456 



CERVUS. 



tione dignum est tantam molem ramorum tarn brevi tern- 

 pore quotannis renasci et crescere." * 



It is true, indeed, that these antlers were subject to the 

 periodical variations of size and form which occur in the 

 existing species of Deer, and which Mr. Bell has illustrated 

 at pp. 400 and 404 of the ' History of British Quadrupeds,' 

 in the instances of the Red-deer and Fallow-deer. 



A corresponding suite of antlers of the Megaceros from 

 their first appearance in the young animal, has not yet been 

 recovered, the smaller and simpler specimens probably not 

 attracting the same attention as the larger antlers. It is, 

 however, extremely desirable that such specimens should be 

 collected and preserved whenever they may be met with. 

 The three best-marked varieties which have come under my 

 notice, and which appear to indicate progressive epochs in 

 the age of the animal, are those of which figures are sub- 

 joined. 



Fig. 184. 



Fiy. 185. 



Fig. 186. 



Megaceros Htbernicus. 



* ' Experimenta circa res diversas naturales,' 12mo., 1675, p. 156. The wonder 

 of the great Italian physiologist was excited by the comparatively insignificant 

 phenomena in the Red-deer, which, in the course of about ten weeks, developes 

 its antlers, weighing about four and twenty pounds. 



