52 



THE REIN-DEER. 



• Amidst the many striking marks which are every 

 where exhibited of the supremacy of that Power that 

 called us into life, in no instance do we trace stronger 

 proofs of his beneficence than in the formation of that 

 animal called the Rein-deer. 



In a country where the beauties of Nature are un- 

 known, and sterility and barrenness have established 

 their seat, how dreadful would be the situation of its 

 wretched inhabitants but for the advantages they enjoy 

 from this domesticated friend! The severity of the cli- 

 mate, which is fatal to many quadrupeds, is the means 

 of increasing this animal's strength ; for whenever it 

 has been transported to a more genial country, the 

 change shortly proves destructive to its life. 



The comforts of the Laplander absolutely depend 

 npon the services he derives from this useful race of 

 animals; they conduct, him over tracts that would other- 

 wise be impassable, supply him with an abundance of 

 wholesome food, and afford his body a covering from 

 the severities of the cold. 



The horns of the rein-deer resemble the American 

 elk ; and they likewise have antlers springing from the 

 brow : is not so tall an animal as the stag, though it is 

 much stronger, and more calculated to endure fatigue. 

 When they first shed their coat, their colour is brown ; 

 but as summer approaches it begins to grow light, and 

 varies until it becomes nearly grey : the hair upon its 

 body is thick and long, calculated to defend it from 

 •tire severity of the elime ; and, contrary to the rest of 

 the deer species, the female is adorned both with antlers 

 and horns. 



There are two kinds of rein-deer in Lapland ; the ouo 



