40 THE FUR COUNTRY.

the hunting districts. It is not at all uncommon to find antlers thus connected lying on the ground ; the poor encumbered animals soon die of hunger, or they become an easy prey to wild beasts. Two bullets put an end to the fight between the wapitis ; and Marbre and Sabine taking immediate possession, carried off their skins to be subsequently prepared, leaving their bleeding carcasses to be devoured by wolves and bears.