APPENDIX 327 



Note. — In great forest game-parks, or preserves, where the ground and cli- 

 mate are suitable (such as Blue Mountain Park, New Hampshire), the moose 

 will thrive and increase. 



Favorite shooting-grounds are Alaska, Canada, and .Maine. "Except in 

 Alaska, the majority of moose killed by hunters are shot from ambush beside 

 ponds or from canoes. Frequently moose, that are surprised when wading and 

 feeding in shallow water, make the mistake of rushing into deep water to escape 

 by swimming, when they are easily overtaken, and either killed, captured, or 

 photographed. " — Hornauay. 



{ii) The Alaskan Moose {Alces gi'gas). 



A large moose similar to the preceding, with larger antlers. 



Range. — Alaska. This moose is much like the preceding, No. i, 

 the common moose of sportsmen. Mr. Hornaday says : " Its place 

 in the annals of natural history is at least very questionable." 



2. The Elk or Wapiti. — Cervus Canadensis. 



Second in size to the moose, this deer is often described as being as 

 tall as a horse. Color yellowish brown ; head, neck, and under parts 

 dark brown ; rump yellowish white. In shape the elk is more like the 

 common or Virginia deer than the moose. The elk is a handsome, 

 graceful animal. The males have large round-horned antlers. A large 

 stag will weigh from 700 to 750 pounds. 



Ratline. — The range of the elk was formerly three-fourths of the 

 United States. It has been exterminated from nineteen-twcntieths of 

 its range. Abundant in the Yellowstone National Park and vicinity. 

 Elk are found in smaller numbers in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, 

 western Montana, and Idaho, a small area in Manitoba, and in central 

 California. 



Note. — Elk do well in captivity and are to be seen in most of the zoological 

 gardens. They thrive in game-parks and preserves from New England to 

 California. 



3. The Mule-Deer. — Odocoileus kemionus. 



This deer is often called the black-tail deer. It is somewhat larger 

 than the common Virginia deer, and is heavier or more stocky in 

 body. The fall and winter color is gray. In summer the coat is more 

 brown. It is a large, handsome deer, with large antlers, which branch 

 like two Y's on each antler. This deer is easily distinguished by its 

 antlers and by the large, long ears, which suggested the name. It is 

 somewhat like a small elk. Weight, about 250 pounds. A large 

 specimen has weighed 280 pounds. 



