EPISODES 



399 



and were not long in sight of them when they stood at 

 bay. It is really wonderful how soon they beat down a 

 hard space in the snow to stand upon, when it is impos- 

 sible for a dog to touch them, as they stamp so violently 

 with their fore-feet that it is certain death to approach 

 them. This Moose had only one calf with her, though 

 the usual number is two, almost invariably a male and a 

 female. We shot them with a ball through the brain. 



The Moose bears a considerable resemblance to the 

 horse in his conformation, and in his disposition a still 

 greater, having much of the sagacity as well as vicious- 

 ness of that animal. We had an opportunity of observ- 

 ing the wonderful acuteness of its hearing and smelling. 

 As we were standing by one, he suddenly erected his ears, 

 and put himself on the alert, evidently aware of the ap- 

 proach of some person. About ten minutes after, one of 

 our party came up, who must have been at the time at 

 least half a mile off, and the wind was from the Moose 

 towards him. 



This species of Deer feeds on the hemlock, cedar, fir, 

 or pine, but will not touch the spruce. It also eats the 

 twigs of the maple, birch, and soft shoots of other trees. 

 In the autumn they may be enticed by imitating their 

 peculiar cry, which is described as truly frightful. The 

 hunter gets up into a tree, or conceals himself in some 

 other secure place, and imitates this cry by means of a 

 piece of birch-bark rolled up to give the proper tone. 

 Presently he hears the Moose come dashing along, and 

 when he gets near enough, takes a good aim, and soon 

 despatches him. It is very unsafe to stand within reach 

 of the animal, for he would certainly endeavor to demol- 

 ish you. 



A full-grown male Moose is said to measure nine feet 

 in height, and with his immense branching antlers pre- 

 sents a truly formidable appearance. Like the Virginia 

 Deer, and the male Caribou, they shed their horns every 



