THE MUSK OX. 117 



the under surface of the foot of the Musk-ox, the external 

 hoof being rounded, the internal pointed. 



The foot-marks of the Musk-ox and those of the rein- 

 deer are so much alike, that it requires the eye of an 

 experienced hunter to distinguish them. The mark of 

 the Musk-ox's hoof, however, is a little narrower. 



The food of the Musk-ox is the same with that of the 

 rein-deer lichens and grass ; and sometimes twigs and 

 shoots of willow, birch, and pine. 



At present this animal is not found in a lower latitude 

 than 66; but formerly they came much further to the 

 south ; and their flesh used to be brought by the natives 

 to Fort Churchill in latitude 58. It would appear that 

 they are retiring northward, probably owing to the alarm 

 created by the attacks made upon them by firearms. It 

 is worthy of remark, that the American Bison has also 

 retreated considerably to the north. According to Dr. 

 Richardson, the Musk-ox inhabits the North Georgian 

 Islands in the summer months. They arrive in Melville 

 Island in the middle of May, crossing the ice from the 

 southward, and quit it on their return towards the end of 

 September. 



The Musk-oxen, like the Bison, herd together in bands, 

 and generally frequent barren grounds during the summer 



