the 



WHEN Merritt came to the state of Ohio, in 1815, there 

 were numerous elk in the forests of this state. The elk is of 

 the deer species, although much larger, the male, like that of 

 the deer, only having horns. They feed in the winter mostly 

 upon coarse grass, and the bark of trees. They usually go in 

 droves. In 1823, says Merritt, " I started three in the north- 

 west corner of this township ; after following them around 

 awhile, one separated from the others. I followed that one, 

 and at night came within two miles of home. I went home 

 and slept, and the next morning I took my brother with me, 

 and a rope, determining to catch and bring it in alive. We 

 took its track, there being a little snow, and often came in 

 sight of it. Many times we might have shot it ; but we deter- 



(57) 



