27.
There are also [animals] which are called elks. The shape of these, and the
varied color of their skins, is much like roes, but in size they surpass them a
little and are destitute of horns, and have legs without joints and ligatures;
nor do they lie down for the purpose of rest, nor, if they have been thrown down
by any accident, can they raise or lift themselves up. Trees serve as beds to
them; they lean themselves against them, and thus reclining only slightly, they
take their rest; when the huntsmen have discovered from the footsteps of these
animals whither they are accustomed to betake themselves, they either undermine
all the trees at the roots, or cut into them so far that the upper part of the
trees may appear to be left standing. When they have leant upon them, according
to their habit, they knock down by their weight the unsupported trees, and fall
down themselves along with them.
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