314 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol, SlV. 



the orbits is often lighter. The cause of the mottling will be evident 

 on examination of hairs from various parts of the body. In some parts 

 the hairs will be noticed to be white at the base, then pale brown, then 

 white, the tips being very dark-brown. There is, of course, considerable 

 difference to the extent to which the alternate pale and dark rings are 

 developed — for example, in the very dark stags the pale rings are very 

 narrow indeed. 



These deer show a remarkable tendency to develop spots through the 

 coat. The young, like those of many other varieties of deer, are fre- 

 quently menilled ; but in this country, at any rate, it is by no means rare 

 to find one or more adult stags and hinds distinctly spotted. The spots 

 are so evident, and disposed in such a manner, as to give the animal 

 the appearance of a small Cheetal {Cervus axis). I have also met with 

 animals marked with pale brown spots disposed in rows on either side of 

 a faint dorsal stripe. The spots in the coat are not constant in the 

 same animal. I have from time to time kept these deer as pets ; two 

 stags were in my possession eight years — one, a very dark stag, only 

 during one season showed distinct menilling, while the other stag 

 during two or three seasons was almost as prettily spotted as a Cheetal. 

 The spots appeared at the moult, and, as a rule, grew fainter and fainter 

 till they almost or quite disappeared. 



The ears are moderate in size, the eyes full and bright, and the 

 muzzle rather narrow. The tail is long and covered with long hairs, 

 some of the under white hair of the tuft being longer than the brown 

 hair above. 



Heads. — In size and shape the horns vary. Normally thera are six 

 points, viz., those of the brow tines and terminal forks. The horns 

 are very free of sports and snags, and are not rough or rugged. 



The antlers are mounted on bony pedicles varying from 1" to 2" in 

 length. The basal or brow tine is given off immediately above the burr, 

 and is directed upwards so as to form a more or less acute angle with the 

 beam. The beam generally runs up, taking a slight outward curve 

 about a third to half of the way up ; there are, however, many heads in 

 which a few inches above the burr the beam takes a fine outward curve, 

 thus giving the heads a beautiful sweep. 



The upper tine is given off from the inner, and slightly towards the 

 posterior surface of the horn, at about two-thirds the length of the 

 beam with which it forms almost a right angle, and is directed usually 



