66 HOOFED ANIMALS 



than to deadly combat. The antlers of our white-tailed and 

 mule deer are peculiarly adapted to the fatal interlocking that 

 has caused many a fine buck to perish miserably by slow star- 

 vation. Pushing-matches among deer in captivity are quite 

 common. 



The Round-Horned Deer 



The American Elk, or Wapiti, 1 is as tall as a horse, 

 handsomely formed, luxuriantly maned, carries its head 

 proudly, and is crowned by a pair of very imposing antlers. 

 Even the doe Elk is a handsome and stately creature; and 

 from the second week after its birth the fawn steps about 

 with the air of a game cock. If you will observe a seven- 

 year-old male Elk in October or November, when the modelling 

 of his form is handsomest, his pelage long, bright and immacu- 

 late, his neck swollen with pride, and his fine new antlers 

 ready for admiration or for battle, I think you will say, "This 

 is the king of the Cervidael" 



Even the moose, giant though he be, is not a creature of 

 regal presence, like the Elk. Although the latter is a large 

 and heavy animal, it has the small and shapely legs and hoofs 

 of a thoroughbred. It is strictly a creature for solid ground; 

 and, while very fond of bathing in ponds during hot weather, 

 it avoids swamps and low situations. 



It is both a grazing and browsing animal. Although up 

 to twenty-five years ago it often ranged far out into the west- 

 ern edge of the Great Plains, and loves to frequent mountain 



1 Cer'vus can-a-den'sis. In Europe this animal is called the Wapiti; and the 

 European Moose is called the "Elk." 



