PEE HOME OF LHE REINDEE K. 89 
the long, severe winter, subsisting on tree-buds, moss or 
lichens. 
The breeding season occurs in the early spring, before 
winter quarters are vacated; and the number of fawns 
borne by a doe at one time ranges from one to three. 
From an economic or commercial point of view, the 
reindeer is highly prized. By the Laplanders and other 
people it is domesticated, and takes the place of the 
horse, the dog, the cow or the goat of other countries. 
As a traveller it is swift and enduring, being capable of 
hauling from two to three hundred pounds upon a sled, 
as much as one hundred miles per day ; and as compared 
with the dog, it possesses the great advantage of being 
able to obtain its food by the way. 
As a source of venison it cannot be excelled, especially 
in the autumn season, when it isin prime condition. 
During September and October the males are rolling fat ; 
and as food their flesh is then equal to the finest beef. 
Of all meats I have ever tasted, certainly reindeer 
tongues take the first place for daintiness and delicacy 
of flavor. 
From the skins of the reindeer the natives of the 
Arctic regions make almost every article of winter cloth- 
ing. For this purpose it is most admirably suited, both 
because of its great warmth and its remarkable lightness. 
Through different methods of tanning and dressing it is 
made adaptable to a great variety of other uses. Sewing 
thread, lashing twine and other strong lines are also 
made from sinew obtained from along the spine of this 
animal. 
What the buffalo was to the North American Indian 
in days gone by, the reindeer is now to the Eskimos 
and other natives of the north country. 
