forward and become palmated ; in the fifth and 

 sixth years they grow triangular, whilst the palmated portions end in jioints, the 

 whole resembling an expanded hand. After the fifth year the most perfectly 

 developed antlers are produced, the horns not unfrequently measuring five feet 

 from root to extiemity The horns are cast annually after the second year, in 

 the months of December and January, but so rapid is the new growth that a 

 complete new set is formed by the August following. As with the deer, the horns 

 are in velvet during the sunnner months, and are so tender that they may be 

 sliced with a knife. When developed the antlers not unfrequently attain a 

 weight of sixty pounds. 



The cow carries her young nine months, and brings forth generally in the 

 month of May. 



In the firit and second year one calf is produced at a birth, and after that 

 two. 



The moose suffers greatly in warm weather from flies, and most of its time 

 is spent in the water, where it often remains for hours so deeply immersed that 

 only the nose is visible above the surface. It reaches regularly under the water 

 to feed on the lily roots, disappearing entirely the while, thas giving rise to the 

 Indian belief that it can remain all day under water. 



The moose swims rapidly and crosses the water from shore to shore with mar- 

 vellous swiftness. 



The skin is valuable for tanning purposes, but it is of no value whatever in 

 the fur trade. It is tough and enduring, and largely used for the manufacture 

 of moccasins. 



The rutting season commences in September, and during this period the bull 

 feeds but little for days at a stretch. He roams the forest proud and defiant, 

 eager to do battle with all comers. His roar resounds through the forest, and is 

 answered by the wild long call of the cow. When the rutting is over the bull 

 presents another appearance. He is no longer a terror to his foes, but mopes 

 along, gaunt and lean, with head lowered and stao-orerino- limbs. His fall cam- 

 paign has told upon him, and he goes home to his winter haunts to recuperate 

 and grow strong again. 



An indiscriminate slaughter of this noble animal has long threatened 

 the total extinction of the race, and it is probable that the time is not far distant 

 when the moose, like the buffalo, will be seen no more in Canada. 



