OF THE POLAR SEA* 



219 



herds of different sizes, from ten to a hun- 

 dred, according as their fears or accident 

 induce them to unite or separate. 



The females, being at this time more lean 

 and active, usually lead the van. The 

 haunches of the males are now covered to 

 the depth of two inches or more with fat, 

 which is beginning to get red and high fla- 

 voured, and is considered a sure indication 

 of the commencement of the rutting season. 

 Their horns, which in the middle of August 

 were yet tender, have now attained their 

 proper size, and are beginning to lose their 

 hairy covering which hangs from them in 

 ragged filaments. The horns of the rein- 

 deer vary, not only with its sex and age, 

 but are otherwise so uncertain in their 

 growth, that they are never alike in any 

 two individuals. The old males shed theirs 

 about the end of December ; the females 

 retain them until the disappearance of the 

 snow enables them to frequent the barren 

 grounds, which may be stated to be about 

 the middle or end of May, soon after which 

 period they proceed towards the sea-coast 



