THE CARIBOU. 87 



craft, and perfection of judgment." Fortunately, how- 

 ever, the weather conditions that favor this mode of hunt- 

 ing usually come only within the close season, so that it 

 is seldom resorted to by the true sportsman. 



In identifying the relationship between the wild Rein- 

 deer of Europe and the Woodland Caribou of America, 

 Judge Caton's admirable book is the most precise and 

 exhaustive treatise that I have met with. To my mind, it 

 proves practically, from personal study and careful exami- 

 nation, that there exist many similarities and peculiar 

 characteristics in both of these fine animals. The antlers, 

 however, of the American species would appear to be some- 

 what heavier and more palmated than are those of the ani- 

 mal of the Old World— as much more massive, at least, as 

 the American Woodland Caribou is larger and heavier than 

 his European congener. 



Doubtless, if turned to account, from his great strength, 

 speed, and endurance, the Woodland Caribou of America 

 could be domesticated, and his services made available in 

 many ways advantageous to man. Perhaps his inability to 

 endure the, heat of warm summer weather might, in some 

 degree, operate against the possibility of utilizing those 

 qualities which, in Lapland and Greenland, have made the 

 Reindeer so valuable, and even so indispensable; to the exist- 

 ence of the inhabitants of those cold northern countries. 



I have already referred to the speed and endurance of 

 the Reindeer of Europe, an animal so closely allied to the 

 Woodland Caribou; and from knowledge gleaned from 

 authentic sources, of the speed and staying qualities of the 

 latter, I am inclined to believe that there is no exaggeration 

 used or intended. When the robust build, clean-cut, bony 

 limbs, and general active make-up of the Woodland Cari- 

 bou are taken into account, I find no difficulty in believing 

 that one of those animals, in full health and in good travel- 

 ing condition, in his wild state, could easily trot twenty or 

 twenty-five miles an hour, and keep up that rate of speed, on 

 favorable ground, for at least four or five hours, or longer. 

 The great, lumbering Moose is a magnificent trotter, but the 



