AXI3 POECIJfUS. 



263 



parts of Bengal, unless this name be properly applied to the small spotted 

 deer. 



The Hoq-deer. 



Beacr. — General color a light chesnut or olive brown, with an eye-spot, 

 the margin of the lips, the tail beneath, limbs within, and abdomen white. 

 In summer many assume a paler and more yellow tint, and get a few white 

 spots ; and the old buck assumes a dark slaty color. The horns resemble 

 those of a young spotted deer, with both the basal and upper tines very 

 small, the former pointing directly upwards at a very acute angle, and the 

 latter directed backwards and inwards, nearly at a right angle, occasionally 

 pointing downwards. 



Average length of a full grown buck from 42 to 44 inches, from 

 muzzle to root of tail ; tail 8 ; height at shoulder 27 to 28 inches. Aver- 

 age length of horns 15 to 16 inches. 



The hog-deer is found throughout the Gangetic valley in suitable spots, 

 extending to the foot of the hills, and more rarely into Central India. It 

 is also found in the Punjab and Slndh, and is abundant in Assam, Sylhet, 

 and Burmah. It has been stated to inhabit south Malabar and Ceylon, but 

 the race from the latter country differs somewhat and is probably distinct, 

 and neither Mr. Blyth nor myself have actually seen specimens from Ma- 

 labar, though I was resident in north Malabar for some time. It is very 

 abundant in Bengal, in many parts near the foot of the Himalayas, in 

 Deyra Doon, and near the Ganges, Jumna, Sutlej, and other large rivers, 

 frequenting chiefly long grass and jhow jungle. It rarely seeks the 

 shelter of forests, though frequenting grassy grounds in open forests and 

 open glades in the thicker jungles. lilies sheltered during the day in 

 thick patches of long grass, or in thick bushes in the grassy plains, and 

 lies very close, often getting up within a few feet of the elephant or- 

 beaters. It runs with its head low and in a somewhat ungainly manner, 

 hence its popular appellation in India of hog-deer. It is not gregarious, 

 both sexes lying solitary in general, though at times two or more may be 

 put up together. From the nature of the ground it frequents, high 

 grass, &c., it is generally shot from off elephants. It is not very speedy, 

 and if it breaks into a patch of open ground can be run down by dogs. 



The buck drops his horns in April generally, and ruts in September 

 and October. The young are beautifully spotted. 



