JiECOJiDS OF BIG GAME 



Head of Chital, shot by Lieut. -Col. F. 11. Whitby. 



CHITAL or AXIS (Cervus axis). 



This beautiful species is distinguished from all the other members 

 of the Rusine group, except the Philippine spotted deer (C alfredi), 

 by the body being profusely spotted with white at all seasons and 

 all ages ; the general colour of the upper parts being light rufous 

 fawn, with a dark stripe from the nape to the tip of the tail and 

 a black band on the muzzle. Height at shoulder from 36 to 38 

 inches; live-weight estimated at about 250 lbs. Antlers supported 

 on short pedicles, long, slender, and moderately rough ; the brow tine 

 making nearly a right angle with the beam, and the front tine of the 

 terminal fork, which forms the continuation of the beam, much the 

 longer. 



Distribution. — India and Ceylon. 



