Mammalia. 



275 



tains, usually keeping in lowlands. The term " red deer " 

 is inappropriate, as all our deer are red when in their 

 summer coat, turning grayish in the fall. The blacktail 

 is Western, preferring mountains or hilly country. The 

 tip of the tail is black. This deer is also called " mule 

 deer," on account of its very large ears. The horns of the 



FIG. 163. BLACKTAIL DEER. 



From Forest and Stream. 



two species branch differently (see Figs. 162 and 163). 

 The elk (see Frontispiece) is larger than the other deer, 

 sometimes weighing eight hundred and perhaps a thousand 

 pounds. A bull elk surpasses any of the stags of the 

 old world. Elk are being reduced in number and bid fair 

 to be exterminated, since they cannot hide so cunningly 

 as deer. 



