104 ANIMALS OP NORTH AMERICA. 



* tail of the Musk-Ox about equals in length that of the bear ; 

 though bending inwards and downwards, it is entirely hidden 

 by the long hair on the hind quarters. 



The Musk-Ox corresponds in a great measure with the 

 bones of the fossil elk of Iceland, in having rudimentary toes. 

 Its flesh is excellent food ; though at particular seasons of 

 the year, the bulls, and the old ones generally, emit a musky 

 odor, which communicates itself to their flesh, rendering it 

 unpalatable ; even a knife used in cutting up their flesh 

 becomes so strongly scented, as to require much washing and 

 scouring before it is cleansed ; but the females and calves 

 have afforded one of the chief means of sustenance to many of 

 our Arctic exploring parties, when other provisions had failed 

 or given out. It is probable that the muskiness peculiar to 

 some animals arises from some property of their food, or part 

 of their food, which is drawn into their system, as .it is an 

 ascertained fact that the root of the calamus or sweet scented 

 flag is the exciting cause of the odor of the musk-rat. 



From the shortness of their limbs, and the apparent weight 

 of their body, it might be inferred that the Musk-Ox could not 

 run with any speed, but it is stateft by Parry that although 

 they run in a hobbling sort of canter that makes them appear 

 as if every now and then about to fall, yet the slowest of them 

 can far outstrip a man. When disturbed they frequently 

 tear up the ground with their horns, and turn round to look 

 at their pursuer, but never commence an attack. 



Their horns are employed by the Indians and Esquimaux 

 for various purposes ; especially for cups and spoons. From 

 the long hair growing on the neck and chest the Esquimaux 

 make their musquito wings, to defend themselves from those 

 troublesome insects. During August and September they 

 extend their migrations to the North Georgian, and other 

 islands bordering on the northern shores of this continent. 

 By Franklin they were never seen lower than 66 North, but 

 Richardson mentions having seen them as low as 60. 



