282 THE DEER OF AMERICA. 



sufRciently observe the animal in various circumstances and con- 

 ditions, to determine his real nature. 



There is not the least reason to believe that our Elk have ever 

 shown belligerent dispositions in the wild state, except towards 

 each other. Although very powerful animals, they are timid and 

 wary. They do not confine themselves to a limited range, but 

 ai'e liable to roam over extensive districts of country : now high 

 up the mountains, again in the deep canons or fertile valleys, and 

 again, far out on the phiins along the borders of some water- 

 course. 



When carefully studied in parks, they manifest dispositions 

 not altogether lovely, nor yet desperately wicked. The males 

 show no sense of gallantry towards the females, nor do any of 

 them manifest a sympathy for each other. At any time the 

 buck will drive the doe ruthlessly from any choice thing she may 

 be eating, in his brutish selfishness, having not the least regard 

 for anything but his own gratification. Even in the season of 

 love, as we shall see, he rules his harem with a brutal despotism, 

 without the least manifestation of affection. Even with the 

 females, only the maternal instinct shows any trait of tenderness 

 or regard for the comfort or welfare of another. Indeed, the 

 doe is much more likely to ill treat a young member of the fam- 

 ily, not her own, than a buck. If the latter will drive it away 

 quietly, the former will hit it a fearful bat if it comes in her 

 way, and if she knocks it down, she will very likely stamp it to 

 death. I have lost two Elk, less than a year old, by being thus 

 roughly handled. One had received a blow on the back, and it 

 never again rose to its feet without assistance. When it was re- 

 ported to me as ill, I went and examined it. Suspecting the 

 trouble, I pressed my finger along the spinal column without 

 its flinching, till two thirds back from the shoulders to the hips, 

 when it fairly screamed, in so piercing a tone that it startled me, 

 and its whole frame quivered from the pain. It must have been a 

 fearful blow to have thus disabled the poor thing. It died in 

 two days in spite of all I could do for it. The other I found 

 bruised in a frightful way, indicating that it had been murdered 

 in malicious wickedness. I am sorry to write such unkind things 

 of pets, for which I have kindly cared for so many years, but I 

 must tell the truth. 



I think the females show more real courage than the males. I 

 was once driving through the park, when we observed an old doe 

 whose anxious look excited suspicion ; we hitched the horses, and 



