^ s v 



[( UNIVERSITY 



\C - 



THE ELK. OR MOOSE. 



Aloes American. 



PLATE V. 



Original, of the French Canadians Cervus Alces, LinnaiM 

 Moose Deer, Richards. Fauna Boreali-Americ, L'Eian 

 de 1'Amerique septentrionale, Fred. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. 

 des Mammiferes. 



THIS splendid animal surpasses all the true Deer 

 in size and strength, being as tall at the shoulders 

 as a horse, and uniting great swiftness with the most 

 patient endurance of fatigue. 



The Elk has been usually considered as an inha- 

 bitant of the northern parts of both the old and new- 

 world ; but, of late, surmises have been made that 

 the animals of the different countries might prove 

 distinct species, and there are some minute distinc- 

 tions which will entitle it to the rank of at least two 

 races or varieties, constant under the modification of 

 climate. 



In America, this animal is at present better known 

 than in Europe. It is much esteemed for food, and, 

 from its extremely wary and attentive nature, the 

 success of a moose-hunter is reckoned one of the 

 greatest trials of skill. The males are said occa- 



