334 



MAMMALIA — STAG. 



moose can sustain on the snow, Hearne remarks that it is both tender foot- 

 ed and short-winded ; though instances are recorded of its eluding pursuit 

 for six successive days. The same author says, that, in summer, moose 

 deer are often killed in the water by the Indians, as when they are crossing 

 the rivers or lakes, they never make any resistance. They are the easiest 

 to domesticate of any of the deer kind. 



The flesh of the moose is more relished by the Indians, and residents in 

 the fur countries, than that of any other animal, principally, on account of 

 its soft fat. It bears a greater resemblance to beef in its flavor, than to 

 venison. The nose is considered most excellent food. The moose acquires 

 a large size, occasionally weighing eleven or twelve hundred pounds. 

 Its skin, when properly dressed, makes a soft, thick, pliable leather, 

 excellently adapted for moccasins, or other articles of winter clothing. Its 

 movements are very heavy ; it shuffles or ambles along, its joints cracking 

 at every step, with a sound heard to some distance. During its progress, 

 it holds up its nose so as to lay the horns back horizontally. Although its 

 figure is uncouth, yet when seen in a wilderness, in all the glory of its full 

 grown horns, no animal could appear more majestic or imposing. 



THE S T AGi 



Is one of those mild, tranquil, innocent animals, which seem as if they were 

 created solely to adorn and animate the solitude of the forests, and to occupy, 



' Ccrvus claphus, Lin. 



