258 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES [Pboc. 4th Sei. 



Explanation, Plate 4 

 COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER 



{Odocoileus columbarius) 



This group represents a summer scene in Mendocino County, Califor- 

 nia, where the deer shown were taken. At this season the deer assume 

 what is known as the "red coat," which is gradually shed, changing to 

 the bluish coat The hair then becomes grayer in color as it lengthens 

 for the winter months. In the spring the long hairs of the winter coat 

 are shed and again replaced by the short red coat of summer. 



The horns are shed annually, usually in February and March. The 

 entire antler drops off from the skull at the base of the horn or_ "burr." 

 A new horn sprouts out from the skull and, normally, develops into the 

 antler characteristic of the species. During the process of development 

 the horn is covered with skin and hair, as shown on the males of this 

 group. This hairy covering is known as the "velvet." When the horn 

 has reached its maximum growth it gradually hardens, then the animal 

 rubs the antlers against trees and bushes and wears away the velvet 

 covering, leaving the horns hard and polished. 



The common belief that a deer develops a new point on the antlers 

 each year and that the number of points indicates the age of the animal 

 is erroneous. 



Group prepared under the immediate direction of John Rowley. 



Background by Charles Abel Corwin. 



Photo by Gabriel Moulin. 



