WOODLAND CARIBOU. 91 



This deer is fond of arboreous food, grasses, and aquatic plants, 

 but its great resource is lichens. It frequents marshy and swampy 

 grounds more than any other of the deer family ; for which, as 

 we have seen, it is admirably adapted, and where it is well pro- 

 tected from pursuit. In the winter it resorts to the dense forests 

 on higher ground. 



As an article of food, its flesh is not highly prized. Indeed, it is 

 deemed inferior to any other venison, although, when in good 

 condition, it is both palatable and nourishing. 



It has been sometimes domesticated in this country, but I have 

 heard of no attempt to train it to the harness, as is done with its 

 congener in the north of Europe. 



I presume no systematic effort has been made to rear a race of 

 domesticated Reindeer in this ountry. To do this, probably the 

 same difficulties would have to be overcome that are met with in 

 the domestication of other deer, and it would require an effort 

 with many generations before habits of domestication would be- 

 come established and hereditary. Still, in proper localities, time 

 and judicious perseverance would no doubt accomplish the task ; 

 when they would become a valuable addition in the north to our 

 domesticated animals. Sir John Richardson says : " Contrary to 

 the practice of the Barren-ground Caribou, the Woodland variety 

 travels to the south in the spring." But if this be a general rule, 

 it must admit of exceptions ; for it is established beyond all 

 question that many at least pass the entire year in Newfound- 

 land, and on the continent, near the southern limits of their range. 

 Indeed, so far as I can learn, observations are still wanting to in- 

 form us fully of the habits of this animal. It may be found that 

 it is rather more restless than strictly migratory, moving in va- 

 rious directions at all seasons. We shall discuss the subject fur- 

 ther when we come to comparisons. 



