125 
THE ELK, OR MOOSE. 
Alces Americanus. 
PLATE V. 
Original of tlie French Canadians — Cerviis Alces, Linnams. 
Moose Deer, Richards. Fauna B oreali- A meric— h'Ela.a 
de I’Amerique septentrionale, Fred. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. 
des Marmnifires. 
This splendid animal surpasses all the true Deer 
in size and strength, being as tall at the shoulders 
as a horse, and uniting great swiftness with the most 
patient endurance of fatigue. 
The Elk has been usually considered as an inha- 
bitant of the northern parts of both the old and new 
world ; but, of late, surmises have been made that 
the animals of the different countries might prove 
distinct species, and there are some minute distinc- 
tions which will entitle it to the rank of at least two 
races or varieties, constant under the modification of 
climate. 
In America, lliis animal is at present better known 
than in Europe. It is much esteemed for food, and, 
from its extremely wary and attentive nature, the 
success of a moose-hunter is reckoned one of the 
greatest trials of skill. The males are said occa- 
