612 HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



with the solution, and is almost entirely secure from the depre- 

 dations of the moth. Yet there are one or two spots where a 

 thong has protected the hair, and in those very spots the perti- 

 nacious moths have laid their eggs, and, in several instances, 

 the caterpillars have succeeded in attaining their perfect state. 



If the reader will refer to the large illustration, he will see a 

 representation of that curious temporary habitation which is 

 popularly termed an Elk-yard. 



The Elk, or Moose (A Ices malchis), inhabits the northern parts 

 of America and Europe, and is, consequently, an animal which 

 is formed to endure severe cold. Although a very large and 

 powerful animal, measuring sometimes seven feet in height at 

 the shoulders — a height which is very little less than that of 

 an average elephant — it has many foes and is much persecuted 

 both by man and beast. During the summer-time it is tolerably 

 safe, but in the winter it is beset by many perils. 



In its native country the snow falls so thickly, that the 

 inhabitants of a more temperate climate can hardly imagine the 

 result of a heavy storm. The face of the earth is wholly changed 

 — well-known pits and declivities have vanished — white hills 

 stand where was formerly a level plain — tier upon tier of 

 mimic fortifications rise above each other, the walls being 

 scarped and cut by the wind in weird resemblance of human 

 architecture. 



During the sharp frosts, the Elk runs but little risk, because 

 it can traverse the hard, frozen surface of the snow with con- 

 siderable speed, although with a strange, awkward gait. Its 

 usual pace is a swinging trot ; but so light is its action, and so 

 long are its legs, that it quietly trots over obstacles which a 

 horse could not easily leap, because the frozen surface of the 

 snow, although competent to withstand the regular trotting 

 force, could not endure the sudden impact of a horse when 

 leaping. As an example of the curious trot of tills animal, 1 

 may mention that on one occasion an Elk was seen to trot 

 uninterruptedly over a number of fallen tree-trunks, some of 

 which were nearly five feet in diameter. 



It is a remarkable fact that the split hoofs of the Elk spread 

 widely when the foot is placed on the ground, coming together 

 again with a loud snap when it is raised. In consequence of 



