76 RECREATIONS OF A NATURALIST 



In a few days after the old horns have dropped, 

 the new growth shows itself, and gradually the new 

 antlers are developed. They are then covered 

 with a thick "velvet," which preserves the point, as 

 yet soft and tender, from injury. While in this 

 soft condition they are very sensitive, and, to avoid 

 injury by striking them against trees, the deer 

 leads a life of retirement. In about twelve weeks 

 they are full-grown, and, as they gradually harden, 

 the animal rubs them against a tree to get rid of 

 the "velvet." This can only be done gradually, and 

 a stag may often be seen at that time of year 

 with the " velvet " hanging in strips, being only 

 partially detached from the horns. The weight of 

 the antlers in a full-grown stag varies, according to 

 their size and massiveness, from ten or twelve to 

 fifteen pounds. 



In the Zoologischer Garten for February 1866 

 will be found an interesting article by Dr Soemmer- 

 ing on the growth of deer horns, a translation of 

 which, together with an illustration, appeared in 

 The Field oi July 21, 1886. It contains a careful 

 description of the progressive growth of the new 

 horn, with figures showing the altered appearance 

 presented at intervals of a few days between the 

 middle of March and the end of May. 



Antlers differ but little in their composition 

 from true bone, and chiefly in the proportion of 

 their constituents. Ordinary bone consists of 

 about one-third part of animal matter or 

 gelatine, and two-thirds of earthy matter, about 

 six-sevenths of which is phosphate of lime 



