166 FRANK forester's FIELD SPORTS. 



THE MOOSE. 



CERVUS ALCES ; L. 



Alces, Achlis ; Plin. Aid. Gesn. Jonst. Original; Charlev. 

 Nouv. France, iii., 126. Elan ; Buff. Hist. Nat. xii., supp. vii 

 Elk; Shaw, Ged. Zool. ii.ypaxt 2,114:. Moose Deer ; Dudley, 

 Phil. Trans. No. 444 — Warden Descript. des Etats Unis, v., 

 p. 636. Elk ; Penn. Hist. Quad. No. 42 Moose ; lb. Arct. 

 Zool. l, No. 3, p. 18. 



" The Moose — this appellation is derived from Musu, the name 

 given to the animal by the Algonquins — is, perhaps, the only- 

 Deer vv^hose general appearance can be called ungraceful, or 

 whose proportions at first sight impress the beholder unfavora- 

 bly. Its large head terminates in a square muzzle, having the 

 nostrils curiously slouched over the sides of the mouth ; the 

 neck, fi'om vv^hich rises a short thick mane, is not longer than 

 the head, w^hich in males is rendered still more cumbrous and 

 unwieldy by wide palmated horns ; under the throat is found 

 an excrescence, from which grows a tuft of long hair ; the body, 

 which is short and thick, is mounted upon tall legs, and the 

 whole aspect is so unusual, that incidental observers are par- 

 donable for considering it ugly. Yet, as these singularities of 

 structure have direct or indirect reference to peculiarities of 

 use, an inquiry into the mode of life led by this species, may 

 cause us to forget, in admiration of its adaptation to circum- 

 stances, prejudices excited by the comparative inelegance of its 

 foi-m. 



" The Moose inhabits the northern parts of both continents ; 

 it is in Europe called ' Elk.' On the American continent it 

 has been found as far north as the country has been fully ex 

 plored. Its southern range, at former periods, extended to the 

 shores of the great Lakes, and throughout the New-England 

 States. At present it is not heard of south of the State of 



