76 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



and a half, we perceived our game a bull, cow, and two 

 calves going over a neighboring swell. The reason of the 

 deceptive appearance of the trail is caused by the cow and 

 calves stepping as nearly as possible in the footsteps .of the 

 bull, who on such occasions invariably leads. 



Just as we supposed ourselves on the verge of success, 

 the moose passed through a second yard, easily known by 

 the trampled state of the snow and barked sides of the 

 trees. The occupants of this retreat had joined those we 

 were following. This additional force to the pursued add- 

 ed fresh excitement to the chase, and the distress resulting 

 from pace was for the time forgotten. In an hour more 

 we were again in view, and soon afterward among the 

 game. My companions I will leave to themselves, and con- 

 fine myself to my own performance. One of the males had 

 a noble head of horns. These I determined to be possess- 

 ed of ; so, marking him for mine, resolved not to halt till 

 successful. Again and again I thought that but a few 

 minutes would elapse till I could shoot; but either from 

 the snow being less deep, or the animal making extra 

 efforts, at least an hour had elapsed before the quarry was 

 sufficiently close to deliver with precision a fatal shot. 



Soon I was joined by one of the Indians, then by the re- 

 mainder of our party. Four moose had been killed ; so my 

 companion and self agreed that we had reaped enough re- 

 ward for one day's work. Next day was equally success- 

 ful, more game having been seen than on the first essay. I 

 doubt not, if we had been so minded, for days we might 

 have continued this slaughter ; but, as it was, we had as 

 much meat as we could transport to the settlement. 



A more rapid manner of taking moose when there is a 

 crust, and one much practiced, is to be accompanied by a 

 small, active dog, which, if properly trained to his work, 

 will never lay hold, but only snap at the quarry's heels. 



