pecially when they are
lying down. Should we approach them on the weather-side, or should the
slightest noise be made, they will quickly detect us. Up they spring,
and after a brief stare, make off in graceful bounds at a rapid rate.
Now, having got beyond danger, they drop into a long swinging trot, and
proceed in single file across the "barren," till they enter the line of
forest in the far distance.

The cariboo of North America is a strongly-built, thickset animal,
compared to the more graceful of his relatives. He carries on his head
a pair of magnificent antlers, varying greatly in different specimens--
some palmating towards the upper ends, others with branches springing
from the palmated portions. In most instances there is but one
developed brow antler, the other being a solitary curved prong. The
back of the cariboo is covered with brownish hair, the tips of which are
of a rich dun grey, whiter on the neck than elsewhere. The nose, ears,
and outer surface of the legs and shoulders are of a brown hue. The
neck and throat are covered with long, dullish white hair, and there is
a faint whitish patch on the side of the shoulders. The rump and tail
are snowy-white, while a band of white runs round all the legs, joining
the hoofs.

As winter approaches, the hair grows long, and lightens considerably in
hue. Frequently, indeed, individuals may be seen in a herd with coats
of the palest fawn colour--almost white. The muzzle is entirely covered
with hair. The fur is brittle, and though in summer it is short, in
winter it is longer and whiter, especially about the throat. The hoofs
are broad, depressed, and bent in at the tip. The full-grown bucks shed
their horns, and it is seldom that they are seen in a herd after
Christmas. The female reindeer, however, retains hers during winter.
Several theories have been advanced to account for this. There seems no
doubt, however, that the object is to enable the female to protect her
fawns from the males, who are apt to attack the young and destroy them.

The cariboo is gregarious, and males, females, and young herd together
at all seasons; and by this provision of Nature the females are able to
defend the young, who would otherwise be subjected to injury. In
another respect these animals are wonderfully provided for the mode of
existence they are compelled to pursue. Not only have they to cross
wide snow-covered districts, but frequently to pass across frozen