134 FOREST CREATURES. 



ness in each quick, short, sudden movement, and fear 

 in the abrupt discordant cry which terror forces from 

 them. They are so terrified that at first they do not 

 think of taking to flight. 



The rutting season being in October, is consequently 

 one month later than that of the red deer. A fallow 

 buck sheds his horn in April ; also a month after the 

 stag loses his antlers. Here we have another proof of 

 the close, the intimate connection between the genera- 

 tive force and this periodical development ; and we see 

 how the growth of the one is dependent on the progress 

 and fullest strength of the other. The highest virile 

 state of both animals seems to be when the new antlers 

 have attained maturity. Within a certain time after 

 such ripe state and proud lustiness of body, the branch- 

 ing growth becomes sapless, and makes room for another 

 to spring up in its stead. 



It may be well to compare these remarks with the 

 concluding part of the chapter on the roe. 



