Extended calculations of the deuteron's static properties, based on the
numerical solution of the Bethe-Salpeter equation, are presented. A formalism
is developed, which provides a comparative analysis of the covariant amplitudes
in various representations and nonrelativistic wave functions. The magnetic and
quadrupole moments of the deuteron are calculated in the Bethe-Salpeter
formalism and the role of relativistic corrections is discussed.Comment: 33 pages ([aps]{revtex} style), 9 Postscript figures; (55 pages if
[preprint,aps]{revtex} style is used