New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-11-18
NEW GROUPS FOR THE MUSEUM
FINE SPECIMENS OF MOOSE AND CARIBOU FROM
ARoosTooK COUNTY, MAINE.

Il
ARoosTooK COUNTY, MAINE.
Professor Jeunesse Richardson, Of the Museum OF
Natural History has just returned to the city after
thirty days trip 10 Maine in quest OF speci
mems of the American moose and caribou, which stu
run wild in that part Of the country. The trip was
pretty successful, but owing TO the unusually stormy
weather 1t did come up 10 expectations W the
thirty DAYS not than five were pleasant 1his
excursion vas made by Mr.. Richardson alone, and by
the direction Of Norris K Jesup, president OF the
Museum who is anxious to secure complete groups OF
these animals which are yearly Hhe sho ou"aio' NO
coming scarce
The moose are in Aroostook County, nearly $50
miles to the northwest Of Bangor, and MI Richardson
SAYS that he found this section the widest and most
unsettled region he has visited not excepting the
buffalo country OF the Far West. For days his party
saw no signs Of roads or habitatons OF human beings
The forests were often in the most pnmeval state
and often impossible HIS guides were three Indian
half breeds two French and gigantic English
half breed These regarded as among the best
hunters and woodsmen OF Northern Maine, and were
familiar with every part OF this country where game ID
to be found. For 200 miles the party was Obliged
TO travel on foot in canoes, and each person was
allotted about fifty pounds of the baggage OF the camp
outfit This included among other things Jug OF
molasses luxury which has become a necessity with
Maine Indians They ~ with their bread ano
meat and are satisfied long as there is mossses A.
though IL Is tho cheapest and blacklist NewOrieans
variety When 1t gives out the stomach OF the ihalah
becomes afflicted, and he is good for nothing
The difference between the Maine Indians and those
81 the Western plains Mr. Richardson found Of much
interest His guides beon ged 10 the Penobscot trDe
They were the most expert wOodsmen he ever saw
tireless on foot and familiar with every kind OF AMI
NAL life In the woods. They never missed riheshot
within hundred yards, but at greater distance were
moor marksmen. The Indian OF the plains VIII make
A ards
a full gallop, but the Maine Indian always wants
rest for long shot
The moose is easily approached when the wlho Is
with the hunter but If the wind Is with the moose he
can detect an enemy by scent mile away ana there
is no chance of reaching him, for he dashes through
the heavy underbrush at terrific pace and with a
noise that can be heard for nearly a mile be Is
generally taken best when there is snow on the ground
or during the mating period The high water from
the rains delayed the party beyond the mating time,
and although there several snow storms the
snow did not remain long enough on the ground 10
allow Of tracking the moose. The Indians however,
succeeded In shooting two Of them. Along stretch
az borgy land on the Penobscot River they also came
upon the caribou, and secured two specimens oil these
The moose which resembles the elk OF the Northwest
&c stiu larger than the elk and often reaches weight
Of 400 pounds and is worth $3.50 10 the hunter
Those obtained by Mr.. Richardson are young animals
and weigh about LOO pounds. The caribou is a
variety distinct from the moose, KIND OF reindeer
and rarely weighs more than 500 pounds. When star
fled darts of q long trot over the bogs swifter
han a horse, and does not stop for many miles IL Is
often attracted and secured through Jus great curiosity
Tor a sight that is and strange.
In addition the moose already taken the Museum
wants 10 secure a full grown bull and cow ana TWO
caiveS one OF three and the other of SIX months Mr
Richardson VIII arrange this group anu thc caribou
,or ,he Museum by means OF the photograph ana
notes that he made, with all the native surroundings
lie also secured number IF 'lecihen. OF the noun.
tain squirrel rabbits. feld-mice and other small
r,minaifs for study collections I'm the Museum