The Beast call’d a _Moose_, is not much unlike red Deer, and is as big as an Ox, slow of Foot, Headed like a Buck, with a broad Beam, some being two Yards wide in the Head, their flesh is as good as Beef, their Hides good for Clothing; if these were kept tame, and accustom’d to the Yoke, they would be a great Commodity: First, because they are so fruitful, bringing forth three at a time being likewise very uberous: Secondly, because they will live in Winter without any Fodder. There are not many of these in the _Massachusets_ Bay, but forty Miles to the North-East there are great store of them. [Sidenote: The _Rackoon_.] The _Rackoon_ is a deep Furr’d Beast, not much unlike a Badger, having a Tail like a Fox, as good Meat as a Lamb: These Beasts in the day time sleep in hollow Trees, in a Moon-shine night they go to feed on Clams at a low Tide, by the Sea side, where the _English_ hunt them with their Dogs. [Sidenote: The _Musquash_.] The _Musquash_ is much like a Beaver for shape, but nothing near so big; the Male hath two Stones, which smell as sweet as Musk, and being kill’d in Winter, never lose their sweet smell: These Skins are no bigger than a Coney-skin, yet are sold for five Shillings apiece, being sent for Tokens into _England_; one good Skin will perfume a whole house full of Clothes, if it be right and good. [Sidenote: Birds.] The Birds both common and peculiar are thus recited. _The Princely Eagle, and the soaring Hawk, Whom in their unknown ways there’s none can chawk: The Humbird for some Queens rich Cage more fit, Than in the vacant Wilderness to sit. The swift-wing’d Swallow sweeping to and fro, As swift as Arrow from_ Tartarian _Bowe. When as_ Aurora’s _Infant day new springs, There th’morning mounting Lark her sweet lays sings. The harmonious Thrush, swift Pigeon, Turtle-dove, Who to her Mate doth ever constant prove: The_ Turky-_Pheasant, Heath-cock, Partridge rare, The Carrion-tearing Crow, and hurtful Stare, The long-liv’d Raven, th’ominous Screech-Owl, Who tells, as old Wives say, disasters foul. The drowsie Madge that leaves her day-lov’d Nest, And loves to rove, when Day-birds be at rest: Th’Eel-murthering Hearn, and greedy Cormorant, That near the Creeks in morish Marshes haunt. The bellowing Bittern, with the long-leg’d Crane, Presaging Winters hard, and dearth of Grain. The Silver Swan that tunes her mournful breath, To sing the Dirge of her approaching death. The tattering Oldwives, and the cackling Geese, The fearful Gull that shuns the murthering Peece. The strong-wing’d Mallard, with the nimble Teal, And ill-shape’t Loon, who his harsh Notes doth squeal. There Widgins, Sheldrakes and Humilitees, Snites, Doppers, Sea-Larks, in whole million flees._