40 THE LAPLAND ALPS. 



however often heal by a sloughing of the5 

 part affected. This is an epidemic dis- 

 order. It is believed that if any of the 

 ulcerous part, which is cast off, be swal- 

 lowed by the animal, in licking his own 

 coat, or that of any other of the herd la- 

 bouring under this malady, it proves fatal 

 by corroding the viscera. 



The dugs of the female often become 

 chapped or sore, so as to bleed whenever 

 they are milked. 



The male reindeer in his natural state is 

 fatter than such as are castrated, except 

 the latter be kept without work, in which 

 case they become the fattest. Such as are 

 castrated and allowed to run wild, become 

 considerably larger, as well as tamer, in 

 consequence. 



The rutting season lasts but a fortnight, 

 that is, from about a week preceding the 

 feast of St. Matthew (Sept. 21.) to Mi- 

 chaelmas day, during which period the 

 male is savage and dangerous. Immedi- 

 ately afterwards he casts his coat and horns. 



