d yards
distant; I looked in that direction, but at first could perceive nothing
more than the thickly-growing branches of the maples.

"After a moment, however, I could trace among the twigs the long dark
outlines of a strange animal's back, with a huge pair of palmated horns
rising above the underwood. It was the bull-moose--there was no
mistaking him for any other creature. Near him other forms--three of
them--were visible: these were of smaller stature, and I could see that
they were hornless. They were the cow and calves; and the herd was made
up, as my companion had foretold, of these four individuals.

"We had halted on the moment, each of us holding one of the dogs, and
endeavouring to quiet them, as they already scented the game. We soon
saw that it was of no use remaining where we were, as the herd was fully
three hundred yards from us, far beyond the reach of even our heavy
deer-guns.

"It would be of no use either to attempt stealing forward. There was no
cover that would effectually conceal us, for the timber around was not
large, and we could not, therefore, make shift with the tree-trunks.

"There was no other mode, then, but to let the dogs free of their
leashes, and dash right forward. We knew we should not get a shot until
after a run; but this would not be long, thought we, as the snow was in
perfect order for our purpose.

"Our dogs were therefore unleashed, and went off with a simultaneous
`gowl,' while my friend and I followed as fast as we could.

"The first note of the deer-hounds was a signal for the herd, and we
could hear their huge bodies crashing through the underwood, as they
started away.

"They ran across some open ground, evidently with the intention of
gaining the heavy timber beyond. On this ground there was but little
snow; and as we came out through the thicket we had a full view of the
noble game. The old bull was in the lead, followed by the others in a
string. I observed that none of them galloped--a gait they rarely
practise--but all went in a shambling trot, which, however, was a very
fast one, equal to the speed of a horse. They carried their heads
horizontally, with their muzzles directed forward, while the huge
antlers of the bull leaned back upon his shoulders as he ran. Another
peculiarity that struck me--the divisions of their great split hoofs, as
they lifted them from the ground, met with a cracking sound, like the
bursting of percussion-caps; and the