AXIS PORCINUS. 263 



Khar laguna, of Nepal Terai. — Sugoria also, in some parts. — Nuthriyii 

 haran, in some parts of Bengal, unless this name be properly applied to 

 the small spotted deer. 



The Hog-deer. 



Descr. — General colour a light chestnut or olive-brown, with an eye- 

 spot, the margin of the lips, the tail beneath, limbs within, and abdomen 

 white. In summer many assume a paler and more yellow tint, and get 

 a few white spots ; and the old buck assumes a dark slaty colour. The 

 horns resemble those of a young spotted deer, with both the basal and 

 upper tines very small, the former pointing directly upwards at a very 

 acute angle, and the latter directed backwards and inwards, nearly at a 

 right angle, occasionally pointing downwards. 



Average length of a full-grown buck from 42 to 44 inches, from 

 muzzle to root of tail ; tail 8 ; height at shoulder 27 to 28 inches. 

 Average length of horns 15 to 16 inches. 



The Hog-deer is found throughout the Gangetic valley in suitable spots, 

 extending to the foot of the hills, and more rarely into General India. It 

 is also found in the Punjab and Sindh, and is abundant in Assam, Sylhet, 

 and Burmah. It has been stated to inhabit south Malabar and Ceylon, but 

 the race from the latter country differs somewhat, and is probably distinct, 

 and neither M. Blyth nor myself has actually seen specimens from 

 Malabar, though I was resident in north Malabar for some time. It is very 

 abundant in Bengal, in many parts near the foot of the Himalayas, in 

 Deyra Doon, and near the Ganges, Jumna, Sutlej, and other large rivers, 

 frequenting chiefly long grass and jhow jungle. It rarely seeks the 

 shelter of forests, though frequenting grassy grounds in open forests and 

 open glades in the thicker jungles. It lies sheltered during the day in 

 thick patches of long grass, or in thick bushes in the grassy plains, and 

 lies very close, often getting up within a few feet of the elephant or 

 beaters. It runs with its head low and in a somewhat ungainly manner ; 

 hence its popular appellation in India of Hog-deer. It is not gregarious, 

 both sexes lying solitary in general, though at times two ore more may be 

 put up together. From the nature of the ground it frequents, high 

 grass, &c., it is generally shot from off elephants. It is not vei*y speedy, 

 and if it breaks into a patch of open ground can be run down by dogs. 



The buck drops his horns in April generally, and ruts in September 

 and October. The young are beautifully spotted. 



