RUMINANTIA. 207 



This takes its name from its long ears, which are half the 

 length of the whole antler. The hair is waved or crimped like 

 that of the elk ; upon the thighs near the croup it looks like white 

 thread cut off abruptly. 



C. elaphus. (Gr. shoKpog, elaphos, a stag.) The RED DEER, 

 or STAG. 



This noble species is found native in the European forests and 

 in those of Asia where the climate is temperate. It is the 

 largest of the English Deer, associated with the forest laws, so 

 oppressive that they affixed a less value to the life of a man than 

 that of a stag ; and it is blended with the legends of deadly feud, 

 as in the celebrated ballad of "Chevy Chase." The Red Deer 

 is distinguished by its brown color, and a pale spot on the rump, 

 and sometimes attains a great size. Pennant speaks of one that 

 weighed 314 Ibs., exclusive of the entrails, head and skin. Ac- 

 cording to Buffon, the small size of some* of these animals is ow- 

 ing to a deficiency of nourishment, as in rich pastures its size be- 

 comes greatly increased. The horns are round, having the antlers 

 turned towards the front, the summit terminating in a fork, or snags 

 from a common center. (Plate VII. fig. 2.) It is very common in 

 France, and is supposed to have been originally introduced from 

 that country into England. In the latter country it is now largely 

 superseded by the common or Fallow Deer, which is of a more 

 manageable and placid disposition and affords far superior venison. 

 The Red Deer has a fine eye, an acute smell and a good ear ; 

 when listening, raises his head and erects his ears ; when going 

 into a coppice, or other half-covered place, stops to look around 

 him on all sides, and scents the wind to discover if any object be 

 near that might disturb him. He eats slowly, and after his stom- 

 ach is full, lies down and leisurely ruminates. 



The pursuit of this deer is a very favorite amusement in Eng- 

 land, summoning into action all the energy of youth and man- 

 hood. The animal in stalking is generally shot ; but when 

 wounded and yet able to fly, the dogs are let loose in the chase. 

 In olden times, the dogs were mainly relied on for taking and 

 killing deer, so that fleet and courageous hounds became the 

 pride of nobles and princes. It is said he is particularly de- 

 lighted with the sound of the shepherd's pipe, and is by that instru- 

 ment sometimes lured to his own destruction. In winter and 

 spring, this animal rarely drinks, the dews and herbage being suffi- 

 cient to satisfy his thirst ; but during the parching heats of summer, 

 he not only frequents the brooks and springs, but searches for deep 

 water wherein to bathe and refresh himself. He swims with great 

 ease and strength, particularly when he is in good condition, his 



