82 



THE MOOSE, OR ELK. 



Without further preface, therefore, we will commence our 

 survey with the elk. 



The monarch of the American pine forests — the superb 

 moose or elk — ^ranges from the mouth of the Mackenzie River 

 to the shores of the Atlantic, at the eastern extremity of 

 Nova Scotia, and passing the gi^eat lake region, is found even 

 as far as the State of New York. Observe him as he stands 

 with huge palmated horns ready for action, his vast nostrils 

 snuffing up the scent coming from afar ; his eyes dilated, and 



THE MOOSE, OR ELK. 



ears moving, watching for a foe ; his bristly mane erect; 

 his large body supported on his somewhat thick but agile 

 limbs, standing fully six feet six inches in height at the 

 shoulder, above which rise the head and antlers. The 

 creature's muzzle is very broad, protruding, and covered with 

 hair, except a small moist, naked spot in front of the nostrils. 

 He has a short, thick neck, the hair thick and brittle. The 

 throat is somewhat maned in both sexes. So large is the 

 cavity of the nose, that a man may thrust his arm right into 



