142 



When we first attempted to hunt deer we were almost always un- 

 successful, even rarely being able to see one, and were informed by 

 the hunters that we did not go out at the right time. Upon ques- 

 tioning them they told us that the deer were governed in their time 

 of feeding by the moon. An hour before moonrise the animals arose 

 from their beds or came out of the hummocks to feed upon the grass 

 in the clearings, or in the piny woods, continuing until after the moon 

 was up. An hour before the moon southed (i. e., attained its highest 

 altitude) they did the same thing, and also when it was directly be- 

 neath the earth, making in all eight hours feeding time. At first I 

 laughed at this as an old hunter's notion, for although it is easy to 

 understand why the deer should feed at those times when the moon 

 rises near night and sets near morning, it is difficult to perceive why 

 they should conform to the same rule through all the varying phases. 

 But after three seasons' experience I am obliged to acknowledge that 

 as far as my observation extends this theory is correct. The deer 

 are certainly seen feeding much more frequently during these stated 

 times than at others. Of course one occasionally meets a straggling 

 animal at other hours, but I never found any number on their feet at 

 any other time. All the hunters with whom I have conversed also 

 confirm this. Another singular fact is that the great horned owls 

 hoot at the feeding time of the deer, even if it be broad daylight. I 

 have observed this fact on many occasions, and the hunters, when 

 they hear the owls, say "now the deer are feeding." 



Early in February the deer moult. The bucks then lose their horns 

 and the does are heavy with young, which they drop in March. Before 

 the moult the hair is of a bluish color, but after shedding they take on 

 a sleek coat of fine reddish hue. This animal is found in all sections, 

 even on the Keys. They inhabit small islands where they can obtain 

 little or no fresh water, yet deer from these localities are noticeably 

 larger than those from the mainland. Of this fact I have been assured 

 by Lord Parker, an English gentleman who has spent several winters 

 in Florida, and who has killed a large number of these animals in all 

 sections of the state. 



MANATIDJS. 



12. Trichechus manatus LINN. 

 Manatee. 



This singular animal is found in large numbers about the inlets of 

 Indian Eiver, and Capt. Dummett informs me that he has captured 

 specimens as far north as his place, which is within five miles of the 

 head of the river. I have been informed by creditable authorities 

 that it is remarkably abundant upon the western coast in the various 

 rivers and creeks which abound between Tampa Bay and Cape Sable. 



