ABSTRACT
WILD asses, or elks, can also maintain a very rapid speed over snow-covered ice in the country of the northern Swedes, particularly beyond royal Stockholm, towards the parts farther to the north. But lower down, nearer the southern regions, despite the fact that there are great numbers of them in the spacious forests, a royal decree for bids their exploitation, in case, that is, on account of their running-speed, which is far above that of any horse, traitors should employ them for revealing the kingdom's secrets to enemies by the swiftest means possible.1
