Columbian Reindeer 35 



North Awcricaii Fcunia, it appears that the present animal is abundant in 

 the north of British Columbia about the head-waters of the Yukon, and 

 thence northward for an undefined distance. From the coast to the south- 

 ward of Cook Inlet it is unknown, although its occurrence is reported 

 from many points behind the crest ot the coast mountains. Unlike the 

 Alaskan elk, it prefers the mountains, and is unknown at the bottom of the 

 river valleys, tor which reason it is to a considerable degree safe from 

 attack on the part of explorers and gold-prospectors. By the Indians its 

 flesh is, however, smoked and dried, in which condition it is the favourite 

 article ol winter diet in the district ; and the hides are in large demand 

 tor sleeping-rugs, as well as tor various articles of native dress. 



The following notes on this reindeer, taken in the summer of 1898, 

 were furnished by Mr. Stone to Dr. Allen, and are published in the 

 memoir already cited : — 



"These large and beautiful animals range through almost the same 

 kind of country as that occupied by the mountain sheep. They traverse 

 the very high valleys that separate the mountain ridges, while the sheep 

 generally pass around them. They range in the mountains wherever the 

 sheep do, with the exception of the most rugged paths shut in by steep 

 rocky cliffs. They rarely visit the timber, and when they do, remain there 

 for only a short time. During severe storms in winter they sometimes 

 wander into the edge of timber, but do not seem to find there the tood 

 they desire. Their favourite winter feeding-ground is the top ot high, bold 

 mountain ridges, which they frequently cross by well-beaten paths through 

 the high passes, but they seldom descend to low ground. In winter they 

 will paw through the snow for food, but usually seek feeding- grounds 

 from which the snow has been blown by the winds. 



" The velvet is shed from the antlers in the males about the first ot 

 September, the old males shedding first, and the younger ones later, accord- 

 ing to age and condition. The females shed the velvet about a month later 



