284 Transactions of the [Sess. 



points. It frequently happens that there are more tines on the 

 antler on one side of the head than the other, and the angles of 

 curvature, length, and direction on different heads vary consider- 

 ably. As the antlers become larger, the superficial furrows become 

 more marked, and the burr is more projecting. The average full- 

 grown Stag has antlers that probably weigh about 24 lb., and 

 this enormous mass of bone drops off annually in the spring, and is 

 replaced by at least an equally large mass of bone in the succeed- 

 ing three months. The remarkable provision of nature by which 

 this rapid growth takes place, and is transformed into bone, I will 

 now refer to. Towards the end of spring the branches of the ex- 

 ternal carotid arteries, which perform the ofSce of secreting this 

 new bone, become enlarged, and there is an increased flow of blood 

 to the Stag's head, as a large supply of blood is necessary for this 

 rapid formation. The new antlers immediately begin to grow, but 

 are covered with a hairy skin called the velvet, which is rich in 

 blood-vessels. The antlers are at this time quite soft and vascular, 

 and if pricked, blood flows fi'om the wound. They are warm to 

 the touch, and extremely sensitive. When the process of growth 

 has been completed, the supply of blood is gradually curtailed by 

 the biuT which forms the base of the antlers. The antlers being 

 fully formed, the velvet peels off. The antlers are now no longer 

 sensitive, but are hard bony formations, ornamental to the animal, 

 and weapons with which it can wage war upon its brethren for 

 possession of the Hinds. The average period occupied by this 

 growth is about ten weeks. During this time the Stags retire from 

 the herd into solitude, as if they were aware of then' defenceless 

 state. When the rutting season comes on, about August, the 

 Stags of the Eed Deer are formidable animals ; and though in their 

 wild state they are said not to attack man, still I would not like 

 to trust them much, if suddenly surprised, especially in situations 

 where they had no means of easily retreating. It is not within my 

 knowledge whether there are any well-authenticated instances of 

 such attacks in this country, but in Asia the Eed Deer will fight 

 with other wild animals. I have heard of an instance in which a 

 Stag is said to have beaten ofli' a Tiger with its antlers. Though it 

 may be doubtful whether wild Eed Deer will attack human beings, 

 it is well known that when confined in a park, or in a supposed 

 tame state, they frequently become exceedingly dangerous, and 

 will attack even those who attend to them. 



stone last year, which is amazing. Very few people tell the truth about 

 weights. We have " crounie " heads here, horns leaning backwards, and I 

 believe these are seldom if ever found elsewhere. I believe wild Scotch 

 Stags are at their best when twelve years old. I have paid a good deal of 

 attention to them. I know little as to how far Stags swim. They swim 

 well ; they have crossed from Jura to Islay, but it is but half a mile at the 

 ferry." 



