112 



THE PIT-FALL. 



his struggles to extricate himself, was wounded at all points 

 by the deadly implements. Certain lichens, &c., of which 

 the elk is known to be fond, are strewed on the covering 

 of the pit, at either side of which are high and stout fences, 

 constructed of boughs, the better to lead the animal into 

 the toils.* 



THE ELG-LED. 



Another contrivance, adopted in the northern forests for 

 the capture of the elk, is the so-called Elg-led. It is a self- 



* On one occasion, M. Talk, who is a great conservative, accidentally met 

 with an Elg-grop, and being highly indignant that his favourites, the elks, 

 should be so maltreated, he caused his people to cast a huge log into the 

 abyss. The owner of the pit-fall, on visiting it in the grey of the morning, seeing 

 a large dark object lying at the bottom, concluded naturally enough that he 

 had caught an elk, and hasted home for assistance to secure the prize ; but 

 when on his return some hours afterwards, he found the trick that had been 

 put upon him, he was perfectly dumbfounded. M. Falk, who related the 

 incident to me, was so much amused at the denouement of the aifair, that his 

 anger evaporated, and the culprit, as I believe, got off scot-free. 



