360 THROUGH CANADA 



removed from civilized life. In British Columbia it 

 inhabits the southern portion of the province and 

 the district east of the Cascade Mountains. This 

 deer depends principally on its power of scent for 

 protection. Like most creatures highly developed 

 in one organ, it is weak in another. The sight of 

 the mule deer is not keen. A man standing still 

 will not frighten it if the wind is not blowing from 

 his direction, and after a while it will begin to 

 browse or move quietly away. Its hearing is very 

 sharp, and any noise, however slight, will put it 

 suddenly to flight. The moment danger is dis- 

 covered it gives the alarm by stamping its feet, the 

 noise and vibration of which can be heard and felt a 

 good way off. The fawn, %vhen too young for flight, 

 makes a feint of death by lying perfectly still. It 

 will even allow itself to be handled without resistance 

 or concern. In one particular only is the illusion said 

 to be defective — it does not close its eyes. Has 

 Nature failed after all in teaching the full lesson of 

 simulation ? I do not think so ; it must be borne in 

 mind, in fairness to the great teacher, that in death 

 the eyes do not close. From the point of mimicry, 

 therefore, the posture is a true one. Nature knows 

 her own business best. Actually attacked, the fawn 

 have a peculiar bleat, which the mother hears and 

 responds to instantly. 



The moose. Alee gigas^ derives its name from the 

 Cree Indian mooswa, and the Salteaux mooz. This 



