ORDER RUMINANTIA. 9 



whole development, is a bone^very dense, without 

 pores or sinus. Its figure varies considerably 

 according to the species, and even in the same 

 species at different ages. The Stags are excessively 

 rapid, live generally in woods, on grass, leaves, 

 boughs of trees, &c. 



The species with horns, either partially or alto- 

 gether flattened, may be first distinguished, viz., 



The Elan, (C. Alces; L.) Elk, or Elend in the north of 

 Europe, Moose Deer of the Americans. Orignal of the 

 Canadians. Buff. Supp. VII. lxxx. 



As big as a horse, and sometimes larger, with 

 high legs, the muzzle cartilaginous and swollen; a 

 sort of goitre or pendulous swelling, variously 

 shaped, under the throat ; the fur is always very 

 rough, and of an ash-colour, more or less deep. 

 The antlers of the male, at first simple (d'abord en 

 dague), afterwards become ramified; assume, at 

 five years old, the form of a triangular plate, in- 

 dented on the external edge, and mounted on a 

 pedicle. They increase with age, so as to weigh 

 fifty or sixty pounds, and to have fourteen 

 antlers or indentations to each horn. The 

 Elan inhabits in small troops the marshy forests 

 of the north of the two continents. Its skin is 

 valued for manufacturing purposes. 



The Rein-Deer, (C. Tarandus.) Buff. III. xviit. bis. 



As large as a stag, but with the legs shorter and 

 thicker. Both sexes have the horns divided 



