66 HOOFED ANIMALS 
than to deadly combat. The antlers of our white-tailed and 
mule deer are peculiarly adapted to the fatal interlocking that 
has caused many a fine buck to perish miserably by slow star- 
vation. Pushing-matches among deer in captivity are quite 
common. 
The Round-Horned Deer 
Tue American ELK, or Wapiri,! is as tall as a horse, 
handsomely formed, luxuriantly maned, carries its head 
proudly, and is crowned by a pair of very imposing antlers. 
Even the doe Elk is a handsome and stately creature; and 
from the second week after its birth the fawn steps about 
with the air of a game cock. If you will observe a seven- 
year-old male Elk in October or November, when the modelling 
of his form is handsomest, his pelage long, bright and immacu- 
late, his neck swollen with pride, and his fine new antlers 
ready for admiration or for battle, I think you will say, “This 
is the king of the Cervidae!”’ 
Even the moose, giant though he be, is not a creature of 
regal presence, like the Elk. Although the latter is a large 
and heavy animal, it has the small and shapely legs and hoofs 
of a thoroughbred. It is strictly a creature for solid ground; 
and, while very fond of bathing in ponds during hot weather, 
it avoids swamps and low situations. 
It is both a grazing and browsing animal. Although up 
to twenty-five years ago it often ranged far out into the west- 
ern edge of the Great Plains, and loves to frequent mountain 
1 Cer'vus can-a-den'sis. In Europe this animal is called the Wapiti; and the 
European Moose is called the “Elk.” 
