26 
THE ELK. 
I which it digs up with its horns and hoofs, often from under seve- 
j ral feet of snow. The flesh of the reindeer is excellent - eating, 
and its tongue, when smoked, is held in high esteem. This ani- 
mal is employed by the inhabitants of the northern regions in 
j drawing their sledges, and, so rapid is their speed, they frequently 
accomplish journeys of one hundred miles in a day. The wild 
herds of reindeer, when migrating, always form in long files and 
keep close together, the females invariably taking the lead. This 
extraordinary animal stands .in the same relation to the inhabi- 
| tants of the frigid climates as does the camel to those of the arid 
regions of the orient, — for it supplies the jjlace of oxen, sheep, 
and horses, and furnishes good milk, butter and cheese ; while its 
hide is used for clothing, tents, beds, etc., and mattresses and 
cushions are stuffed with the hair j their bones are worked up into 
spoons, knives, and various other articles. 
THE ELK. 
f the ieer species, this is the largest and most formidable, 
| and is found in Europe and America. It is known in the 
former country as the Elk, and in in the latter as the 
Moose. It also inhabits Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Russia, 
and is common in Canada and all the northern parts of this con- 
tinent. The horns of this animal present a singular appearance, 
as they are not divided into branches, but grow together in a fan- 
like shape, and terminate in a number of points. In summer, its 
