256 Deer of the Pacific Coast 



Though these two range together over a con- 

 siderable space near the centre of California, and 

 the rutting time is there about the same for each, 

 I can find no evidence of the two intermingling. 

 It is possible that they do, for one must be some- 

 thing of an expert to detect a hybrid. The ordi- 

 nary hunter is too intent on meat, hides, or heads, 

 to notice such trifles as the tail. Without this 

 one could be easily deceived. But it is probable 

 that they do not mix, for careful examination 

 shows them essentially different deer. 



Note. — Much that has been said of the hunting of the blacktail 

 applies as well to the mule-deer, while much of the article on the 

 mule-deer applies as well to the blacktail. To repeat the same 

 under each would be tiresome to the reader, and unnecessary for 

 those who already know enough of deer to be interested in these 

 two varieties. 



