36 EAISING DEEK IN THE UNITED STATES. 



perennial weeds have been treated the same way. Those coming from seed 

 must come from outside the fence, and will find the tame grasses in possession. 

 Elk and goats fed on the falling leaves in the fall, thus lessening the covering 

 of grasses. Tame grasses will not thrive under a thick coating of dead leaves. 



Question 14. Is the forest open enough after their work to permit the growth 

 of grass? 



Answer. Elk and goats do not open up dense forests, except undergrowth. 

 It is necessary to have considerable light and sun for the growing of tame 

 grasses. 



Question 15. After the forest land has been cleared and seeded to tame grass, 

 could sheep be grazed in the same lot as the elk? 



Answer. In reply to this question, we answer from long experience that 

 cattle, sheep, and goats can be grazed in the same lots with elk, providing, 

 however, that the lots or inclosures are not small — the larger the area the bet- 

 ter; and we know of no more appropriate place to call attention to the great 

 benefit of a few elk in the same pasture with sheep or goats. An elk is the 

 natural enemy of dogs and wolves. We suffered great losses to our flocks until 

 we learned this fact ; since then we have had no loss from that cause. A few 

 elk in a thousand-acre pasture will absolutely protect the flocks therein. Our 

 own dogs are so well aware of the danger in our elk park that they can not 

 be induced to enter it. 



In your note you invite us to suggest any other points not covered by your 

 questions. We think of nothing but feed and shelter. Nature has provided the 

 elk with a winter coat of hair, which is in itself ample protection from any 

 weather conditions, and which makes artificial protection unnecessary. All that 

 is needed is feed, and on account of their browsing on that which is already in 

 our hills and low mountains but little provision is needed. Like cattle, they are 

 fond of grain and can be fattened on it, but may be kept in good condition 

 during the winter on very little roughness. To be more explicit, one-half the 

 ration per pound required for cattle will do for elk. We have opinions about 

 caring for and domesticating the wild elk, saving to the nation what yet remains, 

 and using them as a nucleus for general domestication and distribution. These 

 views we will gladly furnish if desired. 



MANAGEMENT OF ELK IN INCLOSURES. 



The experience of Mr. Stratton at Little Valley, N. Y., recounted 

 in the preceding pages, gives an excellent foundation for practice in 

 developing a true domesticity in the wapiti ; but for economic reasons 

 it may not always be possible for the raiser of the elk to adopt the 

 same methods. He may wish to grow the animals for venison only 

 and on large preserves where the calves can not be tamed when young. 

 But when the elk is grown for stocking parks and private preserves, 

 the tamer the herd the easier will it be to handle and ship the stock. 



RANGE. 



The natural food supply is an important consideration in choosing 

 a range for the elk. While elk have done well in blue-grass pas- 

 ture and on the prairie grasses alone, they do far better on preserves 



