234 



THE DEER. 



THESE animals are generally characterized by theif 

 light and graceful forms, their slender and elon- 

 gated limbs, short tail, and stiffish hair. The males 

 are furnished with antlers, which exist in the female 

 of only one species, the Rein-Deer. These appen- 

 dages are produced and obliterated in a very simple 

 manner. Two protuberances appear on the fore- 

 head, which gradually enlarge, carrying with them 

 the skin, which is abundantly supplied with blood 

 by the vessels that furrow the surface of the callous 

 mass. At the base of the latter an annular protu- 

 berance or rim is formed, by which the vessels are 

 gradually obstructed ; whereupon the supply of 

 blood ceasing, the skin dies, and comes off in shreds, 

 leaving the bony horn or antler exposed. In this 

 state it continues for several months; but, as all 

 bones, when exposed to the action of the air, become 

 necrosed or die, the antlers at length cease to be 

 connected with the system by any organic union, 

 and ultimately fall off, leaving a rough and bleeding 

 surface which is soon covered with a thin pellicle, 



