126 rOKEST CEEATUKES. 



THE FALLOW DEEE. 



Cerrus dama. Linn, 



This befitting ornament of our English parks will be 

 familiar to most persons. The fallow buck has not the 

 imposing air of the stag, for it is much smaller in its 

 proportions ; and besides, that expression, not only of the 

 head but of the whole body, is wanting which gives the 

 male red deer such commanding dignity. Nevertheless, 

 when in the fifth year the buck's antlers are fully deve- 

 loped and, expanding, broadly rise high above his head 

 with a bold sweep, the animal produces a fine effect as 

 he stands at gaze. When the pasture is rich and plen- 

 tiful the antlers thrive as well as the body, and attain 

 considerable dimensions. Their flat plates make a noisy 

 clatter when struck against others ; and in October, 

 when the males are fighting, the sound may be heard a 

 considerable distance as the broad surface of the horn 

 comes in collision with that of an adversary. 



With fallow deer the rut is of shorter duration than 

 with the red deer. Hence, the buck is never in so 

 emaciated a condition as the stag when the rutting 



