60 HOOFED ANIMALS 
the blunt tips of the tines to sharp points. Gradually the 
diameter of the entire antler decreased in size, and at the same 
time the hair composing the velvet grew longer. The sur- 
face now assumed a gray appearance. On August 1 all the 
points were sharp, and the antlers were in perfect form, but 
the velvet was all on. 
The Elk’s Calendar in the New York Zoological Park 
Jan. 1. Pelage has grown perceptibly paler. 
Feb. 1. Pelage has lost its lustre, and begins to look weath- 
ered. 
Mar. 21. Antlers of the largest male dropped, 9 hours apart. 
Apr. 8. Each budding antler looks like a big brown to- 
mato. 
Apr. 18. New antlers about 5 inches long, thick and stumpy. 
Apr. 30. Each antler has developed three branches. Young 
Elk born, well spotted. Closely hidden in the 
rocks. Height, 26 inches; length, 35 inches; 
weight, 3012 pounds. 
May 10. Shedding in full progress; the Elk look their worst. 
June 1. Shedding about half finished. 
June 18. Antlers now full length, but club-like, well haired. 
Tips flat. Large male has finished shedding. 
July 20. Antlers are now sharp at the tips. Flies trouble- 
some. Herd bathes in the pond frequently and 
long. 
Aug. 1. Entire herd now free from winter pelage. Animals 
look well in short, red summer coat, but smaller! 
Velvet still on antlers. Spots on young are all 
gone, and white rump-patch is fully developed. 
