2 1 o SrOX TING A D VENTURES 



winds in every direction; and when it has done feeding 1 it lies 

 down to the leeward of its trails with its head to the windward. 



A hunter acquainted with its habits would not, therefore, 

 follow its tracks, but would carefully quarter the ground 

 against the wind, keep a sharp look-out, and move almost as 

 noiselessly as a cat. If persons are hunting together they are 

 liable to bag one by these means, especially if there is a 

 stream or a lake in the vicinity. 



Moose may be sought for around woodland tarns in summer, 

 as they frequent them to avoid the attacks of flies, which are 

 their greatest pests, and to feed on the yellow lily. In 

 searching for them the water ought to be carefully scanned, as 

 they are often almost wholly immersed in it, the only part 

 appearing above the surface being the nose, eyes, ears, and 

 the antlers, the latter looking like snags at a distance. In 

 the winter, when the ground is covered with snow, herds of 

 females, calves, and young bulls are found together in " yards/' 

 but the old males like to wander about by themselves, or to 

 form small bachelor parties. 



A moose yard is simply a feeding-ground, the paths through 

 the snow being formed unconsciously by the animals while 

 browsing. It is generally found where deciduous trees are 

 numerous, as the animals like to nibble at these in the 

 daintiest manner. After the first heavy fall of snow they 

 seldom change their ground ; but if the fall is light they 

 frequently do so, and three yards may sometimes be found 

 within five miles of each other, especially if young trees are 

 numerous, and the herds are large. AYhen the young trees have 

 been plucked of their shoots as high as the moose can reach, 

 they ride them down with their long fore-legs, and straddle 

 them until all the tender portions have been eaten off. 



When startled by hounds or hunters the bulls throw the 

 antlers as far back as their straight, short necks will permit 

 them, and with noses in air dash through dense forests and 

 matted thickets with great ease, while their limbs are so long 

 that they can step over fallen trees without breaking their 

 2-ait. Thev are by no means so handsome in looks or graceful 



c5 / */ 



ill motion as their kindred the wapiti ; and their fore-shoulders, 



