ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 87 



pasture appear so disadvantageous, are here of the greatest use 

 in enabling it to crop the buds and young twigs of the birch, 

 maple, or poplar ; or enabling it to browse on aquatic 



plants, inaccessible to other animals. In the summer, it 

 frequents swampy or low grounds, near the margins of lakes 

 and rivers, through which it delights to swim, as this frees it 

 from the annoyance of insects. At this season it regularly 

 visits the same place to drink, of which circumstance the 

 Indian hunter takes advantage, by lying in ambush. 



In Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, it is generally hunted 

 in the month of March, when the snow is deep, and sufficiently 

 crusted with ice to bear the weight of a 'dog, but not that 

 of a Moose. Five or six men provided with knapsacks, con- 

 taining food for as many days, and' all necessary implements 



