Habits of the Moose and Reindeer. 9 1 



In respect to the above method of hunting the moose, I 

 refer the reader to the next chapter, where he will find the 

 facts detailed at greater length, and be enabled to form his 

 own conceptions on the subject. 



The natural timidity of the wild animal is said to be 

 strangely absent in the calf moose as compared with the rein- 

 deer ; indeed, I have been informed by persons who had cap^ 

 tured it that the young one seldom displays any fear, unless 

 when irritated by dogs, when it has been known to drop dead 

 through paralysis of the heart. Of the latter, two instances 

 w T ere given me by independent observers, — one where a dog 

 rushed suddenly on a calf moose, which fainted and expired 

 immediately ; another, when startled by a loud sound, the 

 animal suddenly sank in the same way * 



The cow moose is always fat and in good condition when 

 carrying the calf, while the bulls are lean during winter and 

 until the green food reappears. Looking therefore at all the 

 advantages and weak points in the bodily construction and 

 habits of the moose, it is apparent that, compared with the 

 reindeer, there are defects which must always be injurious 

 to the animal's well-being, and none more so than the hoof, 

 — contrasting in the latter respect, as before remarked, with 

 that of the caribou, in being solid, unyielding, and pointed, and 

 readily sinking through the hard crust ; while the light, hollow, 

 and expansive hoof of the reindeer is admirably adapted to 

 such circumstances. The extinction of both keeps pace with 

 the disappearance of their native forests, which now in this 

 part of the Dominion are rapidly vanishing before, the lum- 



ceived from the fact that, not many years since, no less than 400 moose 

 were butchered on the banks of the Magaguadavie river by the settlers 

 during one season, mostly on account of their hides ; and although there is 

 a penalty of forty dollars imposed in each instance, it is a notorious fact 

 that both Indians and whites continue the work of destruction, and even 

 sell the flesh in the public streets. 



* The Hon. Sir A. Gordon says the same of a grey squirrel which died 

 of fright on being captured. ("Wanderings,"^, tit, p. 29.) 



