HIS WEAPONS. 107 



of the forest. Here the male forms a Grop, or cavity in the 

 ground, which he very plentifully besprinkles with urine, and 



hence the term Grop. It is said that for some three 



weeks, during which the rutting season continues, the pair 

 confine themselves to the immediate vicinity of this spot to 

 within a space, indeed, of some few feet in diameter, which 

 spot, of their own accord, they will on no account desert ; 

 and even should they be scared from thence by people or 

 dogs, they will, as soon as the pursuit has ceased, return to 

 it again. Several pair of elk are sometimes found near to the 



Grop, the situation of which is frequently made known 



by the males scoring the small trees in the vicinity with their 

 horns, or it may be twisting them in the manner of withes. 



During the continuance of the rutting season, the combats 

 between the males are at times very desperate. They usually 

 oppose antler to antler; but occasionally fling out like a 

 horse. When attacked by dogs or wolves, they also use 

 the heels, but the fore-feet would seem to be their principal 

 weapon ; and they direct the sharp hoof so adroitly as seldom 

 to miss the object at which it is directed. 



The males are, at this season, somewhat savage and dan- 

 gerous to approach; especially those that are driven from 

 fair ones by more powerful rivals, and consequently neces- 

 sitated to seek their fortunes elsewhere. Such elks, it is 

 averred, are not infrequently found amongst cattle, and have 

 been actually known to pair with cows. 



The period of gestation with the female is about nine 

 months ; she brings forth in May or June one to three 

 young ones ; but it is seldom she has more than two. After 

 the lapse of two to three days, the fawns, which are of a 

 light brown colour, follow their dam everywhere. They keep 



