76 NOBTH AMERICAN FAUNA [No. 55 



been unnecessarily rapid and wasteful a part of the national dis- 

 grace that characterizes our treatment of so many of our best game 

 animals. It would seem now a national duty, as well as an honor, 

 to protect in a few scattered areas remnants of the species for the 

 pleasure and admiration of future generations. No better places 

 could be found for antelope preserves than on some of the wide ex- 

 panse of thin-soiled lava fields of eastern Oregon, where the animals 

 are still in sufficient numbers to stock the country, if given adequate 

 protection. 



Antelope meat, which by many is considered one of the rarer delica- 

 cies afforded by our native game, is tender, juicy, and delicate, with 

 a flavor unlike that of any other meat. It has been in such demand 

 as to hasten the destruction of the species, but under no circumstances 

 will it again be brought into general use for a long period. Even- 

 tually, when the habits of the animals are sufficiently understood, so 

 that their breeding in captivity can be assured and controlled, it might 

 again be added to our list of choice viands. 



No animal could be more gentle, affectionate, and lovable than 

 young antelope when carefully reared and tamed. They quickly 

 learn to follow a person and love to be fondled and petted. Only 

 the males in maturity ever become cross or dangero'us. In many 

 cases a single antelope has been kept for years in a small yard with 

 only a low fence to restrict its range, and in their native climate 

 they seem healthy and hardy if kept from the fatal sheep scab and 

 other domestic diseases that have played an important part in their 

 reduction. 



Extensive areas in southeastern Oregon that have been so long 

 overgrazed that they will not support even domestic sheep would 

 still carry a limited number of antelope and gradually improve in 

 forage, general vegetation, and carrying capacity. The numbers of 

 antelope, mountain sheep, mule deer, and sage grouse originally rang- 

 ing over this arid land would, if wisely managed, add an actual cash 

 value as well as a spectacular attraction to exceed by far any present 

 value attached to the areas. 



Family CERVIDAE: Moose, Elk, Deer, and Caribou 



ALCES AMERICANA GIG AS MILLEB 



ALASKA MOOSE; GIANT MOOSE 



Alces ffiffas Miller, Biol. Soc. Wash. Proc. 13 : 57, 1899. 



Type locality. North side of Tustumena Lake, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. 



General characters. Very large, largest of the North American deer ; antlers 

 broadly flattened, many pronged in front, annually deciduous; hoofs deerlike, 

 long and slender with well-developed and wide-spreading secondary hoofs or 

 dewclaws ; tail very short ; color mainly blackish but with grizzling of brownish 

 black on sides, and clear brownish on legs, ears, and median line of belly. 



Measurements. Type, an old male : Total length, 3,149 mm ; tail, 101 ; height at 

 shoulder, 2,034. 



Distribution and habitat. The moose inhabit the timbered portions 

 of Alaska. In October 1923, five moose calves from the Kenai Penin- 

 sula, Alaska, were released near Lake Tahkenitch, Oreg., just north of 



