THE ELK OR MOOSE 



(A Ices machlis) 



THE Moose of America is the same animal as the Elk of the Old 

 World, for its range extends all round the globe, in the great 

 northern forests ; indeed, it is a pity that the name Elk cannot be 

 entirely dropped in favour of the American title, as it has been so 

 extensively misapplied. 



In America, for instance, " Elk " always means the Wapiti, and in 

 Ceylon it is applied to the Sambur; moreover, the long extinct 

 giant Fallow-Deer of Europe (Cervus kibernicus), of which such well- 

 preserved horns are dug up from the Irish peat-bogs, used to be 

 called the "Irish Elk." 



However called, the true Elk is a very distinct animal from all 

 other Deer, presenting as it does so many remarkable points. Its 

 short neck is unique among Deer, and in fact no other creature presents 

 the combination of a short neck and long legs. The antlers of the 

 male are also characteristic, with their broad palmated form, and 

 lateral direction on each side of the head, to say nothing of the 

 absence of the brow-tine. 



In young animals the antlers are not palmated at first, and show 

 more resemblance to those of ordinary Deer. Another peculiarity of the 

 bull Moose is the " bell," or hair-covered pouch, which hangs from his 

 throat, its use being quite unknown. 



The great muzzle, short tail, and characteristic form of body and 

 limbs are common to both sexes. The calves are much lighter in 

 colour than adults, but are not spotted. The Moose easily excels all 

 living Deer in size, measuring about six feet at the shoulder, while its 

 antlers may span five feet in width. It attains its greatest size in 

 America, and especially in Alaska; the illustration was taken from a 

 splendid Alaskan bull mounted in the South Kensington Museum: 



n. 



