166 
FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
THE MOOSE. 
CERVUS ALCES J L. 
Alces, Achlis; Plin. Aid. Gesn. Jonst. Original; Charlev, 
Noiiv. France, iii., 126. Elan ; Buff. Hist. Nat. xii., supp. vii 
Elk ; Shaw, Ged. Zool. ii., part 2,174. Moose Deer ; Dudley , 
Phil. Trans. No. 444— Warden Descript, des Etats Unis, v., 
p.636. Elk; Penn.Hist. Quad. No. 42 Moose; lb. Arct. 
Zool. i., No. 3, p. 18. 
“ The Moose—this appellation is derived from Musu, the name 
given to the animal by the Algonquins—is, perhaps, the only 
Deer whose general appearance can be called ungraceful, or 
whose proportions at first sight impress the beholder unfavora¬ 
bly. Its large head terminates in a square muzzle, having the 
nostrils curiously slouched over the sides of the mouth ; the 
neck, from which rises a short thick mane, is not longer than 
the head, which in males is rendered still more cumbrous and 
unwieldy by wide palmated horns; under the throat is found 
an excrescence, from which grows a tuft of long hair ; the body, 
which is short and thick, is mounted upon tall legs, and the 
whole aspect is so unusual, that incidental observers are par¬ 
donable for considering it ugly. Yet, as these singularities of 
structure have direct or indirect reference to peculiarities of 
use, an inquiry into the mode of life led by this species, may 
cause us to forget, in admiration of its adaptation to circum¬ 
stances, prejudices excited by the comparative inelegance of its 
form. 
“ The Moose inhabits the northern parts of both continents ; 
it is in Europe called * Elk.’ On the American continent it 
has been found as far north as the country has been fully ex 
plored. Its southern range, at former periods, extended to the 
shores of the great Lakes, and throughout the New-England 
States. At present it is not heard of south of the State of 
