B50 rNUIlLATA. 



EEINDEER. 



BaiKjiU'r ta mud IIS. 

 French : Eenne. German : Eennthier. 



The Eeindeer is invakiable 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 dijffering somewhat in these parts, it has been 

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

 deer was abundant in Scotland, especiall}^ 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 

 countr}'. 



In Norway, and other countries, the Eeindeer 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 Eeindeer is also ridden, the seat being 

 on the neck, instead of on the back. 



The Eeindeer is about 8 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 Eussia ; 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 



