Vill PREFACE. TO SIXTH EDZTION 
Among the deer tribe many difficulties have arisen as to 
comparison ; and it may be pointed out that although length of 
antlers is invariably put at the top of the list, other particulars, 
such as number of tines, general symmetry, spread, and werght 
of antlers, go in many instances to the making of a good trophy. 
Great care has been taken with regard to the accuracy of 
the dimensions given ; and, considering the number of measure- 
ments, it will be readily understood the task attempted has been 
one of no ordinary difficulty. 
It has been found advisable to omit the measurements of 
many of the smaller and less important specimens quoted in 
the earlier editions. In anumber of instances the measurements 
of record specimens sent by owners and other gentlemen have 
proved untrustworthy, and have had to be left out. 
As in the two previous editions, I am indebted for the 
definitions of the various species and races to Mr. R. Lydekker, 
who is also responsible for the scientific names employed. 
The number of species has in some cases, as in the argali group, 
been diminished by reducing what were formerly regarded as 
species to the rank of local races. In A Trip to Prlawin 
(1908) Mr. Lydekker suggested certain alterations in the 
arrangement of the deer; and these and a few other amend- 
ments in classification have been incorporated in the present 
edition. 
I have to thank many sportsmen and naturalists all over 
the world for the help they have afforded. 
ROWLAND WARD. 
August 1910. 
