HA RD WICKE'S SCIENCE- G OS SIP. 



29 



bone, covered during their growth with vascular, I insensible, in which state it is well adapted for a 

 sensitive integument coated with short hair, techni- I fighting weapon. After a time, by a process of 



K^l 



Fig. 18. — Figures illustrating the growth of Antlers. 



cally called " the velvet." When the growth of the 

 antler is complete, the supply of blood to it ceases, 

 the skin dies and peels off, leaving the bone bare and 



absorption near the base, it becomes loosened from 

 the skull and is shed. A more or less elongated 

 portion, called the " pedicle," always remains on the 



