368 HUNTING ADVENTURES. 



are fond of the great forests, where a luxuriant vegetation affords 

 them an abundant supply of buds and tender twigs ; or of the 

 great plains, where the solitude is seldom interrupted, and all- 

 bounteous nature spreads an immense field of verdure for their 

 support. 



The elk is shy and retiring ; having acute senses, he receives 

 early warning of the approach of any human intruder. The 

 moment the air is tainted by the odor of his enemy, his head is 

 erected with spirit, his ears thrown rapidly in every direction to 

 catch the sounds, and his large dark glistening eye expresses the 

 most eager attention. Soon as the approaching hunter is fairly 

 discovered, the elk bounds along for a few paces, as if trying his 

 strength for flight, stops, turns half round, and scans his pursuer 

 with a steady gaze, then, throwing back his lofty horns upon his 

 neck, and projecting his taper nose forwards, he springs from the 

 ground and advances with a velocity which soon leaves the object 

 of his dread far out of sight. 



But in the season when sexual passion reigns with its wonted 

 influence over the animal creation, the elk, like various other 

 creatures, assumes a more warlike and threatening character. 

 He is neither so easily put to flight, nor can he be approached 

 with impunity, although he may have been wounded. His horns 

 and hoofs are. then employed with great effect, and the lives of 

 men and dogs are endangered by coming within his reach. This 

 season is during August and September, when the horns are in 

 perfect order, and the males appear filled with rage, and wage the 

 fiercest war with each 'other for the possession of the females. 

 During this season, the males are said to make a loud and un- 

 pleasant noise, which is compared to a sound between the neigh- 

 ing of a stallion and the bellowing of a bull. Towards the end of 

 May or the beginning of June, the female brings forth her young, 

 commonly one, but very frequently two in number, which are 

 generally male and female. 



The flesh of the elk is highly esteemed by the Indians and 

 hunters as food, and the horns, while in their soft state, are also 

 nocsidered a delicacy : of their hides a great variety of articles of 



