METHOD OF TAKING MOOSE. 65 



the moose passed through a second yard, easily known by 

 the trampled state of the snow and barked sides of the 

 trees. The occupants of this retreat had joined those we 

 were following. This additional force to the pursued 

 added fresh excitement to the chase, and the distress 

 resulting from pace was for the time forgotten. In an 

 hour more we were again in view, and soon afterwards 

 among the game. My companions I will leave to them- 

 selves, and confine myself to my own performance. One 

 of the males had a noble head of horns. These I deter- 

 mined to be possessed of; so, marking him for mine, 

 resolved not to halt till successful. Again and again I 

 thought that but a few minutes would elapse till I could 

 shoot ; but either from the snow being less deep, or the 

 animal making extra efforts, at least an hour had elapsed 

 before the quarry was sufficiently close to deliver with 

 precision a fatal shot. 



Soon I was joined by one of the Indians, then by the 

 remainder of our party. Four moose had been killed ; so 

 my companion and self agreed that we had reaped enough 

 reward for one day's work. Next day was equally 

 successful, more game having been seen than on the 

 first essay. I doubt not, if we had been so minded, for 

 days we might have continued this slaughter; but as it 

 was, we had as much meat as we could transport to the 

 settlement. 



A more rapid manner of taking moose when there is a 

 crust, and one much practised, is to be accompanied by 

 a small, active dog, which, if properly trained to his work, 

 never lay hold, but only snap at the quarry's heels. 



5 



