WESTERN WILD SPORTS. 
163 
tlie sac and its connection with the nostrils. The Elk has at 
one period ranged over the greater part, if not the whole, of this 
continent. Jefferson has stated that he * could never learn that 
the Round-horn Elk has been seen farther north than the Hud¬ 
son River.’ But Hearne has described the Wewaskish in such 
a manner as to leave no doubt of its existence as far north as 
the vicinity of Cumberland House, in lat. 53 deg. 6 min. Elk 
are still continually found in the remote and thinly settled parts 
of Pennsylvania, but the number is small. It is only in the 
western wilds that they are seen in considerable herds. They 
are fond of the green forests, where a luxuriant vegetation 
affords them an abundant supply of buds and tender twigs; or 
of the great plains where the solitude is seldom interrupted, 
and all-bounteous nature spreads an immense field of verdure 
for their support. 
“ The Elk is shy and retiring; having acute senses, he receives 
early warning of the approach of any human intruder. 
“ The moment the air is tainted by the odor of his enemy, his 
head is erected with spirit, his ears rapidly thrown in every 
direction to catch the sounds, and his large dark glistening eye 
expresses the most eager attention. Soon as the approaching 
hunter is fairly discovered, the Elk bounds along for a few 
paces, as if trying his strength for flight, stops, turns half round, 
and scans his pursuer with a steady gaze, then throwing back 
his lofty horns upon his neck, and projecting his taper nose for¬ 
wards, he springs from the ground, and advances with a velocity 
which soon leaves the object of his dread far out of sight. 
“ But in the season when sexual passion reigns with its 
wonted influence over the animal creation, the Elk, like various 
other creatures, assumes a more warlike and threatening charac¬ 
ter. He is neither so easily put to flight, nor can he be ap¬ 
proached with impunity, although he may have been wounded. 
His horns and hoofs are then employed with great effect, and 
the lives of men and dogs are endangered by coming within his 
reach. This season is during August and September, when 
the horns are in perfect order, and the males appear filled with 
