268 THE DEER OF AMERICA. 



months, and till they had shed their ornamental coat, which was 

 replaced by a full coat of bay red hairs, when they died, and their 

 skins were added to the Smithsonian collection. 



From the fact observed, as above stated, we may infer, that 

 when the coat of hairs appears on the foetal fawn, it pervades the 

 whole surface of the gland, but that even before birth it ordinarily 

 disappears, at least partially, and very soon after to the same ex- 

 tent as on the adult. Those acquainted with the subject will rec- 

 ognize that this is not an uncommon occurrence to fcetal growth ; 

 still it seems to me not without interest in connection with the 

 other facts I have stated, of the present condition of this glandular 

 system on the diiferent species of which I particularly treat. 



