Page:Polar Exploration - Bruce - 1911.djvu/123

Rh have been found there by myself and others. Its range extends so far south on the European, Asiatic, and American continents that it may be regarded as being not only an Arctic but also subarctic animal. The reindeer differs from all other deer in that both male and female have antlers, though those of the female are smaller. The genus is distinguished by the form and position of these appendages, which take their origin immediately over the occipital ridge instead of low down in the forehead. Another characteristic is the broad-spreading hoof, giving a good surface for support on snow or bog. The tail is conspicuously white. The larger varieties may weigh up to 400 lbs. The reindeer proves most valuable nutriment for Arctic explorers, and Eskimo, and other Arctic tribes; and, like the musk-ox, has constantly furthered Arctic exploration, not only as a valuable food supply, but also because its skin is one of the most useful articles of clothing. Reindeer-skin sleeping-sacks have been an almost indispensable part of the equipment of Arctic and Antarctic explorers; the skin of the young reindeer is suitable for various articles of clothing. The skin of the legs of the reindeer buck are made into "finnesko," the most useful form of winter boots, by treatment for twenty-four hours in a strong decoction of birch or similar bark. The skin of the hind legs is used for the