THE ELK OR MOOSE 



967 



are of a dark fawn-color, but, according to Mr. Ward, with a slight dappling. 

 The females, before the birth of the fawns, seek out the most sequestered spots, 

 such as islands in lakes and rivers, and swamps and prairies, which are liable to be 

 overflowed at certain seasons of the year, where they will most likely be free from 

 the attacks of wolves and bears. Some writers aver that at such seasons they like- 

 wise endeavor to avoid the males, but this is denied by Mr. Ward, who believes that 

 the male is never very far away from his consort. Mr. I/>ckhart says that ' ' when 

 the fawns are very young and helpless, the mother in their defense will even 

 attack man. At such times her appearance reminds one forcibly of a vicious horse. 



A MOOSE YARD. 



She raises her head, throws back her ears upon her neck, and sniffs or blows like a 

 horse; then she bounds toward her enemy, striking the ground with her fore- feet, 

 and her eyes glittering with rage." 



The favorite pace of the elk when in rapid motion is a long-swinging trot; and 

 it is said that so long as the animal keeps to this pace it cannot be overtaken by any 

 ordinary horse. If, however, it can he forced into a gallop, the elk soon becomes 

 blown, and can then be readily ridden down. 



We have already alluded to the ungainly appearance of the elk; and this un- 

 gainliness is certainly most strongly marked in specimens exhibited alive in men- 

 ageries or mounted in museums. Mr. Ward states, however, that when seen among 



