THE STORY OF THE MUSK-OX. 281 
with their sledge-traces attached, and thus allowing himself to be pulled 
along till within a short distance of the quarry. The difficulty is then to slip 
. the dogs at the right moment without allowing their traces to drag behind 
them, and thus be liable to be trodden on by the bayed musk-oxen; but 
clever hunters obviate this by tying the traces in a bundle on the backs of 
the dogs just before they are slipped. When bayed and surrounded, the 
members of the herd are shot down by the score, the great object being to 
kill each animal outright, as otherwise there is great danger of its struggles 
MUSK OXEN AT BAY. 
inducing a stampede among the herd, which would involve another hunt. 
Sometimes, however, the herd, even after having made a bolt, will return 
to the spot where their comrades have fallen. When scenting danger, the 
musk-oxen always retreat to some elevation near by, and upon the approach 
of the enemy they form in a perfect line, their heads toward their foe; or, 
if attacked at more than one point, they form a circle, their glaring, blood¬ 
shot eyes restlessly watching the attack; and I think it would go hard with 
