The Wapiti. 157 



THE WAPITI, (Cervus CanadensisJ 



Is a native of Canada and other northern parts of 

 America, and is one of the most gigantic of the Deer 

 tribe, growing to the height of our tallest oxen, and 

 uniting great activity to strength of body and limbs. 

 His horns, which he sheds annually, are very large, 

 branching in serpentine curves, and measuring from tip 

 to tip upwards of six feet. These animals make a shrill 

 noise, resembling the braying of an ass, and are supposed 

 to be the most stupid of the Deer kind. The flesh is 

 coarse, and little esteemed, but the hide, when made 

 into leather, is said not to become hard in drying after 

 being wetted, a quality which entitles it to a preference 

 over almost every other kind. There are several of 

 these splendid animals in the collection of the Zoological 

 Society, in the Eegent's Park, where they continue to: 

 form objects of singular interest and attraction. The 

 male is, however, very fierce, always endeavouring to 

 attack those who approach him; and on one occasion 

 Seriously injured one of the visitors to the gardens. 



