ELK. 
51 
enclose a large space with stakes, hedged with 
branches of trees, forming two sides of a triangle : 
the bottom opens into a second enclosure com- 
pletely triangular. At the opening are hung num- 
bers of snares made of slips of raw hides. The 
Indians, as before, assemble in great troops, and 
with ail kinds of noises drive into the first enclo- 
sure not only the mooses, but the other species of 
deer which abound in that country : some, in forcing 
their way into the furthest triangle, are caught in 
the snares by the neck or horns; and those which 
escape the snares, and pass the little opening, find 
their fate from the arrows of the hunters, directed 
at them from all quarters.” 
The flesh of the elk is very much esteemed, and 
said to be far more nourishing than any other animal 
food. The tongue is in high request, but not equal 
to the nose, which is like marrow, and reckoned a 
dainty morsel in all Canada. 
The Indians are so superstitious as to believe 
that there is an elk of an enormous size, which can 
wade with ease through eight feet depth of snow. 
This phantom is invulnerable, and has an arm grow- 
ing out of its shoulder, which answers all the pur- 
poses of the human. It likewise has a court of other 
elks, who at all times perform suit and service, ac- 
cording to his royal will. 
The hide of the elk is dressed by the Indians ; 
and after it has been soaked and stretched, they 
supple it with a lather made of the brains in hot 
E 2 
