36 Game of Europe, W. & N. Asia & America 



than the iiiak-s, the harren females shedding first, and those with calves 

 and the younger animals later. 



" In spring and summer these animals follow the snow-line well into 

 the mountains, and liere their habits are very like those of the mountain 

 sheep. The old males seek the more secluded retreats, where they remain 

 in quiet, and rapidly take on flesh." 



THE ALASKAN REINDEER, OR CARIBOU 



[Rangifcr taraiidiis stonei) 



The reindeer inhabiting the Kenai peninsula of Alaska has recently 

 been separated as a distinct species by Dr. J. A. Allen ' under the name of 

 R. stonei, but, like the other New World forms at any rate, it cannot be 

 regarded as more than a local race, and there may be a doubt whether it is 

 even the latter. 



It is described as " a striking member of the caribou group, resembling 

 R. iiio)ita)iiis in its dark coloration, but differing in the great development 

 of the heavy fringe ot white hairs on the front of the neck, and its strik- 

 ing contrast in colour with the adjoining portions of the neck. Should 

 this prove constant, it will form an easily distinguishing mark. The 

 antlers recall in some respects those of the Barren -Ground forms of 

 caribou (including R. gnviilandicus), but are much heavier, with better 

 developed and more numerous tines, a special feature being the large size 

 and peculiar form of the anterior branch. The skull is long and slender, 

 the facial portion especially narrow, the occipital broad, the nostrils short, 

 and the lower jaw slender." 



Reindeer are said to be nowadays very scarce in the Kenai peninsula, 

 where they stand in imminent danger of extermination. Many are killed 



' Biilli'liii Amer. Mils. Nat. Hist. vol. xiv. p. \\}, (1901). 



