WESTERN WILD SPORTS. 169 



however, does not run far, before the crust on the snow, through 

 which he breaks at every step, cuts his legs so severely, that the 

 poor animal stands at bay, and endeavors to defend himself 

 against the dogs, by striking at them with his fore feet. The 

 arrival of the hunter within a convenient distance so n termi- 

 nates the combat, as a ball from his rifle rarely fails to bring 

 the Moose down. 



" Judging by the rapid diminution of this species within a com- 

 paratively few years, it is to be feared that it will, at no great 

 distance of time, be exterminated. The Moose is easily tamed, 

 although of a wild and timid disposition ; sometimes when taken 

 very young, they are domesticated to a remarkable degree. 

 We are informed by our friend, Mr. Vanbuskirk, of New 

 Brunswick, that he knew of one which was taken when two days 

 old, by an Indian, and presented to a gentleman in Nova Scotia. 

 The proprietor allowed it to suck a cow for three months, and 

 afterwards fed it with different vegetables, until it was a year 

 old. This Moose displayed a singular animosity against one of 

 the young ladies of the family, and would chase her with fierce- 

 ness into the house. When the door was closed in time to ex- 

 clude him, he would immediately turn round and kick violently 

 against it. 



" The horns of the Moose spread out almost immediately from 

 their base into a broad palmation ; in old animals they increase 

 to a great size, and have been known to weigh fifty-six pounds, 

 each horn being thirty-two inches long. The horns are gene- 

 rally cast in the month of November; the Indians employ them 

 for various purposes, cutting them into spoons, scoops, &c. 



" When chased, the Moose throws his horns towards his neck, 

 elevates his nose and dashes swiftly into the thickest of the foi*- 

 est ; occasionally the horns prove the means of his destruction, 

 by becoming entangled among vines, or caught between small 

 trees. Where the Moose runs over a plain, he moves with 

 great celerity, although his gait is nothing better than a long 

 shambling trot ; this, however, is rendered very efficient by the 

 gi-eat length of his limbs. While running in this manner, the 



