RED DEER. 301 



branches on each horn. In old individuals it appear^ 

 however, that the number of crown branches dimi- 

 nishes. The horns are shed in February, and the 

 new ones completed by the beginning of August, 

 or previous to the commencement of the rutting 

 season. Whatever purpose they fulfil in the eco- 

 nomy of the animal, it is evident that they are not 

 given merely as weapons of defence; for the 

 Hinds, which are deserted by the Stags when they 

 most require protection for themselves and their 

 young, are not furnished with any. 



A full-grown Stag measures four feet six inches 

 in height at the shoulders ; the length of the head 

 is eighteen inches, that of the neck and body five 

 feet five inches, and that of the tail six inches. The 

 body is moderately full, and rounded ; the neck of 

 moderate length, the head tapering to the obtuse 

 muzzle, the eyes large and full, the ears rather long 

 and -pointed; the limbs slender, the tail short* 

 The fur consists of both bristly and woolly hairs ; 

 the former predominant, pretty long and close, the 

 latter in small quantity, short and fine. Each of 

 the long hairs is spirally twisted, which gives it the 

 appearance of being undulated ; it is stiffish, filled 

 with a kind of pith, pointed at the extremity, atte- 

 nuated at the base, and very easily broken across. 

 The hair is thinnest on the belly, longest on the 

 buttocks and back, and more especially on the foi* 

 part of the neck, very short on the feet and muzzle 

 The general colour of the body is yellowish-red, 

 mixed with dark -brown, the hairs, which are pale 



