564 UNGULATA. 



killed a boy of twelve years old a few days before, stabbing the poor 

 fellow in fifty places with his sharp-pointed horns. Of course I had no 

 more to urge in his behalf." 



GENUS CERVULUS. 



The four species of this genus are found in all the forest districts of 

 the Oriental region, from India and Ceylon to China, as far north as 

 Ningpo and Formosa, and as far south as the Philippine Islands, Borneo, 

 and Java. They are all small animals, and have very short imperfect 

 horns. The distinguishing characteristics of the genus consist in the 

 possession of two large tusk-like canines in the upper jaw, and in an 

 extraordinary development of the cranial bones which form elongated 

 pedestals for the support of the two pronged horns ; the forehead is 

 marked with three deep vertical folds of skin. 



THE MUNTJAK. 



The Muntjak or Kidang, Cervulus muntjak, the best known species, 

 is about the size of the Roebuck. It is rather slenderly built, with a 

 compact body, moderately long neck, short head, long and fine limbs, 

 and a short hairy tail. The coat is short, smooth, and thick ; the color 

 a yellowish-brown, darkening into chestnut on the middle of the back. 

 The inner sides of the limbs, as well as the chin and throat, are white. 

 The antlers are cream color. 



Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Banca, and the Malay Peninsula, are the 

 homes of the Muntjak. Horsfield writes: "The Muntjak selects for its 

 resort certain districts to which it forms a peculiar attachment, and 

 which it never voluntarily deserts. Many of these are known as the 

 favorite resort of the animal for several generations. They consist of 

 moderately elevated grounds diversified by ridges and valleys tending 

 toward the acclivities of the more considerable mountains or approach- 

 ing the confines of extensive forests." " The Kidang," the same author 

 observes, " is impatient of confinement, and is not fitted for the same 

 degree of domestication as the stag. It is, however, occasionally found 

 in the enclosures of natives and Europeans, but requires a considerable 

 range to live comfortably. It is cleanly in its habits, and delicate in the 

 choice of food. The flesh affords an excellent venison. The natives eat 



