274 



Descriptive Zoology. 



usually in December or January. They grow out again, 

 with an added prong for each of the first six or eight years. 

 Till fully grown the horns, or antlers, as they are often 

 called, are covered with a soft fur, and are said to be " in 

 the velvet." When the horns are mature this skin dies 



FIG. 162. WHITETATL DEER. HORNS IN THE " VELVET.' 



From Recreation, by permission of G. O. Shields. 



and peels off, the owner assisting by rubbing them against 

 shrubs and small trees. The two common species of deer 

 are the whitetail and the blacktail deer. The whitetail 

 deer is probably identical with the Virginia deer or red 

 deer. It is the most widely distributed form, extending 

 from Maine to Florida, and westward to the Rocky Moun- 



