viii PREFACE TO FIFTH EDITION 



am won horn, for instance, will frequently shrink half an inch 

 in length and proportionately in girth after it has left the field. 



Among the deer tribe many difficulties have arisen as to 

 comparison ; and it may be pointed out that although length of 

 antlers is invariably put at the top of the list, other particulars, 

 such as number of tines, general symmetry, spread, and weight 

 of antlers, are in many instances the making of a good trophy. 



Great care has been taken with regard to the accuracy of 

 the dimensions given ; and, considering the number of measure- 

 ments, .it will be readily understood the task attempted has been 

 one of no ordinary difficulty. 



It has been found advisable in this edition to omit the 

 measurements of many of the smaller and less important 

 specimens quoted in the earlier ones. In a number of instances 

 the measurements of record specimens sent by owners and 

 other gentlemen have proved untrustworthy, and have had to 

 be left out. 



As in the two previous editions, I am indebted for the 

 definitions of the various species and races to Mr. R. Lydekker, 

 who is also responsible for the scientific names employed. 

 Such names as Strepsiceros strepsiceros strepsiceros (a title 

 for the typical race of the Kudu) have been intentionally re- 

 jected, as being unlikely to be appreciated by sportsmen. 



I have to thank many sportsmen and naturalists all over 

 the world for the help they have afforded. 



ROWLAND WARD. 



October 1906. 



