THE LAKE. 
463 
Besides these three varieties, Dr. De Kay is inclined to beheve 
that the Reindeer was once found in this State, and that it may 
even possibly still exist in very small numbers in the recesses of 
our northern forests. It is said to have been knovi^n in Maine 
and at Quebec ; and later still, in Vermont and New Hampshire. 
It is about the size of the common deer, the color varying from 
deep brown to light gray. Both sexes have horns, which is not 
the case with other species. 
Tiiesday, 23g?. — Pleasant, mild day. Just on the verge of a 
thaw, which is always the pleasantest of winter weather. Walk 
on the lake. Quite slippery, as the ice is only dappled with 
patches of snow here and there ; between these patches it is bare, 
and unusually clear and transparent. Indeed, it is just now dark 
almost to blackness, so free from any foreign substance — no snow 
being mixed with it. We never saw it more dark and pure ; of 
course it is the deep waters beneath, shut out from the light as 
they are, which give this grave color to the ice as you look down 
upon it. 
Troops of boys skating. There were no very scientific per- 
formers among them, nevertheless we followed them with interest, 
their movement was so easy and rapid. Most of them appeared 
to greater advantage on skates than when moving in their shoes. 
Some of the little rogues, with the laudable desire of showing off, 
whirled to and fro about us, rather nearer than was agreeable. 
" Where's your manners, I'd like to know !" exclaimed an older 
lad, in an indignant tone, for which appeal in our behalf we were 
much obliged to him. 
Ladies and little girls were walking about, some sliding also, 
