280 THE FOREST LANDS OF FINLAND. 
The elk (Cervus alce) is a beautiful animal which is 
tending to disappear. In despite of the existing regula- 
tions, which absolutely prohibit the hunting of the elk, 
they are still killed every year. 
The hare (Lepus timidus and L. europaeus), and the squirrel 
(Scturus vulgaris), are sought after for their fur. 
There are found along the coasts of the Gulfs of Finland 
and Bothnia seals (Phoca vitulina and P. Hispida), and what 
is somewhat remarkable, this last is found also in Lake 
Ladoga and the Saima See. Amongst noxious animals are 
the black rat (Jus ratus), which, however, is apparently 
gradually disappearing before the brown rat (Mus decum- 
anus), and the mouse (J. muscatus), &c, The field-mouse 
(Arwcola agrestis) occasions much damage to the fields and 
meadows to the south of the country, but more injurious 
still is its Lappish congener A. ratticeps which desolates 
the fields of potatoes and barley of the colonists in 
Lapland. 
Amongst domestic animals may be mentioned the horse 
(Zquus cabalus), in general small, seldom exceeding 1:34 
metre, but well made, strong, and enduring: Finnish 
horses have come into general use on the tramways of St. 
Petersburg. The ox (Bos taurus), the sheep (Ovs aries)— 
a small race, with coarse wool; the goat (Capra hircus), the 
hog (Sus scrofa), the dog (Canis familiaris), the cat (Felis 
domesticus), and lastly the reindeer (Cervus taurandus) in 
Lapland and in Finland to the north of lat. 65° 30. It 
exists also in a wild state on the northern slopes of the 
Maanselki. 
Of birds 211 wild species are known, besides 6 domestic 
species. Near inhabited parts of the forests, these are full 
of singing birds. The nightingale (Luscinta major var. 
Philomela) is met with in the south-east part of the 
country, but not to the west of Helsingfors, nor to the 
north of Kuopio. On the other hand, the lark (Alauda 
arvensis), the thrush (Turdus musicus), and many species 
of sylphides or warblers are common throughout the whole 
country. The greater part of these birds emigrate in 
