94 THE CARIBOO, OR REINDEER. 



portions. In most instances there is but one developed brow 

 antler, the other being a solitary curved prong. The back 

 of the cariboo is covered with brownish hair, the tips of which 

 are of a rich dun gray, whiter on the neck than elsewhere. 

 The nose, ears, and outer surface of the legs and shoulders 

 are of a brown hue. The neck and throat are covered with 

 long, dullish white hair, and there is a faint whitish patch 

 on the side of the shoulders. The rump and tail are snowy 

 white, while a band of white runs round all the legs, joining 

 the hoofs. 



As winter approaches, the hair grows long, and lightens 

 considerably in hue. Frequently, indeed, individuals may be 

 seen in a herd with coats of the palest fawn colour — almost 

 white. The muzzle is entirely covered with hair. The fin 

 is brittle, and though in summer it is short, in winter it is 

 longer and whiter, especially about the throat. The hoofs 

 are broad, depressed, and bent in at the tip. The full-grown 

 bucks shed their horns, and it is seldom that they are seen 

 in a herd after Christinas. The female reindeer, however, 

 retains hers during winter. Several theories have been ad- 

 vanced to account for this. There seems no doubt, however, 

 that the object is to enable the female to protect her fawns 

 from the males, who are apt to attack the young and destroy 

 them. 



The cariboo is gregarious, and males, females, and young 

 herd together at all seasons ; and by this provision of Nature 

 the females are able to defend the young, who would other- 

 wise be subjected to injury. In another respect these animals 

 are wonderfully provided for the mode of existence they are 

 compelled to pursue. Not only have they to cross wide 

 snow-covered districts, but frequently to pass across frozen 



