326 



UNGULATES. 



prevails on the lower portion of the throat, the under-parts, and the inferior half 

 of the flanks, and extends upwards to form a large patch on the rump which 

 includes the tail. Usually the throat is crossed by three russet-yellow transverse 

 bars, of which the uppermost is continuous with the dark area of the lower jaw. 

 The lower portion of the limbs is white. The horns are black, save at the tips, 

 where they become yellowish; and their usual length is about 12 inches, but Mr. 

 Otho Shaw has a pair measuring 17 inches, with a span of 20 inches. 



Distribution. 



GROUP OF PRONGBUCK (^ nat. size). 



The habitat of the prongbuck appears to be restricted to the 

 temperate regions of the western portion of North America, and 

 there is no evidence that.it ever occurred to the eastward of the Mississippi, while 

 it only impinges on that river in its upper reaches. According to Mr. Caton, these 

 animals originally inhabited all the regions, except wooded districts and high 

 mountain ranges, lying to the westward of the Mississippi within the limits of the 

 United States. Up to the year 1855 they were abundant in California, and were 

 not uncommon in the open parts of Oregon ; but they have now almost if not com- 



