ELK. 263 



greatest weight about 1229 pounds. The horns 

 have been known to weigh fifty-six pounds, and 

 to measure each thirty-two inches in length. The 

 female is rather smaller than the male, and has no 

 horns. 



In Europe the Elk is found chiefly in Sweden, 

 Norway, and some parts of Russia. In Asia it 

 occurs in the woody tracts of the Russian do- 

 minions, and in Siberia in particular is found of 

 gigantic magnitude. In America it seems to be 

 most common in Canada, and the country round 

 the great lakes, and is called by the name of 

 Moose-Deer. The Elk chuses its residence in the 

 midst of forests, for the convenience of brousing 

 the boughs of trees ; for it grazes somewhat diffi- 

 cultly on account of its short neck and long legs. 

 Its general pace is described to be a high, sham- 

 bling, but very swift trot, the feet being lifted 

 up very high, and the hoofs clattering* much 

 during their motion, as is the case also with the 

 Rein-Deer. They feed principally by night, and 

 whenever they graze are observed to chuse an as- 

 cending ground, for the greater convenience of 

 reaching the surface with their lips. 



The Elk, though naturally of an inoffensive and 

 ^peaceable disposition, displays a high degree of 

 courage, and even ferocity, when suddenly at- 

 tacked ; defending himself with great vigour, not 



* This clattering of the hoofs is denied by some authors, but it 

 is particularly affirmed of the Moose by Mr. Pennant in his Arctic 

 Zoology, 



