280 THE FOREST LANDS OF FINLAND. 



The elk (Cervus alee) is a beautiful animal which is 

 tending to disappear. In despite of the existing regula- 

 tions, which absolutely prohibit the hunting of the elk, 

 they are still killed every year. 



The hare (Lepus timidus and L. europaeus), and the squirrel 

 (Sciurus vulgaris), are sought after for their fur. 



There are found along the coasts of the Gulfs of Finland 

 and Bothnia seals (Phoca vitulina and P. Hispida), and what 

 is somewhat remarkable, this last is found also in Lake 

 Ladoga and the Saima See. Amongst noxious animals are 

 the black rat (Mus ratus\ which, however, is apparently 

 gradually disappearing before the brown rat (Mus decum- 

 anus), and the mouse (M. muscatus), &c. The field-mouse 

 (Arvicola agrestis) occasions much damage to the fields and 

 meadows to the south of the country, but more injurious 

 still is its Lappish congener A. ratticeps which desolates 

 the fields of potatoes and barley of the colonists in 

 Lapland. 



Amongst domestic animals may be mentioned the horse 

 (Equus cabalus), in general small, seldom exceeding T34 

 metre, but well made, strong, and enduring : Finnish 

 horses have come into general use on the tramways of St. 

 Petersburg. The ox (os taurus) , the sheep (Ovis aries) 

 a small race, with coarse wool; the goat (Capra hircus). the 

 hog (Sus scrofa), the dog (Canis familiaris^ the cat (Felis 

 domesticus), and lastly the reindeer (Cervus taurandus) in 

 Lapland and in Finland to the north of lat. 65 30'. It 

 exists also in a wild state on the northern slopes of the 

 Maanselka. 



Of birds 211 wild species are known, besides (J domestic 

 species. Near inhabited parts of the forests, these are full 

 of singing birds. The nightingale (Luscinia major var. 

 Philomela) is met with in the south-east part of the 

 country, but not to the west of ELelsingfors, nor to the 

 north of Kuopio. On the other hand, the lark (Alauda 

 arvensis), the thrush (Turdus musicus), and many species 

 of sylphides or warblers are common throughout the whole 

 country. The greater part of these birds emigrate in 



