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CHAPTEE III. 



The Elk in Norway. Its Description. Where Found. The Penalty 

 for Killing an Elk out of Season. Food of the Elk. Modes of 

 Capturing the Elk in Norway. Habits of the Elk. Medicinal 

 Virtues. Snow Skates. Candidates for Office. A Singular Race. 



THE elk (Cervus alces), which has been called the 

 "antlered monarch of the north/' is said to have 

 found its way into Sweden when Scania, its southern 

 province, was connected with Germany. It was at one 

 time very common in Norway ; so much so, that there 

 was no law for its preservation ; and, as it was hunted 

 throughout the year by the Norwegian peasants, it was 

 becoming extinct ; but, having been strictly preserved 

 during the last few years, it is now on the increase. 



The elk, called in Norway elg, els-dyr, is a large un- 

 wieldy animal, with a huge head and high shoulders. 

 It is, however, capable of very rapid flight when 

 pursued. 



The colour of this animal is dark brown, and the 

 hair on the skin is long and coarse; a tuft of hair 

 hangs down under its neck. The horns are short and 

 palmated, and have from five to seven points. 



The Norwegian elk is now most common in Hede- 



