82 



THE MOOSE, OR ELK. 



Without further preface, therefore, we will commence our 

 survey with the elk. 



The monarch of the American pine forests — the su>erb 

 moose or elk — ranges from the mouth of the Mackenzie Rver 

 to the shores of the Atlantic, at the eastern extremit' of 

 Nova Scotia, and passing the great lake region, is found iven 

 as far as the State of New York. Observe him as he stmds 

 with huge palmated horns ready for action, his vast nottrils 

 snuffing up the scent coining from afar; his eves dilated, and 



llli: MOOSE, OK El.K. 



ears moving, watching for a foe ; his bristly mane u'ect; 

 his large body supported on his somewhat thick but agile 

 limbs, standing fully six feet six inches in height d the 

 shoulder, above which rise the head and antlers. The 

 creature's muzzle is very broad, protruding, and coverec with 

 hair, except a small moist, naked spot in front of the ncstrils. 

 He has a short, thick neck, the hair thick and brittle. The 

 throat is somewhat mancd in both sexes. So large .s the 

 cavity of the nose, that a man may thrust his arm right into 



