dt CONSERVATION OF CANADIAN WILD LIFE 
of being single as in the case of the white-tailed deer, are 
bifurcated, and each branch is double-pronged. 
Distribution.—Their range extends from southern Mani- 
toba on the east to northern Alberta in the north, and south- 
ern British Columbia in the west. Embracing as they do 
within their range such varied conditions, their habitat 
varies somewhat according to the region they occupy. In 
the eastern part of its range they frequent the low hills, 
especially where they are wooded and provide cover, and in 
the wooded valleys of rivers and streams. In the west they 
occur in the foot-hills and among the open growth of pine 
in the mountains. On the whole, their favourite haunts are 
different from those chosen by the white-tail, being more 
open and exposed. 
Habits.—Their habits are, in general, not very different 
from those of the white-tailed deer. During the winter the 
mixed bands of all ages and sexes wander around together, 
sometimes in large bands, several hundred having been re- 
corded occurring in single bands when they have been plen- 
tiful. When they run fast going down-hill their gait is a 
peculiar bounding motion on all four feet; hence the name 
‘Jumping deer.” 
Abundance.—In Manitoba, Seton states that in 1882 to 
1885 they were very scarce. Owing to the better protec- 
tion that they have received since that time they have 
greatly increased in numbers. Mr. Charles Barber, chief 
game guardian for Manitoba, states that they are now to 
be found in more or less abundance in every part of the 
province, and are increasing in numbers. They are found 
chiefly in the Pembina Hills and that part of the province 
lying between Portage la Prairie and Brandon, through 
which district the Assiniboine River flows. They also oc- 
cur in fair numbers east of the Red River in that section of 
the province through which flow the Brokenhead and White- 
mouth Rivers. In Saskatchewan they are reported by Mr. 
