LV THE FAR WEST. 211 



which arc higher than the haunches, and their ridge-like withers, 

 give them a most ungainly aspect. When running, they make 

 a clattering sound with the horny points or spurs of the hoofs, 

 and a slot or track so distinct that it may be readily noticed 

 even on dry grass, as the hoofs are long and sharp-pointed, 

 and the fore are shorter and less tapering than the hinder ones. 

 This form of hoof prevents them from running well through 

 deep, crusted snow, and the result is that they are readily 

 captured, for they break through it easily; whereas their 

 cousin, the caribou, with its expansive, broad-pointed and 

 rounded hoof can travel over it with facility. This fault or 

 defect in the moose is probably one reason why it has not been 

 domesticated in northern countries as the reindeer has, 

 although it has many advantages over the latter in size, 

 strength, and speed. 



Its congener in Sweden, the European elk, was formerly em- 

 ployed as a beast of burden, but the State authorities forbade 

 its use after a time, owing to the fact that its superior speed 

 frequently enabled criminals to escape. As a forest traveller the 

 moose has no superior and few equals, and its endurance is some- 

 thing extraordinary. Were it domesticated it would be found an 

 invaluable aid to the farmer, as its support would cost very 

 little ; its flesh and hide can be used ; and it has apparently 

 the strength of any ordinary horse. It is easily tamed if cap- 

 tured young, and is inclined to be confident and affectionate 

 if kindly treated ; but during the rutting period the males are 

 liable to be headstrong and pugnacious, if not dangerous. 

 One generation of domestication might, however, eradicate 

 these qualities, and render it as docile as a cow. It 

 would make a capital steed for mounted scouts or couriers 

 in a rough or wooded country ; but I would rather be off its 

 back if any manoeuvres were to be executed, or any firing 

 took place. 



The usual methods of hunting this monarch of the Cervidcc 

 is to stalk it ; " call " it within range during the rutting 

 season; run it down on snow-shoes during a heavy fall of 

 snow ; or drive it with dogs until it is brought to bay in a snow 

 bank, or is exhausted. The first two methods are legitimate 



