The moose is a noble animal, and those which are found in the West reach a stature unknown in New Brunswick, near the Atlantic coast, which is regarded as the natural home of the splendid specimens of the deer variety.
The writer has seen moose in Alberta which could with ease browse off trees at a height of 10 or 12 feet.
They have enormous antlers, which have been known to reach a spread of 58in, and it has always seemed astounding that animals thus equipped could go tearing through the forest at a high speed; yet they do.
They are much sought for by sportsmen in the East, and the head of a bull moose is regarded as one of the finest trophies of the chase which a hunter may get in any part of the world.
Last year Sir J. G. Ward wrote to the Lieutenant-governor of Sasskatchewan, the province adjoining Alberta eastward, stating that his Government was anxious to experiment with some of the big game of Canada.
The correspondence was turned over to the Commissioner of Dominion Parks, but the season was too far advanced to do anything at that time.
Early this spring, however, an order was given to an experienced hunter and trapper in what are known as the Beaver Hills, to procure 20 young moose, and so well has he succeeded that 17 healthy calves have already been delivered.
They have become quite tame and consume the milk of seven dairy cows daily.
The milk is at first given to them by means of large feeding bottles, precisely like those which infants use.
From this sustenance they are gradually weaned, and thereafter live on the shoots and leaves of trees and low-growing bushes.
They are regarded as being in good condition to stand the long ocean journey to New Zealand, and it is sincerely hoped they may thrive and multiply in their new home.
They will make an exceedingly valuable addition to the fauna of the Antipodes; for there is perhaps nothing more delicious than moose steak.
It is looked upon as a luxury even in Canada. - ODT, 25.10.1909.
