ee tt 
1 
THE WILD REINDEER OF NORWAY. 105 
defence, they are unable to withstand the vicious pokes 
in the ribs which they receive from the does. This 
is the reason why the old bucks, after having shed their 
horns, separate from the main herd. 
The reindeer is an uncommonly sure-footed animal ; 
it runs with as great ease over the steepest slopes as on 
the level plain, Its broad hoofs keep it from sinking 
deep into the snow, and thus it does not so frequently 
fall a prey to the wolf as the long-legged elk, who gets 
completely bogged directly he attempts to make a run 
for it. Its general hardiness, and the smallness of its 
requirements, render it admirably adapted to the rugged 
and inhospitable regions it inhabits. 
Some twenty years ago the experiment was made 
of keeping tame reindeer herds in several parts of 
Hallinedal, the Fille Fjeld, Hardanger, &c. At first 
the plan was found to answer, but gradually the 
animals diminished and died away from various causes, 
so that they have now quite disappeared. 
The causes alluded to were as follows:—The tame 
herds attracted large flocks of wolves, which found 
the animal in a domesticated state a comparatively easy 
prey; many also got enticed away by their wild 
brethren ; and, lastly, the Bonder complained that they 
spoiled the grass for their cattle in the neighbourhood 
of the seters: for it is a known fact that cows, sheep, 
&c., will not graze where a herd of reindeer has been 
