242 THE DEER OF AMERICA. 



I have already stated that the color of this species is very va- 

 riant on different individuals, from a dark russet gray to a russet 

 brown ; and the same is true of the color of the upper part of the 

 tail, — some are decidedly brown, approaching a dull black, which 

 is more pronounced on the lower part, while others are of a light 

 tawny shade, with no part black or even brown. The length of 

 the tail may be stated at eight inches. 



The position of the tail on the Acapulco Deer is usually closely 

 depressed, and ordinarily is but little raised from this when run- 

 ning, especially when pursuing the other deer to amuse itself. It 

 is more frequently raised when fleeing from supposed danger, but 

 not as much as is usual with the common deer. When excited 

 the hairs are radiated as on the common deer. 



I am unable to distinguish any appreciable difference between 

 the tail of the Acapulco deer and that of the Ceylon deer. 



On the tails of all the deer the hair is shed but once in the 

 year, which process is gradual and occurs in the summer time, 

 while, as stated, the black switch on the Mule Deer is not shed 

 at all. 



THE FOOT. 



The forms of the hoofs of the different species of the deer may 

 receive our attention for a short time. I have found them so de- 

 pendent on circumstances that it is not practicable at all times to 

 determine to which of several species a given specimen belonged. 

 This is more particularly the case with the smaller species ; that 

 is, those less in size than the caribou, at the head of which stands 

 the Mule Deer. If the hoofs on these smaller species differ 

 somewhat in the proportions of length to breadth, still in general 

 configurations they are alike, and the difference in their propor- 

 tions is so slight that observers do not always agree in their con- 

 clusions. 



Those inhabiting rocky or gravelly ground become worn down 

 so as to change their size and proportions, as compared with 

 those which live on the prairies and travel principally on the soft 

 grass. When examining a specimen, therefore, it is necessary to 

 inquire as the character of the country which it inhabited. This 

 is no doubt the principal cause of disagreement among observers, 

 as to the form and extent of the hoofs of the different species. 

 When all are grown in the same place, as in a park for instance, 

 then the equality of condition renders our observations of more 

 value than when they are limited to wild animals. 



