THE RUMINANT ORDER. 
299 
and smell, which, enable it to avoid its enemies. From its great 
strength and length of limb, even among the thick snow, unless 
it be crusted by a previous thaw, it trots rapidly. It flies from 
Man (except at the rutting season, or when wounded or disabled), 
and retires before the advance of cultivation. When incapaci- 
tated for flight it will vigorously defend itself. To approach 
it at this critical moment is excessively dangerous, for with its 
foot it is able to strike a fearful blow, so severe that it has been 
known to kill the large Grey Wolf with a single kick. 
In the Old as well as the New World this mammoth and noble 
species of game is becoming annually scarcer, for it is hunted with 
the greatest perseverance. The most destructive mode is that 
adopted by the white and Indian population of Canada, viz., 
running them on snow-shoes — a wooden frame, covered with net- 
work — which support the hunter on the crusted surface, while 
the Elk sinks through it chest- deep, and consequently soon 
becomes exhausted, when its life is taken with the rifle. Another 
method is enticing the males within range of fire-arms by imitating 
the female’s call. 
Among the Carnivora, the chief enemies of the Elk are he 
same as those of the Eeindeer, viz., the Bear, the Wolf, and ke 
Glutton. 
The Elk, when captured young, may be completely tamed 
without difficulty. It recognises the person who takes care 
of it, and will follow him like a dog, manifesting consider- 
able joy on seeing him after a separation. It goes in harness 
as well as the Eeindeer, and can thus perform long journeys. 
For two or three centuries it was used for this purpose in Sweden, 
but the custom is now given up. Its flesh has a good flavour, and 
is very nourishing. Its skin, hair, and antlers are all employed 
for useful purposes. It is impossible to understand why hardly 
any attempts have been made to domesticate such a useful animal 
in those climates suited to it, and thus prevent the destruction 
which threatens to entirely extirpate the race. 
The Leer Genus ( Germs ). — The Deer genus comprehends a 
somewhat large number of species distributed over the warm and 
temperate regions of both continents. 
These animals are remarkable for their grace, elegance, [and 
agility, and possess the common characteristic of being furnished 
