FALLOW DEER. 131 



the Hind somewhat less. It differs in colour, too, from the Red 

 Deer, being a paler red or reddish-yellow above spotted with 

 white, and yellowish-white on the under parts. The tail is 

 longer than that of the Red Deer, and is kept in constant 

 motion from side to side. The vertical white stripe on either 

 side of the rump shows up strongly when the animal is in 

 retreat. In winter the fur darkens ; and some of the tame 

 herds in parks show this dark coloration at all seasons. This 

 has been explained by the statement that they are descended 

 from a darker, hardier race introduced from Norway by 

 James I. ; but Harting says this variety was in Windsor Park 

 as far back as the year 1465. It is this dark form that is met 

 with in Epping Forest. It may also be seen in Richmond Park, 

 where, however, the lighter form is in the majority. 



In this connection it should be mentioned that it is believed 

 the Fallow Deer was introduced to Britain by the Romans, 

 though fossil remains found here show that it was a true native 

 originally. One is inclined to be somewhat suspicious of these 

 introductions attributed to the Romans. It is quite possible 

 that in their desire to enjoy all their continental luxuries they 

 may have brought with them much that was indigenous to the 

 soil. It is possible, too, that they were more proficient as 

 conquerors than as observers of Nature. Cassar, for example, 

 has left it on record that, when he hewed his way through the 

 dense forests between the south coast and London, there were no 

 beech trees growing, whereas every botanist who has devoted 

 attention to the origin and distribution of our flora is convinced . 

 that the invasion of southern England by the beechwoods of 

 the Continent took place ages before great Caesar was born, and 

 before the separating English Channel was more than a river 

 valley. Men who could overlook so majestic and plentiful a 

 tree as the beech on our chalklands, were capable of not seeing 

 the shy Fallow Deer, which has a wonderful power of vanishing 

 silently among the bracken. However, modern authorities 



