312 BRITISH MAMMALS 



that the spotted form of the fallow deer was reintroduced 

 into these islands (after it had become extinct) by the Romans, 

 and that the dun-coloured variety was brought here at some 

 time or another from Sweden. With regard to the last- 

 mentioned introduction, it is certain that King James I. did 

 import dun-coloured fallow deer from Sweden, no doubt to 

 reinforce the existing stocks ; but there is historical evidence 

 to show that the dun-coloured variety existed in England long 

 before the time of James I. It may or may not be descended 

 from a wild stock. 



The author fails to see, however, that any sufficient proof 

 has been brought forward to show that the spotted fallow 

 deer are entirely descended from pet animals introduced 

 by the Romans. Why should the Romans have given 

 themselves the trouble of conveying fallow deer right across 

 France to establish them in England for the future puzzle- 

 ment of zoologists ? The Romans, in the last days of the 

 Empire, were fond of keeping birds and beasts in a tame 

 or semi-tame condition, but this practice refers rather to their 

 life in Italy. To them has also been ascribed the introduction 

 of the rabbit and of the pheasant into these islands, as well as 

 that of the white water-lily, the elm, and several others of our 

 now native trees and plants. The white water-lily certainly is 

 an introduction : whether by the Romans or succeeding civilisers 

 is uncertain ; the elm also. But Dr. Scharff and other recent 

 writers have combated with some force the idea that Great 

 Britain owes rabbits, fallow deer, and pheasants to these 

 fastidious conquerors. There is every reason to believe that 

 the pheasant (which as a wild bird may have died out in France, 

 but has certainly persisted as such in Transylvania, and the 

 fossil remains of which are found in France dating from the 

 Pleistocene period) did find a refuge in the forests of 

 England, where it lingered on as a scarce wild bird, until it 

 was taken up and encouraged to increase and multiply for 

 purposes of sport a hundred years ago. The case of the 

 rabbit was dealt with on p. 214. 



