226 



THE MOOSE. 



short time begin to be renewed. These ornaments are very variable at 

 the different periods of the animal's life, the nge of the Stag being well 

 indicated by the number of " tines " upon its horns. 



The American Elk {Cervus Canadensis). 



The Moose or Elk is the largest of all the Deer tribe, attaining the 

 extraordinary height of seven feet at the shoulders, thus equalling 

 many an ordinary elephant in dimensions. The horns of this animal 

 are very large and widely palmated at their extremities, their united 

 weight being so great as to excite a feeling of wonder at the ability of 

 the animal to carry so heavy a burden. They do not reach their full 

 development until the fourteenth year. The muzzle is very large and 

 is much lengthened in front, so as to impart a most unique expression 

 to the Elk's countenance. The color of the animal is a dark brown, 

 the legs being washed with a yellow hue. It is a native of Northern 

 Europe and America, the Moose of the latter continent and the Elk 

 of the former being one and the same species. 



As the flesh of the Elk is palatable, and the skin and the horns extreme- 

 ly useful, the animal is much persecuted by hunters. It is a swift and en- 

 during animal, although its gait is clumsy and awkward in the extreme. 

 The only pace of the Elk is a long, swinging trot ; but its legs are so 

 long and its paces so considerable that its speed is much greater than 

 it appears to be. Obstacles that are almost impassable to a horse are 



