THE MOOSE. 51 



defence, and the time that the young animals are in 

 coming to maturity, are thus compensated for by the 

 maternal protection ; for, as a recent writer* has noticed, 

 the affection of young animals to their parents does not 

 extend beyond the period when they are able to provide 

 for themselves, and varies in its duration in accordance 

 with the time necessary for attaining that end. Its 

 intensity also ceases simultaneously both in parent and 

 offspring, and after the period of its cessation not even 

 recognition appears to remain. 



During the rutting season, which is in September, 

 the Moose seldom quits the covert, and is not to be 

 approached without considerable risk, the bulls being 

 especially dangerous at that time. 



Moose hunting lasts throughout the autumn and 

 winter, and there are several different methods of 

 pursuing the sport, as "calling," "driving," "creeping," 

 and " tracking," or hunting on snow-shoes, sometimes 

 called " crusting." 



" Calling," which is practised generally in September 

 and October, as soon as the bellow of the bull begins 

 to be heard at night, is thus managed, and though it 

 may at first sight appear unsportsmanlike, is neither 

 without danger or excitement. On a calm, light night, 



* Thompson's " Passions of Animals." 



E 2 



