106 THE MUSK OX. 



cut up. Excepting in this season, and when the 

 musk ox is fat, his flesh is excellent. 



He feeds on grass and moss during one part of 

 the year, and on lichens during the other part. 



Notwithstanding the shortness of his limbs, he 

 gallops with great speed, and the facility with which 

 he climbs the mountains can only be compared to 

 that of goats. 



In September the musk oxen assemble together 

 in herds more or less numerous, not to emigrate, 

 for Parry has killed many of them on Melville 

 Island, but probably for mutual protection against 

 the wolves, which abound in those parts. 



Lieutenant M. E. de Bray relates the following 

 hunt of the musk ox, in a note communicated to 

 V Academic dcs Sciences:* 



" When musk oxen are attacked by hunters, they 

 assemble together, form a very compact phalanx, 

 putting the young animals in the centre, their hind 

 quarters being directed towards the centre, and thus 

 presenting their heads to the enemy in every direction. 

 The males tear up the earth with their horns and 

 fore feet, thus preparing themselves for the combat. 

 One of them, the oldest of the herd, places himself 

 in front, like a general at the head of his army, 

 and advances cautiously to reconnoitre the enemy, 



