ABOUT THE MOOSE. 



41 



beat back over the head — horns so heavy that one would 

 think the animal must grow weary of the burden. 



Though of a clumsy, awkward gait, he covers the ground 

 with much rapidity, and can maintain his speed for a con- 

 siderable distance. His trot is long and swinging, and 

 carries him easily over obstacles that a horse cannot pass ; 



A MOOSE FAMILY. 



and the hunter's best chance of capturing the coveted 

 prize is when the snow lies soft and thick on the ground, 

 as then his body's weight sinks him deeper and deeper at 

 every pace, and he is easily overtaken by the pursuer in 

 his swift snow-shoes and with his lighter frame. 



The moose is generally afraid of man, but there are 

 seasons of the year when he seems possessed with a sudden 



