THE ELK, OR MOOSE. .-, 23 



branch. It sheds its horns about the month of February, in each year. They are perceptible nine 

 months after its birth. For the first year, they are cylindrical and stout; the second year, they are about, 

 a foot in length, and not branched ; the third year, two points are discernible ; the fourth year, three ; 

 the fifth year, they are full grown in length. From that time forward they yearly increase in breadth 

 and in the number of branches, until there are as many as fourteen on each horn. 



By nature, the elk is timorous, and it usually flies at the sight of man. When excited, its 

 weapons are its horns and hoofs, and so forcibly does it strike with the latter as to destroy a wolf, or 

 other large animal, at a single blow. At such times, the hair on its neck is said to bristle up like' the 

 mane of a lion, which gives it a wild and frightful appearanca 



The elk is easily domesticated. Formerly, these animals were used in Sweden to draw sledges ; 

 but, owing to their speed in accelerating the flight of criminals, their use was prohibited under heavy 

 penalties. The flesh of the elk is very excellent. 



The elk is also found in the northern regions of America, where, by a corruption of the Cree- 

 Indian name " moosoa," it is generally known by the name of Moose-deer. It remains to be decided 

 whether or not there is a variety of species. 



The movements of the elk are rather heavy, from the great height of its shoulders ; it does not 

 gallop, like others of the deer kind, but advances at a shuffling kind of amble ; while its hoofs, 

 striking against one another, make a strange crackling sound, which is heard at a considerable 

 distance. Its speed, however, is great. During the winter, it lives chiefly on wooded hills ; in 

 summer, it frequents the swampy sides of rivers and lakes, often going deep in the water, to escape 

 flies and gnats. 



According to Sir John Richardson, this animal has the sense of hearing in very great perfection, 

 and is the most shy and wary of all the deer species ; and, on this account, the art of moose hunting 

 is regarded as the greatest of an Indian's acquirements particularly by the Crees, who consider 

 themselves able to instruct the hunters of every other tribe. 



In a natural state, it appears to lead a solitary life each one acting independently of its fellows. 

 The males, it is said, sometimes weigh eleven or twelve hundred pounds. The moose, if taken young, 

 is easily domesticated. M. D'Obsonville, while in Sumatra, procured one when ten or twelve days old, 

 which he kept till it was upwards of two years of age, without restraining it in any way. He 

 sometimes made it draw and carry burdens. It always came at his call, and showed no signs of impa- 

 tience, except when taken from its master, to whom it became strongly attached. When he left the 

 island, he presented it to the Governor-General. It was sent to the country seat of that gentleman, 

 and, being kept by a chain, and away from company, it became furious, and could only be approached 

 with danger. Even its keeper, who fed it, durst not approach it. " After some months," says M. 

 D'Obsonville, " I returned. It knew me at a great distance, and used all its efforts to get at me. I 

 ran to meet it, and I shall never forget the impression which the transport and caresses, lavished upon 

 me by this attached creature, produced." 



THE REIN-DEER. . 



THE adult male of this species, in a wild state, is the size of a stag, or from about four feet and a half 

 to five feet high ; but the female is less than the hind. As to colour, it is of a dusky-brown above, 

 and white beneath. The space between the eyes is black. The hair on the lower part of the neck is 

 much longer than on any other place. The hoofs are large, long, and black. The female of this species 

 has horns as well as the male ; but those of the latter are nuich larger. These are long, slender, 

 branched, and upright, furnished with brown antlers, with widely-expanded and palmated tips, directed 

 forwards. 



These animals swim with great facility, and are so buoyant as to keep half of the back above watn- ; 

 and the great size of their feet enables them to make rapid way across even the strongest currents. 

 They defend themselves with great energy, kicking furiously with the hind feet, when attacked by the 

 wolf, and seldom failing to repel a single, one. 



To the Laplanders, the rein-deer is a substitute for the horse and cow, goat and sheep. These 



* Cervus Tarandus. Linn.-eus. 



