278 CAPTAIN CART WRIGHT'S 



outer shoots of the black spruce in the winter 

 time, though but sparingly. I most wonder that 

 they are not fond of vetches,^ which grow in great 

 abundance here. I have often tracked the wild 

 ones through large beds of them, without observ- 

 ing that they cropped any; yet I have seen mine 

 eat a few sometimes. This will eat a little of the 

 crumb of soft bread, but will scarcely touch the 

 crust, or biscuit; but that may be owing to the 

 tenderness of its teeth. Pudding and boiled 

 potatoes it is very fond of, but will not eat the 

 latter raw; it will also eat boiled salt meat. They 

 are very sure footed; for they will run along 

 shore, over sharp rough rocks, or smooth, round, 

 loose stones, without ever stumbling or slipping; 

 l)ut on smooth ice they can with difficulty stand. 

 The}^ are beautifully made, are as straight limbed 

 and have nearly the same shape as the horse, only 

 not so good a neck. They walk, trot, and gallop 

 in the same manner, and no old hunter will take 

 either a flying, or standing leap with more grace 

 or judgment than my young deer will now. They 

 have great strength and are remarkably active; 

 which renders them very useful in a sled. They 

 go very wide behind, are fearless of their road, 

 and will swim with most extraordinary swiftness, 

 and to a prodigious distance: I am certain they 

 will swim more than five miles in an hour, and I 

 verily believe, six. The stags have a deal more 

 courage than the hinds, and those hinds which 



^ Milk vetch, Astragalus alpinus, and beach pea, Lathyrus maritimus, 

 are both common on this coast. 



