ii6 



THE WORLD OF ANIMAL LIFE 



overtaxed, however, a law has been passed which hmits the load to 

 one hundred and ninety pounds, if drawn in a sledge, and to one 

 hundred and thirty if carried upon the back. 



The reindeer also furnishes its owner with excellent meat, as 



Reindeer 



well as with rich, creamy milk, from which very good butter and 

 cheese can be made. Thus it takes the place of the ox and cow 

 as well as that of the horse. Again, its hair can be spun into 

 warm winter clothing, so very necessary to those who dwell in the 

 chilly climate of the far north. In this respect it takes the place 

 of the sheep. 



Quite recently, a new use has been discovered for the cloth spun 

 from the hair of the reindeer; for it has been found that it is so 

 light, that if a swimmer be clothed in a dress made from it, he finds 

 it quite impossible to dive. A mat, too, of the size of an ordinary 



