THE FOOD OF THE MOOSE 117 



the Adirondacks, the Moose cannot live and thrive, and 

 reach old age, and all attempts to induce it to do so have 

 failed. 



In a wild state Moose browse upon many kinds of trees, 

 but particularly upon birch, hemlock, spruce, alder, aspen, 

 willow and maple. They reach the tender tops of tree 

 saplings by walking astride of them, and "riding them down," 

 and in the manipulation of small branches, the use of the 

 overhanging and prehensile nose is strikingly apparent. 

 With their strong lower front teeth, used chisel-fashion, they 

 gouge the bark off large branches, and feed upon it. In 

 grazing on grass, or feeding upon ground mosses, a Moose 

 must kneel in order to reach them. 



During the deep snows of winter, Moose herd together 

 in sheltered spots in the forest; and through their moving 

 about in a small area, the snow is trodden down until they 

 form what is called a "Moose yard." 



Naturally, because of its grand proportions, and its mass- 

 ive antlers, the Moose has been to every hunter of big game 

 a grand prize. Although difficult to find and approach 

 within easy rifle shot, when approached it is killed easily 

 and without danger. During the past five years this species 

 has been fairly protected throughout the eastern half of its 

 range, and in 1902 this protection was by Act of Congress 

 extended over the whole of Alaska. Without real protec- 

 tion, the world soon will see this magnificent animal, which 

 Nature has been millions of years in bringing to perfec- 

 tion as we now see it, practically exterminated throughout 

 North America. In 1900 the legislature of the state of New 



