THE WILD REINDEER OF NORWAY. 105 



defence, they are unable to withstand the vicious pokes 

 in the ribs which they receive from the does. This 

 is the reason why the old bucks, after having shed their 

 horns, separate from the main herd. 



The reindeer is an uncommonly sure-footed animal ; 

 it runs with as great ease over the steepest slopes as on 

 the level plain. Its broad hoofs keep it from sinking 

 deep into the snow, and thus it does not so frequently 

 fell a prey to the wolf as the long-legged elk, who gets 

 completely bogged directly he attempts to make a run 

 for it. Its general hardiness, and the smallness of its 

 requirements, render it admirably adapted to the rugged 

 and inhospitable regions it inhabits. 



Some twenty years ago the experiment was made 

 of keeping tame reindeer herds in several parts of 

 Hallingdal, the Fille Fjeld, Hardanger, &c. At first 

 the plan was found to answer, but gradually the 

 animals diminished and died away from various causes, 

 so that they have now quite disappeared. 



The causes alluded to were as follows: The tame 

 herds attracted large flocks of wolves, which found 

 the animal in a domesticated state a comparatively easy 

 prey; many also got enticed away by their wild 

 brethren ; and, lastly, the Bonder complained that they 

 spoiled the grass for their cattle in the neighbourhood 

 of the sseters : for it is a known fact that cows, sheep, 

 &c., will not graze where a herd of reindeer has been 



