228 



THE REINDEER. 



with great rapidity, and often taking to the water for its own amuse- 

 ment. During the summer months of the year it spends a considerable 

 portion of its time under water, its nose and horn being the only parts 

 of its form which appear above the surface. Even the very young 

 Moose is a strong and fearless swimmer. 



The skin of the Elk is extremely thick, and has been manufactured 

 into clothing that would resist a sword-blow and repel an ordinary 

 pistol-ball. The flesh is sometimes dressed fresh, but is generally 

 smoked like haras, and is much esteemed. The large muzzle or upper 

 lip is, however, the principal object of admiration to the lovers of Elk- 

 flesh, and is said to he rich and gelatinous when boiled, resembling the 

 celebrated green fat of the turtle. 



Two varieties of the Reindeer inhabit the earth, the one called 

 the Reindeer being placed upon the northern portions of Europe and 

 Asia, and the other, termed the Caribou, being restricted to North 

 America. 



This animal is very variable in dimensions, specimens of very dif. 

 ferent height being in the British Museum. The color is also vari- 



The Woodland Caribou {Edngi/er caribou). 

 able, according to the season of the year. In winter the fur is long, 

 and of a grayish-brown tint, with the exception of the neck, hinder 



