94 



CHAPTER V. 



fpHEERILY tinkled the bells as the 

 ^|W sleighs, each drawn by a couple of 

 ^^ horses, sped over the smooth snow- 

 covered ice. Our friends had started 

 on their long projected expedition, and 

 the country judged most likely to carry moose 

 / lay on the further side of the lake, and thither 

 the party proceeded in their sleighs, which were to 

 be driven back to Osnaburg House by two of the 

 labourers, who accompanied them for that purpose. 

 And whilst they glide merrily over the frozen 

 surface, the breath pouring in clouds from their 

 mouths and forming great pear-shaped icicles in 

 Pierre's bushy beard, let us take a glance at the 

 animal they are about to hunt. 



The Moose or Elk {Cerinis Alecs) is the largest of 

 any known species of deer, and requires to be seen 

 in its native forests before its majestic stature and 

 imposing appearance can be thoroughly realised ; 

 for, owing to the apparent disproportion of its limbs, 

 the animal has a clumsy, uncouth look, which is much 



