60 HOOFED ANIMALS 



the blunt tips of the tines to sharp points. Gradually the 

 diameter of the entire antler decreased in size, and at the same 

 time the hair composing the velvet grew longer. The sur- 

 face now assumed a gray appearance. On August 1 all the 

 points were sharp, and the antlers were in perfect form, but 

 the velvet was all on. 



The Elk's Calendar in the New York Zoological Park 



Jan. 1. Pelage has grown perceptibly paler. 



Feb. 1. Pelage has lost its lustre, and begins to look weath- 

 ered. 



Mar. 21. Antlers of the largest male dropped, 9 hours apart. 



Apr 8. Each budding antler looks like a big brown to- 

 mato. 



Apr. 18. New antlers about 5 inches long, thick and stumpy. 



Apr. 30. Each antler has developed three branches. Young 

 Elk born, well spotted. Closely hidden in the 

 rocks. Height, 26 inches; length, 35 inches; 

 weight, 30;^ pounds. 



May 10. Shedding in full progress; the Elk look their worst. 



June 1. Shedding about half finished. 



June 18. Antlers now full length, but club-like, well haired. 

 Tips flat. Large male has finished shedding. 



July 20. Antlers are now sharp at the tips. Flies trouble- 

 some. Herd bathes in the pond frequently and 

 long. 



Aug. 1. Entire herd now free from winter pelage. Animals 

 look well in short, red summer coat, but smaller! 

 Velvet still on antlers. Spots on young are all 

 gone, and white rump-patch is fully developed. 



