MUSKOKA, an electoral district in Ontario, Canada; 5,300 sq.m.; pop. '70, 6,919. Capital, Bract:bridge.
OX, Boa moschatua, or Ovilos moPclatya, an animal of the family bovidm, regarded as a cennecting-link between oxen and sheep. It inhabits the most northern parts of America, enduring the winter even of Melville island and Banks' land; but, like many other animals, it is partially migratory, some individuals or herds seeking more southern regions and better pastures on the approach of Nvipter, while some remain in the fu :di:eat north. It is not found in Greenland. Spitzbergen, or Siberia, The musk ox is scarcely equal in size to the smallest of Highland cattle, but appears larger from the profusion of long matted woolen hair with which it is covered, and which hangs almost to the ground, The head is covered with long hair as well as the body, the face alone having, short hair. Beneath the long hair there is a thick coat of exquisitely fine weol. The head is large and broad; the forehead convex; the extremity of the muzzle hairy. The horns are very broad at. the base, and in the male meet on the forehead; they do not riae hut bend down on each side of the bead, and curve outwards and upwards towards the tip, which tapers to a sharp point. They are about 2 ft. long measured along the curvature; and about 2 ft. in girth at the base; a pair of them some times weighing 60 pounds. The limbs are short, the legs have short hair. The tail is
very short, and is covered with long hair, so that it is 'Indistinguishable to the sight. The general color is brown. The female is smaller than the male, has shorter ham on the chest and throat, and smaller horns. The frog of the hoof is short and partially covered with hair; the footmarks are very similar to those of the rcirde The musk ox feeds on grass, twigs, lichens, etc. It is fleet and active, very sure footed on rocky ground, and ascends or descends very steeps hills with great ease. It is gregarious: the herds generally number 80 or 40. The powerful horns are excellent weapons of defense against wolves and bears, which are often not only repelled but killed. When musk oxen are assailed by firearms, however, they generally huddle mm-c and more closely together, and do not even seek safety by flight, so long as the assailants are unseen. The flesh is much prized by the Esquimaux. but retains much of the strong musky odor which characterizes the living animal. The horns are used for various purposes; particularly the wide base for vessels. The fine wool has been spun and woven into a fabric softer than silk. No attempt has yet been made to domesticate the musk ox; which, however, seems worthy of it, and suitable for all cold regions.