122 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The pace of the Elk is a high, shambling trot; 

 but it goes with great swiftness. Formerly these 

 animals were made use of in Sweden to draw 

 sledges ; but as they were frequently accessory to 

 the escape of such as had been guilty of murders or 

 other great crimes, this use of them was prohibited 

 under great penalties. 



In passing through thick woods these animals 

 carry their heads horizontally, to prevent their 

 horns being entangled in the branches. 



The Elks are timid and inoffensive, except when 

 wounded, or during the rutting season, when the 

 males become very furious, and at that time will 

 swim from isle to isle in pursuit of the females. 

 They strike with both horns and hoofs, and possess 

 such agility and strength of limbs, that, with a 

 single blow of the fore feet, they will kill a Wolf 

 or a Dog. 



Their flesh is extremely sweet and nourishing. 

 The Indians say, they can travel farther after eating 

 heartily of the flesh of the Elk, than of any other 

 animal food. Their tongues are excellent; but the 

 nose is esteemed the greatest delicacy in all Canada. 

 The skin makes excellent buff leather, and is strong, 

 soft, and light : the Indians make their snow-shoes, 

 and likewise form their canoes with it. The hair 

 on the neck, withers, and hams, of a full-grown 

 Elk, from its great length and elasticity, is well 

 adapted to the purpose of making mattrasses and 

 saddles. 



The methods of hunting these animals in Canada 

 are curious. The first, and most simple, is, before 

 the lakes or rivers are frozen, multitudes of the 

 natives assemble in their canoes, with which they 

 form a vast crescent, each horn touching the shore ; 



