[Illustration: ELK OR MOOSE.]
The Elk, or Moose Deer, the typical representative of this sub-family,
is an ungainly-looking animal, as large as, or larger than an ordinary
Horse. It seems to be raised on legs of disproportionate height. Its
muzzle is broad and pendulous; its throat swollen, as if it was
afflicted with a goitre; while its hair is rough and of an ashy color of
variable shades. The horn of the Elk is at first dagger-shaped, and then
divided into strips; but at the age of five years, it assumes the shape
of a broad triangular expansion, with prongs upon its outer margin. The
weight of these horns increases with the age of the animal, until they
weigh fifty or sixty pounds, and present as many as fourteen antlers or
projections from each horn.
This animal inhabits the forests of the north, both of the European and
American continents, where it may be seen in small herds, making its way
through the marshy forests. It is an excellent swimmer, and from the
peculiar structure of its hoofs, able to cross marshy ground with great
facility. The sense of smell in the Elk is exceedingly acute; and when
once he scents a pursuer, he darts away with lightning speed, and
usually without a single pause till he is four or five miles away from
the object of his fear. He frequents in summer low and marshy ground,
where water and trees abound; while in winter he resorts to thicker
shelter on higher levels. The Elk feeds chiefly by day, in the summer on
the bark, leaves and small branches of young trees, and various species
of grasses. In the winter he adds to his food the leaves of various
firs, and different kinds of lichens.