THE HOME OF THE REINDEER. 89 



the long, severe winter, subsisting on tree-buds, moss or 

 lichens. 



The breeding season occurs in the early spring, before 

 winter quarters are vacated ; and the number of fawns 

 borne by a doe at one time ranges from one to three. 



From an economic or commercial point of view, the 

 reindeer is highly prized. By the Laplanders and other 

 people it is domesticated, and takes the place of the 

 horse, the dog, the cow or the goat of other countries. 

 As a traveller it is swift and enduring, being capable of 

 hauling from two to three hundred pounds upon a sled, 

 as much as one hundred miles per day ; and as compared 

 with the dog, it possesses the great advantage of being 

 able to obtain its food by the way. 



As a source of venison it cannot be excelled, especially 

 n the autumn season, when it is in prime condition. 



uring September and October the males are rolling fat ; 

 nd as food their flesh is then equal to the finest beef. 



f all meats I have ever tasted, certainly reindeer 



ngues take the first place for daintiness and delicacy 

 of flavor. 



From the skins of the reindeer the natives of the 

 Arctic regions make almost every article of winter cloth- 

 ing. For this purpose it is most admirably suited, both 

 because of its great warmth and its remarkable lightness. 

 Through different methods of tanning and dressing it is 

 made adaptable to a great variety of other uses. Sewing 

 thread, lashing twine and other strong lines are also 

 made from sinew obtained from along the spine of this 

 animal. 



What the buffalo was to the North American Indian 

 in days gone by, the reindeer is now to the Eskimos 

 and other natives of the north country. 



