310 



FAMILY MOSCHID.E ; MUSK-DEER. 



their characters. The Moschidae closely resemble the Deer in 

 general form and appearance ; but they resemble them in minia- 

 ture ; for, with the exception of the true Musk, which equals a 

 Roebuck in size and stature, the rest are extremely small, some 

 of them not exceeding a Hare in magnitude. They are extremely 

 beautiful animals, and are very graceful and animated in their 

 movements. The family is distinguished, as formerly stated, by 

 the absence of horns ; and by the presence, in the upper jaw of 

 the male, of long canines, which project downwards, and come 

 forwards between the lips. Moreover on each foot there are two 

 accessory toes, more complete than those of the ordinary Rumi- 

 nants, each having its own metacarpal or metatarsal bone. 



277. The true Musk-Deer inhabits the great extent of 

 elevated country which occupies a large part of central Asia; 

 being common to Nepal, Boutan, Thibet, and the districts 

 adjacent to the North of India and to China ; and being abundant 

 also in the Altaic range, near Lake Baikal. It is covered with 



a long stiff inelastic fur, the 

 hairs of which grow erect, 

 instead of lying flat upon 

 the body ; and the presence 

 of this substantial covering 

 sufficiently indicates the 

 adaptation of the animal to 

 a cold region. The Musk is 

 procured from the male 

 only ; and is the peculiar 

 secretion of a glandular 

 pouch, situated at the hinder 

 part of the body ; from the 

 high price of this perfume, 



and the ease with which it is adulterated (especially when fresh), 

 it very seldom reaches Europe in a pure state. The habits of the 

 Musk-Deer closely resemble those of the Chamois ; it exhibits 

 peculiar activity and strength in its movements, and is very shy 

 of Man ; nevertheless it falls a prey, in large numbers, to the 

 hunters who pursue it for the sake of its costly perfume. The 



FIG. 159. MUSK-DEER. 



