Hoofs of Reindeer and Moose compared. 



81 



towards the latter, and so neglectful of the safety of the elk, 

 and, I may add, the Virginian deer ; so evident is this, that it 

 might be fairly questioned if the two latter have always been 

 natives of Canada. Indeed, whether or not they were driven 

 northward by man or by other causes, at all events the 

 defects in regard to their means of progression in winter tell 

 effectually on their powers of escape from man and four-footed 

 foes. Thus considered, we may suppose the reindeer will sur- 

 vive longest, from the fact that its light, hollow, and expansive 



HOOF OF REINDEER. 



HOOF OF MOOSE. 



foot enables it to outstrip its foes over snow, when the other 

 two sink to their haunches. The Virginian deer runs on the 

 hard frozen surface, but is at a great disadvantage in deep soft 

 snow or drifts, where it may be readily captured ; indeed, 

 after unusual storms the caribou has been mobbed and killed ; 

 but neither are so helpless as the moose, more especially 

 during the spring season, when the frozen surface readily 

 gives way at every step, necessitating great exertion, while 



