346 MAMMALIA— REINDEER. 



degrees. They are occasionally found in the remote and thinly settled parts 

 of Pennsylvania, but the number is smalL They are found in great num- 

 bers in the western wilds, where the forests supply them with an abundance 

 of buds and tender twigs. The elk is shy and retiring, and has very acute 

 senses. The moment the air is tainted by the odor of his enemy, his head 

 is erected with spirit, his ears rapidly thrown in every direction to catch 

 the sounds, and his dark glistening eye expresses the most eager attention. 

 As soon as he discovers the hunter, he bounds along for a few paces, stops, 

 turns half round, and scans his pursuer with a steady gaze, then throwing 

 back his lofty horns, and projecting his taper nose forwards, he springs from 

 the ground and advances with a velocity which soon leaves the object of his 

 dread far out of sight. 



The flesh of the elk is highly esteemed by the Indians and hunters as 

 feed, and the horns, while in a soft state, are also considered a delicacy ; 

 of their hides a great variety of articles of dress and usefulness are prepared. 

 The Indians form bows of the perfect horn, which are highly serviceable, 

 from their elasticity. These animals have been to a certain degree domes- 

 ticated, and might possibly be rendered as useful as the reindeer. 



The caribon or American reindeer, and the barreii ground caribou, inhabit 

 the northern parts of the continent ; but are supposed to be only varieties 

 of the Lapland reindeer. 



THE REINDEER. 



1$ 



It appears by positive testimonies, that the reindeer formerly existed in 

 France, at least in the high mountains, such as the Pyrenean ; and, since 

 that time, has been destroyed, like the stags, who were heretofore common 

 in that country. It is certain, that the reindeer is now actually to be found 

 only in the most northern countries. We also know, that the climate of 

 France was formerly much more damp and cold, occasioned by the number 



