328 



UNGULATES. 



which so much resembles the curvature of the horns of the chamois. After the 

 horn is perfected down to the top of the cores, it ceases to increase in length, while 

 the apparently converting process steadily progresses downward along or around 

 the core. The cores being laterally compressed, the horn assumes the same form ; 



not, however, conform- 

 - n g precisely to the 

 shape of the core, but 

 extending considerably 

 in front of it, where it 

 is thinner than the 

 posterior part. At the 

 upper extremity of the 

 wide flattened part the 

 snag or prong is thrown 

 out, which consists of 

 little more than an 

 abrupt termination of 

 the wide part, with an 

 elevated exterior point. 

 By the latter part of 

 winter, in the adult, the 

 horn has attained about 

 this stage of growth. 

 From this it presses on, 

 hardening in its down- 

 ward growth till the 

 latter part of summer, 

 by which time the 

 growth is perfected 



down to the base, and is a complete weapon for warfare. In this state it con- 

 tinues until the new horn has commenced its growth and begun to displace the old 

 one from its position, in the manner described above." 



As regards habits, the prongbuck is a shy and timid creature, 

 avoiding its enemies with great intelligence, although sometimes 

 betrayed into danger by its extreme curiosity. It is swifter than any other native 

 North American Ungulate ; but is somewhat short-winded and cannot maintain its 

 speed for any length of time. Prongbucks are essentially gregarious ; and, accord- 

 ing to Dr. Canfield, individuals of both sexes and of all ages congregate in herds 

 from the beginning of September to the end of February. By the beginning of 

 March, the same writer states, " the does separate themselves from the band one by 

 one to drop their kids. They produce two at a birth. After a little time the does 

 collect together with their young, probably for mutual protection against coyotes ; 

 the old bucks in the meantime go off alone, each by himself or at most two together, 

 leaving the young bucks and young does together in small bands. The old bucks 

 now for a month or two wander a great deal, and are seen in the timber-lands, and 

 in other places where they never go at any other season of the year, evidently ' tired 



HEAD OF PRONGBUCK, WITH NEWLY-GROWING HORNS. 



(From Sclater, Proc. Zool. Soc^ 1880, p. 540.) 



Habits. 



