ELK  , or

MoosE, the largest of all the deer tribe, distinguished from other members of the Cervidae by the form of the antlers of the males . These arise as cylindrical beams projecting on each side at right angles to the middle line of the skull, which after a short distance divide in a fork-like manner . The lower prong of this fork may be either simple, or divided into two or three tines, with some flattening . In the East Siberian elk (Alces machlis bedfordiae) the posterior division of the main fork divides into three tines, with no distinct flattening . In the common elk (A. machlis or A. alces), on the other hand, this branch usually expands into a broad palmation, with one large tine at the base, and a number of smaller snags on the free border; there is, however, a phase of the Scandinavian elk in which the antlers are simpler, and recall those of the East Siberian race . The palmation appears to be more marked in the North American race (A. m. americanus) than in the typical Scandinavian elk . The largest of all is the Alaskan race (A. m. gigas), which is said to stand 8 ft. in height, with a span of 6 ft. across the antlers . The great length of the legs gives a decidedly ungainly appearance to the elk . The muzzle is long and fleshy, with only a very small triangular naked patch below the nostrils; and the males have a peculiar sac, known as the bell, hanging from the neck . From the shortness of their necks, elks are unable to graze, and their chief food consists of young shoots and leaves of willow and birch . In North America during the winter one male and several females form a " moose-yard " in the forest, which they keep open by trampling the snow . Although generally timid, the males become very bold during the breeding season, when the females utter a loud call; and at such times they fight both with their antlers and their hoofs .

The usual

pace is a shambling trot, but when pressed elks break into a gallop . The female gives birth to one or two young at a time, which are not spotted . In America the elk is known as the moose, and the former name is transferred to the wapiti deer . (R .