THE ELK. 



alarmed by the noife, the Deer naturally fly to avoid it, and plunge into the 

 lake for fafety, where they are inftantly furrounded by the people in the 

 canoes ; and, being out of their element, are ealily overpowered, and killed 

 with lances and clubs. 



The hide of this animal is very ftrong, and fo thick, that it has been often 

 known to turn a mulket ball ; it is foft and pliable, and the leather, when 

 tanned, is extremely light and durable. The Indians ufe it to make their 

 fnow-lhoes and canoes. In fome individuals the fur is greyer than in others ; 

 and when the hairs are greatly magnified, they appear fpongy, like a bulrulh, 

 and thicker! in the middle. The hair lies quite fmooth on the lkin, and, 

 however difturbed, always returns to its former ftate. 



The length of this animal's legs enables it to cover a great deal of ground, 

 and to travel with vail fwiftnefs ; its ufual pace is a high fliambling trot, 

 which gives a lingular appearance to its gait. In palling through woods, it 

 carries its head horizontally, to prevent, as much as may be, the entanglement 

 of its horns in the branches of the trees. 



The Elk was formerly ufed in Sweden to draw fledges; but the efcape of 

 criminals being often facilitated by its fpeed, the ufe of it for that purpofe is 

 now prohibited, under heavy penalties (a). 



Though naturally timid and inofFenlive, the Elk, when provoked, is a 

 formidable animal, from its flrength and horns ; it flrikes both with horns 

 and hoofs with fuch agility and force, that a Angle blow of one of the fore 

 feet is furBcient to kill a Wolf. The female is not fo large as the male, and 

 is dellitute of horns. She brings forth fometimes one, but oftener two young 

 ones at a time, in the month of April. The young do not arrive at their full 

 growth till they have attained their lixth year. 



The Elk appears to polTefs feelings which are exceedingly delicate ; he 

 exprelfes delire, anger, or impatience, not only by agitated motions and 

 tramplings, but alfo by a deep rattling bellow. The following narrative, 

 related by D'Obfonville, will ferve to fhew, that the Elk may be ealily 

 tamed, if taken young, and is in fome meafure capable of education and 



I • (a) Pennant. 



