THE WOODLAND CARIBOU. 



BY DR. II. B. CANTEELL. 



'NTIL a very recent date, little could be learned of the 

 real character of the Caribou (Rangifer Caribou\ 

 and museums monopolized exhibitions of stuffed 

 specimens, with monographic descriptions of this 

 almost mythical species of the Deer family. Now, however, 

 facts can be multiplied without which it was before impossi- 

 ble to gain any scientific knowledge of the Caribou. " When 

 doctors disagree," etc. Even such distinguished naturalists 

 as Audubon and Agassiz collided on the generic name of 

 the lordly, independent Woodland Caribou, that defied all 

 the arts of man to domesticate or train for any useful 

 purpose, as his congener, the European Reindeer, is trained. 

 As Agassiz only proposed a name Cervus hastatus it was 

 not finally adopted, and Audubon and Bachman requested 

 their subscribers to alter the name on their plates splendid 

 illustrations to the common name under which the Caribou 

 has become known and recognized in America, and that can 

 by no possibility lead to any misapprehension. Rang if er 

 Caribou is therefore conceded by all authorities to be the 

 most applicable to the Woodland Caribou, and Rangifer 

 Greenlandicus to the Barren-ground Caribou of the Arctic 

 regions. The Greenland Reindeer is as distinct from its 

 European cousin as is the Woodland Reindeer, although he 

 is much smaller than the Woodland Caribou; the latter 

 averaging in weight two hundred and seventy pounds, 

 while that of the Arctic brother is only one hundred and 

 twenty-five pounds. 



In regard to its boreal habitat, the Caribou resembles the 

 Moose, as well as in its palmated antlers, its overhanging 

 muzzle, and the shape of its foot. But the Moose has a 



