342 MAMMALIA — ROEBUCK. 



of these factions has its particular chief, namely, the oldest and the strongest 

 of each herd. These lead on to the engagement ; and the rest follow under 

 their direction. Their combats are singular enough, from the disposition 

 and conduct by which their mutual efforts seem to be regulated. They 

 attack with order, and support and assault with courage ; they come to the 

 assistance of each other ; they retire, they rally, and never yield the victory 

 upon a single defeat. The combat is renewed every day, till at length the 

 most feeble side is obliged to give Avay, and is content to escape to the 

 most disagreeable part of the park, where alone they can find safety 

 and protection. The fallow deer may easily be brought to live in stables, 

 and seems to acquire an affection for the horse. One which was kept at 

 Newmarket, in England, used to delight in galloping round the course with 

 the racers while the jockeys were exercising them. 



From the age of two years, till that of fifteen or sixteen, the falloAV deer 

 is in a condition to produce, and, in fine, resembling the stag in all its 

 natural habits, the greatest difference we find between these two animals, 

 is in the duration of their lives. From the testimony of hunters, it has 

 been mentioned, that the stag lives to the age of thirty-five or forty; and, 

 on the same authority, it is asserted, that the fallow deer lives but about 

 twenty years ; and as in size the latter is smaller than the stag, so it is 

 probable that in growth he is somewhat quicker. 



Besides the nostrils, the fallow deer is furnished with two spiracula, or 

 breathing places, one at the inner corner of each eye, communicating with 

 the nose. By this means it continues to breathe while drinking, which it 

 could not otherwise do, as it plunges its nose deep under water, and retains 

 it there for a considerable time. These spiracles, it is probable, may also 

 be useful to the animal when chased, by enabling it to respire more fully 

 and easily. 



THE E OE BUCK. 1 



The stag, as being the most noble among the tenants of the woods, inha- 

 bits the most secret parts of the forest, where the spreading branches form 

 a lofty covert. While the roebuck, as being of an inferior species, contents 

 himself with a more lowly residence, and is seldom found but among the 

 thick foliage of young trees and shrubs. But, if this animal is less noble, 

 less strong, and less elevated in stature, he is, however, possessed of more 

 grace, more vivacity, and even more courage, than the stag. Though but 

 a very small animal, yet, when his young are attacked, he faces even the 

 stag himself, and not unfrequently comes off victorious. 



1 Cervus capreolus, Lin. 



