THE EUMINANT OEDEE. 29t> 



and smell, which enable it to avoid its enemies. From its great 

 strength and length of limb, even among the thick snow, unless 

 it be crusted by a previous thaw, it trots rapidly. It flies from 

 Man (except at the rutting season, or when wounded or disabled)., 

 and retires before the advance of cultivation. "When incapaci- 

 tated for flight it will vigorously defend itself. To approach 

 it at this critical moment is excessively dangerous, for with its- 

 foot it is able to strike a fearful blow, so severe that it has been 

 known to kill the large Grey Wolf with a single kick. 



In the Old as weU as the New World this mammoth and noble 

 species of game is becoming annually scarcer, for it is hunted with 

 the greatest perseverance. The most destructive mode is that 

 adopted by the white and Indian population of Canada, viz., 

 running them on snow-shoes — a wooden frame, covered with net- 

 work — which support the himter on the crusted surface, while 

 the Elk sinks through it chest-deep, and consequently soon 

 becomes exhausted, when its life is taken with the rifle. Another 

 method is enticing the males within range of fire-arms by imitating 

 the female's call. 



Among the Carnivora, the chief enemies of the Elk are the 

 same as those of the Reindeer, viz., the Bear, the Wolf, and the 

 Glutton. 



The Elk, when captured young, may be completely tamed 

 without difiicidty. It recognises the person who takes care 

 of it, and will follow him like a dog, manifesting consider- 

 able joy on seeing him after a separation. It goes in harness 

 as well as the Reindeer, and can thus perform long journej^s. 

 For two or three centuries it was used for this pui'pose in Sweden, 

 but the custom is now given up. Its flesh has a good flavour, and 

 is veiy nourishing. Its skin, hair, and antlers are all employed 

 for useful piuposes. It is impossible to understand whj^ hardly 

 any attempts have been made to domesticate such a useful animal 

 in those climates suited to it, and thus prevent the destruction 

 which threatens to entirely extirjoate the race. 



The Beer Genus (Cerms). — The Deer genus comprehends a 

 somewhat large nrmiber of species distributed over the warm and 

 temjjerate regions of both continents. 



These animals are remarkable for their grace, elegance, and 

 agility, and possess the common characteristic of being furnished 



