304 MAMMALIA—STAG. 
moose cai 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. ‘Ihe 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. 
“THER STAG 
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 


_— —_ 

1 Cervus elaphus, Lin. 
