350 



UNGULATA. 



REINDEER. 



Ranyifer tarandiis. 

 French : Renne. German : Rennthier. 



The Reindeer is invaluable to the inhabitants of the 

 Arctic regions, whether of Europe, Asia, or America. 

 It inhabits the northern portions of these three conti- 

 nents, being found as far north as Spitzbergen, and 

 although differing somewhat in these parts, it has been 

 classed as only one species. In former times the Rein- 

 deer was abundant in Scotland, especially in the 

 Orkneys, but attempts to re-introduce it have ended in 

 failure. In Germany similar attempts have been made, 

 mostly without success. It was successfully introduced 

 into Iceland in 1770, and a few are found wild in that 

 country. 



In Norway, and other countries, the Reindeer is quite 

 domesticated, some farms owning herds of 2,000 head. 

 It is harnessed and used for sledging ; the females yield 

 abundance of milk ; the flesh, especially the kidneys, 

 is excellent eating, and the tongue is considered a great 

 delicacy. The Reindeer is also ridden, the seat being 

 on the neck, instead of on the back. 



The Reindeer is about 3 to 4 feet high. The general 

 colour is light buff or brown, and a lighter shade on 

 the belly and head, but this varies considerably ; in 

 Labrador it is almost white ; a few mottled examples 

 are found in Russia ; and pure white are often met with 

 in Lapland. 



The hair is brittle, extremely bristly, and abundant, 

 thus protecting the animal well from the severe cold of 



