72 



subkikgdom veetebeata. 



The Virginia Deer is common in the United States. It 

 differs in size according to locahty, the Southern specimens 



being smaller.* Its antlers bend 

 forward, with varying prongs. 

 The males while fighting some- 

 times interlock their antlers, 

 and, unable to release them- 

 selves, perish miserably. The 

 spotted young are called Fawns, 

 and may be easily domesticated. 

 The sagacity of the deer is shown 

 in taking to the water when 

 hunted with dogs, its greater 

 height giving it a footing, while 

 they, compelled to swim, are comparatively helpless. 



The Fallow Deer, so called from its tawny brown color, is 

 the domesticated species of the English parks. A large buck 

 takes the lead of the herd, and suffers none but a few favorites 

 to approach his regal presence. 



Fig. 108. 



Cei^tjus virginidnus^ Virginia deer. 



Ccrous darita^ Fallow deer. 



* The deer ia a great destroyer of rattlesnakes, cutting them to pieces by alighting 

 upon them with all four feet. — Its skin is tanned by the Indians by pounding in a 

 solution of its own brains, and is known as " buck-skin." 



