104 
ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
tail of the Musk-Ox about equals in length that of the bear ; 
though bending inwards and downwards, it is entirely hidden 
by the long hair on the hind quarters. 
The Musk-Ox corresponds in a great measure with the 
bones of the fossil elk of Iceland, in having rudimentary toes. 
Its flesh is excellent food ; though at particular seasons of 
the year, the bulls, and the old ones generally, emit a musky 
odor, which communicates itself to their flesh, rendering it 
unpalatable ; even a knife used in cutting up their flesh 
becomes so strongly scented, as to require much washing and 
scouring before it is cleansed ; but the females and calves 
have afforded one of the chief means of sustenance to many of 
our Arctic exploring parties, when other provisions had failed 
or given out. It is probable that the muskiness peculiar to 
some animals arises from some property of their food, or part 
of their food, which is drawn into their system, as it is an 
ascertained fact that the root of the calamus or sweet scented 
flag is the exciting cause of the odor of the musk-rat. 
From the shortness of their limbs, and the apparent weight 
of their body, it might be inferred that the Musk-Ox could not 
run with any speed, but it is stated by Parry that although 
they run in a hobbling sort of canter that makes them appear 
as if every now and then about to fall, yet the slowest of them 
can far outstrip a man. When disturbed they frequently 
tear up the ground with their horns, and turn round to look 
at their pursuer, but never commence an attack. 
Their horns are employed by the Indians and Esquimaux 
for various purposes ; especially for cups and spoons. From 
the long hair growing on the neck and chest the Esquimaux 
make their musquito wings, to defend themselves from those 
troublesome insects. During August and September they 
extend their migrations to the North Georgian, and other 
islands bordering on the northern shores of this continent. 
By Franklin they were never seen lower than 66° North, but 
Richardson mentions having seen them as low as 60°. 
