THE STORY OF THE ELK. 
83 
by forming a cordon of horsemen and driving a whole herd over a precipice. 
At the present day the more sportsman-like method of hunting is, however, 
almost exclusively employed; and it appears that the wapiti is an animal far 
less difficult to approach than the red deer, while it is killed by a compara¬ 
tively slight wound. 
The wapiti swims well, and is fond of the water. He feeds upon lichens, 
young shoots of trees, wild vines and various grasses. His cry is very pecu¬ 
liar, something like the shrill sound of a railway whistle, and audible at the 
YOUNG BULL ELK. 
distance of a mile. His flesh is well-flavored and nutritious; and his skin is 
much used in the manufacture of belts, thongs and moccasins. The teeth are 
worn by the Indians as a personal decoration. 
In the autumn, in the pride of his strength, he fears no enemy; and in 
the company of his wives, that look to him for the protection which he is 
ever ready to afford, passes the hours safe from the attacks of those animals 
which at other seasons make him their prey. In the deep snow of winter 
