110 NURTURED BY A COW. 



when they have acquired strength, they may be supplied with 

 grass, leaves, &c. 



It is on record that elk-fawns have been nurtured and 

 brought up by a cow. But in this instance, they had for 

 some short time previously been fed by hand. 



"At first," says the President M. af Robson, "the cow 

 showed reluctance to the fawns, but after a while her dislike 

 was converted into a special affection, and she licked and 

 caressed them with great fondness. The smallest of the 

 fawns at once began to suck, and continues so to do until 

 the present time. The larger one will not suck, but never- 

 theless closely follows her step-mother whenever she goes in 

 a large enclosed pasture ; and in the meanwhile it feeds on 

 grass, and treats itself to leaves, especially those of the 

 willow. Its evening repast consists of a bowl of meal, 

 mixed up with milk and water, of which it partakes with 

 much pleasure. When dogs approach, whether it be in the 

 field, or within the narrow enclosure or shed where they have 

 their night quarters, the cow always defends them with 

 courage and success. And she also evinces her displeasure 

 when children, or mischievous boys approach too near to her 

 adopted offspring." 



The elk is a valuable addition to the larder. Its flesh, 

 whether fresh, salted, or smoked, is very palatable. Its 

 skin is converted to a variety of purposes. In olden times 

 soldiers' doublets were made of it. But old Chasseurs 

 assure me that, singularly enough, if the animal has been 

 much hunted, the skin becomes exceedingly thin, and com- 

 paratively worthless. 



