RUMINATING QrADRUPEDS. 161 



footed, like beasts of the goat kind; the hair on the head and 

 legs is half an inch long, on the belly an inch and a half, and on 

 the back and buttocks three inches, 

 and proportionably thicker than in 

 any other animal. It is brown and 

 white alternately, from the root to 

 the point J on the head and thighs 

 it is brown, but under the belly and 

 tail white, and a little curled, espe- 

 cially on the back and belly. On each 



side of the lower jaw, under the corners of the mouth, there is a tuft 

 of thick hair, which is short and hard, and about three-quarters 

 of an inch long. The hair, in general, of this animal, is remark- 

 able for its softness and fine texture; but what distinguishes it 

 particularly are the tusks, which are an inch abd a half long, and 

 turned back in the form of a hook ; and more particularly the bag 

 which contains the musk, which is three inches long, two broad, 

 and stands out from the belly an inch and a half. It is a very 

 fearful animal, and, therefore,-it has long ears ; and the sense of 

 hearing is so quick, that it can discover an enemy at a great 

 distance. > 



The musk is an article of commerce, and is sold in small 

 bags, about the size of a pigeon's egg, which, when cut open, 

 appear to contain a kind of dusky, reddish substance, like coagu- 

 lated blood, and which, in large quantities, has a very strong 

 smell; but, when mixed and diffused, becomes a very agreeable 

 perfume. Indeed, no substance has a stronger or a more permit 

 nent smell. A grain of musk perfumes a whole room; and its 

 odor continues for some days without diminution. 



The Red Deer, or Stag, common in Europe and America, 

 is one of those mild, tranquil, innocent animals, which seem as if 

 they were created solely to adorn and animate the solitude of the 

 forests, and to occupy, remote from man, the peaceful retreats of 

 Nature. His light and elegant form; his flexible yet nervous 

 limbs ; his head rather adorned, than armed, with a living sub- 

 stance, which, like the branch of a tree is every year renewed; 



14* L ' 



