456 CERVUS. 
tione dignum est tantam molem ramorum tam brevi tem- 
pore quotannis renasci et crescere.” * 
It is true, indeed, that these antlers were subject to the 
periodical variations of size and form which occur in the 
existing species of Deer, and which Mr. Bell has illustrated 
at pp. 400 and 404 of the ‘ History of British Quadrupeds,’ 
in the instances of the Red-deer and Fallow-deer. 
A corresponding suite of antlers of the Megaceros from 
their first appearance in the young animal, has not yet been 
recovered, the smaller and simpler specimens probably not 
attracting the same attention as the larger antlers. It is, 
however, extremely desirable that such specimens should be 
collected and preserved whenever they may be met with. 
The three best-marked varieties which have come under my 
notice, and which appear to indicate progressive epochs im 
the age of the animal, are those of which figures are sub- 
joined. 
Fig. 164. Fiy. 185. Fiy. 186. 
Megaceros Hibernicus. 
* ¢ Experimenta circa res diversas naturales,’ 12mo., 1675, p. 156. The wonder 
of the great Italian physiologist was excited by the comparatively insignificant 
phenomena in the Red-deer, which, in the course of about ten weeks, developes 
its antlers, weighing about four and twenty pounds. 
