CHAPTER XII. 



THE MOOSE-DESCRIPTION AND HAUNTS MODE OF HUNTING IT 

 THE CARIBOO AND DESCRIPTION HUNTING ENCAMPMENT THE 

 COMMON DEER HABITS AND VARIOUS STORIES RESPECTING IT. 



THE MOOSE (<7m'w alres), the largest of all the species, is 

 the only deer whose appearance may be called ugly. Its 

 name is probably a corruption of the word Musu, a term 

 given to it by the Algon quins. 



Description. Its large head terminates in a square muzzle, 

 having the nostrils curiously slouched over the sides of the 

 mouth ; the neck, from which rises a short thick mane, is not 

 longer than the head, but is rendered still more cumbrous and 

 unwieldy by wide palmated horns ; under the throat is found 

 an excrescence, from which grows a tuft of long hair ; the 

 body, which is short and thick, is mounted upon tall legs. 

 These singularities of structure, however, have direct or 

 indirect reference to peculiarities of use adapted to circum- 

 stances. 



The Moose inhabits the northern parts of both continents, 

 and is in Europe called " the Elk." On this continent it has 

 been found as far north as the country has been explored. Its 

 southern range at former periods extended to the shores of 

 the Great Lakes. At present it is not heard of south of the 

 State of Maine, and is becoming rare also there. In Nova 

 Scotia, Cape Breton, and throughout the Hudson Bay 

 possessions it is found in considerable numbers. The dense 

 forests, and closely shaded swamps of these regions, are the 

 favorite resorts of this animal, as there the most abundant 

 supply of food is to be obtained, with the least inconvenience. 

 The length of limb and shortness of neck, which in an open 



