1870. | DR. J. MURIE ON THE PANOLIAN DEER. 611 
8. On a Case of Variation in the Horns of a Panolian Deer. 
By James Muniz, M.D., F.L.S., F.G.S., late Prosector 
to the Society. 
The variability in size, general contour, and number of snags in 
the horns of Deer is proverbial. Not only from youth to age do 
these change, but in the adult of a single species, as Blyth *, among 
others, has shown, the modifications occasionally are not a few, 
Notwithstanding the danger of error likely to arise from such an 
unstable character as differentiation in horn-contour of the Deer, 
numerous instances could be cited where naturalists have formed new 
species on such data; paleontologists have not been behind hand 
in following their example. 
Whilst many supposed laws regarding malformations have from 
time to time been enunciated by those studying the subject, there 
yet remains much to be done ere the precise relations between mere 
variety and so-called abnormalities are cleared up. 
For these reasons I have thought it useful to place the subjoined 
case on record. 
A male Panolian Deer (Cervus eldi +) was presented to the Society 
by Mr. Grote through Colonel Phayre. 
On the morning of the 28th May, 1868, this animal shed its 
-horns. The right horn loosened and fell away from its burr in the 
natural manner; but the left one, instead of separating from the 
burr, tore this latter and a portion of the osseous cranium right off 
with it. 
I arrived at the Gardens at an early hour, and found Mr. Bartlett 
rather concerned at the occurrence, as from the great hole in the 
animal’s skull he feared untoward consequences—the more so as the 
loss of such a rare species of Deer would cause a gap in the collec- 
tion not easily repaired. Having looked at the horn and its firmly 
adherent osseous piece (I confess, with astonishment), Mr. Bartlett 
and I proceeded to the enclosure ; and there sure enough was the Deer, 
harmless and timid, but jauntily trotting about as if nothing parti- 
cular had happened. At once I felt reassured as to a favourable 
result on learning little or no bleeding had occurred, though I must 
own the great cavity left looked any thing but promising. Both of 
us inclined to think that the flies might soon prove a nuisance, and 
by clustering into the gap or depositing their eggs, cause much irri- 
tation, besides producing evil issue and retardation of the healing- 
process. I suggested the application of tar to the part, first, as ex- 
cluding air, and, secondly, to keep off the flies. The healing-process 
proceeded not only satisfactorily, but far beyond expectation, as 
shall further be related. 
Prior to comment, I allude to the keeper’s report to our super- 
* Notes upon Three Asiatic Species of Deer,” P. Z. S. 1867, p. 835. 
+ Figures of this identical specimen in different and intermediate stages of 
horn-growths to that here described will be found in a paper in the forthcoming 
No. of the ‘ Transactions,’ by Dr. Sclater, pls. xxxvii. & xxxviii. 
