CHAPTER XII. 
THE MOOSE— DESCRIPTION AND HAUNTS— MODE OF HUNTING IT— 
THE CARIBOO AND DESCRIPTION— HUNTING ENCAMPMENT— THE 
COMMON DEER— HABITS AND VARIOUS STORIES RESPECTING IT. 
The Moose ( Cerius (tires'), the largest of all the species, is 
the only cleer whose appearance may be called ugly. Its 
name is probably a corruption of the word Musu , a term 
given to it by the Algon quins. 
Description . — Its large head terminates in a square muzzle, 
haying the nostrils curiously slouched over the sides of the 
mouth ; the neck, from which rises a short thick mane, is not 
longer than the head, but is rendered still more cumbrous and 
unwieldy by wide palmated horns ; under the throat is found 
an excrescence, from which grows a tuft of long hair ; the 
body, which is short and thick, is mounted upon tall legs. 
These singularities of structure, however, have direct or 
indirect reference to peculiarities of use adapted to circum- 
stances. 
The Moose inhabits the northern parts of both continents, 
and is in Europe called “ the Elk.” On this continent it has 
been found as far north as the- country has been explored. Its 
southern range at former periods extended to the shores of 
the Great Lakes. At present it is not heard of south of the 
State of Maine, and is becoming rare also there. In Nova 
Scotia, Cape Breton, and throughout the Hudson Bay 
possessions it is found in considerable numbers. The dense 
forests, and closely shaded, swamps of these regions, are the 
favorite resorts of this animal, as there the most abundant 
supply of food is to be obtained, with the least inconvenience. 
The length of limb and shortness of neck, which in an open 
