THE ELK 353 



The Elk is remarkable for its huge, broadly palmated, 

 shovel-shaped antlers, the upper portions forming concave 

 sheets of bony tissue, roughly measuring forty inches in 

 length and half as much in width. They attain their full 

 length, varying from three to five feet, in about five years, 

 after which they increase in breadth and weight until the 

 animal is ten or more years old. The coat of the animal 

 consists of harsh, brittle, close-set hair, in colour a dark 

 reddish-brown, varying to yellowish grey ; and in winter 

 there is a plentiful under-fur. The neck is covered with 

 longer hair, forming a ruff underneath. 



It is the manner in which the Elk carries its short, thick 

 neck, outstretched at a lower angle than 

 the withers, that gives the animal its 

 awkward appearance, which the greater 

 length of the fore legs does nothing to 

 lessen. The upper lip is rather singu- 

 larly developed, forming a great muffle, 

 as it is called. This mobile extension 

 is particularly useful in browsing upon 

 the leaves of trees, which the Elk 

 prefers to grazing. The muffle, when 

 cooked, is considered to be the best part 

 of the animal. 



While running, the Elk makes a 

 singular clattering sound at each step. UNDER ^^ ELK>S 

 This is caused by the structure of its HOOF. 



hoofs, which are so modified that when 

 the foot rests with its weight upon the ground, the hoofs 

 separate widely, so as to present a large surface on which 

 so heavy an animal can be borne. As it raises its foot from 

 the ground the two halves of the hoof fall together and 

 so cause the characteristic clatter, which has been com- 

 pared to the sound of castanets. 



In habit the Moose is generally an almost solitary animal ; 

 it is seldom that more than one at a time is seen except in 

 the pairing season, or when the female is still accompanied 

 by her young. Upon rare occasions a bull will remain 

 with the old and young females. Wary in the extreme, and 

 ready to detect the pres.^ce of man by hearing, scent, or 



24 



