64 CERVIDJE. 



snow is dug out from an area proportioned to the shelter 

 required, and piled up by the aid of the snow-shoes to 

 windward, either simply as a screen, or in the form of a 

 rude hut. The ground is strewed with sapins, buffalo 

 robes are laid over them, and in front a blazing fire is 

 built on large logs. Though this is comfortable enough, 

 the latter part of the night is intensely cold; and in 

 spite of blanket-coats, sleigh-robes, and fire, it is neces- 

 sary to lie very close together to maintain the animal 

 heat at all. 



In Canada Moose more frequently form into small 

 herds than they do further north, but it is not an un- 

 common occurrence to come unexpectedly on a single 

 bull lying in the snow. As it starts suddenly to its feet 

 and bounds forward, the novice in all probability fires a 

 snap-shot at random, either missing it altogether or 

 merely wounding it ; but the practised hunter, knowing 

 well that it will turn round in a moment or two to gaze 

 at the cause of alarm, raises his rifle and steadily awaits 

 a surer aim. 



When a herd is in flight the animals keep in Indian 

 file, each treading in the track of the one before it, for 

 the crust on the surface of the snow, obliging them 

 to lift their feet perpendicularly out of the deep holes 

 made at each step, very much hampers their flight ; while 

 it is further impeded by the dogs used in the chase, 



