92 THE CARIBOO, OR REINDEER. 



go back/' whispers the Indian. " Cannot get near enough on 

 this side. Too open!" The difficult task of retreating is 

 performed without disturbing the moose. Another half-hour 

 is then employed in creeping like snakes through the wet 

 bushes. At length, as we reach the edge of the swamp, the 



CREEPING THE MOOSE. 



great animal rises directly facing us, gazing steadily towards us. 

 We fire. A headlong stagger follows the report ; and the 

 creature, turning round, is hidden from sight behind a clump 

 of bushes. The Indian at the same time fires at a large cow 

 moose who has, unknown to us, been lying close to the bull. 

 We dash forward a few paces. On the other side the great 

 bull suddenly rises in front of us and strides on into thicker 

 covert. Another shot, and he sinks lifeless at our feet. 



THE CARIBOO, OR REINDEER. 



We have before mentioned the extensive tracts existing in 

 North America, which, from their desolate appearance, are 

 appropriately called " Barrens." Far as the eye can reach the 

 whole ground is seen strewn with boulders of rock and fallen 

 trees, scattered round in the wildest confusion. Here and 



