Formerly, the elk or Wapiti, Cervus canadensis L., ranged over most of the United States and southern Canada, and is known to have occurred throughout most of Virginia, although it was found more abundant in the mountainous regions of the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Ranges. In 1666, twelve years after the discovery of the New River, Henry Batte, with fourteen Indians, started from Appomattox, near the present site of Petersburg, and in seven days reached the foot of the mountains. On crossing them they came to level, delightful plains with an abundance of game, deer, elk, and buffalo. (Hale, 1886).