176 
ELKo 
crossed a deep bay in one of the lakes, in order to- 
save a very circuitous rout along its bank, and ex- 
pected the creatures would, as usual, follow him 
round, but unfortunately at night they did not 
arrive ; and as the howling of wolves was heard in 
the quarter where they were, it is supposed they 
bad been devoured by them, for they were never 
afterwards seen. 
M. D’Obsonville mentions bis having in his 
possession, while in the East-Indies, an animal 
which he calls a moose deer. From the warmth 
of that climate it seems very doubtful whether it 
was not some other species, but as we have no 
satisfactory proof of its being such, we shall recite 
his account. I procured it” he says, ff when only 
ten or twelve days old, and had it for about two 
years, without ever tying it up. I even let it run 
abroad, and sometimes amused myself with making 
it draw in the yard, or carry little burdens. It 
always came when called, and I found few signs of 
impatience, except when it was not allowed to remain 
near me. When I departed from the island of 
Sumatra, I gave it to Mr. Law, of Lauriston, the 
governor-general, an intimate friend. This gentle- 
man, not having an opportunity of keeping it about 
his person, as I had done, sent it to his country 
house. Here being kept alone, and chained in a 
confined corner, it presently became so furious as 
not to be approached. Even the .person who every 
day brought its food was obliged to leave this at 
a distance. After some months absence I returned ; 
it knew me afar off, and as I observed the efforts it 
made to get at me, I ran to meet it ; and never 
shall I forget the impression which the caresses and 
transports of this faithful animal made upon me. 
A friend, who was present at the meeting, could 
not forbear sympathising with me, and partaking 
of my feelings.” 
