The Roe Deer 



them before the grasses start in spring. The first 

 year only a single spike is seen ; in the second season 

 the horn forks into two ; and in the third year there 

 are three points, when the head is complete. These 

 horns seldom exceed i foot in length, and are rounded 

 in form, with a rough exterior, and sharply pointed. 



Roe Deer pair for life, and a family may be seen on 

 the move, consisting of the buck, doe, and two fawns, 

 browsing under the boughs of some spreading beech or 

 chestnut tree, as the evening draws to a close. Where 

 they are kept in enclosed parks it not infrequently 

 happens that the surrounding district is furnished with 

 venison from time to time, via the medium of escapes. 

 As a rule Roe Deer seldom thrive under limited areas, 

 and seem to be creatures of the wilds. 



Native to Scotland, they have been introduced 

 across the Border, but although breeding in several 

 localities, they are truly animals of the northern 

 latitudes. Any found in England cling tenaciously 

 to the more northern counties, but a few may be 

 located about Epping and Windsor Forests, and one 

 or two other districts in the southern portions of our 

 Island. In Ireland Roe Deer are practically unknown. 



S3 



