,^^_ THE MAMMALS OF INDIA. 65 



Muntjacs and the Musk-deer in the Linnaean genus Cervits. In con- 

 nection with the Kashmir Stag (Cervits cashmivianus) some important 

 observations are recorded on the other elaphine deer of Asia, 

 which do not properly come within the scope of the work. Among 

 these it is very interesting to note that the great Thian Shan deer 

 (C. eitstephanns) appears to be so closely allied to the American 

 Wapiti that it is even a question whether it should be regarded as 

 anything more than a variety of that species ; thus affording another 

 striking instance of the close relationship of the fauna of the northern 

 regions of Europe and Asia to that of North America. For most of 

 the Indian deer Mr. Bianford retains the specific names by which 

 they are generally known, although in case of the Sambar he has 

 felt compelled to substitute the title of C. iinicolov for C. aristotelis. 

 He further considers that the so-called Equine Deer (C. eqtiimis) of 

 the Malayan region is really inseparable from this species. Nothing 

 calls for special notice in the pages devoted to the Chevrotains. In 

 the Swine the author regards the Indian Wild Boar (S. cristaUis) as 

 entitled to be distinguished from its European congener on account 

 of the more distinct mane on the neck, and the larger size of the last 

 grinding tooth, more especially in the lower jaw. It is, however, 

 suggested that the wild swine of Baluchistan will prove to belong to 

 the European species. 



In treating of the Cetaceans, the author mainly follows Pro- 

 fessor Flower's arrangement, although, as a provisional measure, 

 certain Indian whales are regarded as specifically distinct from the 

 northern forms to which they are severally allied. 



We regret that space does not permit of our making extracts 

 from Mr. Blanford's admirably condensed accounts of the habits of 

 some of the animals of which he treats in such a pleasant, but, at 

 the same time, such an exact style. All our readers who are in any 

 way interested in the subject of the volume before us will, however, 

 be well advised if they consult the original. And, in conclusion, we 

 can only say that the entire work is in every respect worthy of the 

 high reputation of its author, both as a technical zoologist and as an 

 observer of the habits of animals in the field. 



R. Lydekker. 



