THE EUMINANT OEDEE. 



307 



over a large part of Europe, in the north of Africa, and also in 

 Asia Minor. 



The Roe Deer {Oapreolus dorcm) is one of the most elegant 

 and graceful representatives of the genus Cervm ; it does not 

 measure much more than a yard in length. Its horns are 

 small, and very simple in their shape. They are composed of a 

 deeply indented stem, which is straight for the greater part of 

 Its length, and furnished at the top with two short branches, 

 formmg a fork at the extremity. Its coat is a uniform fawn- 

 colour, the shade of which varies with the season. It has 



Fig. 120. — Fallow Deer {Ceiiiis dama, Linn.) 



neither tear-pits nor any vestige of tail, and on the end of its 

 muzzle there is a white marking, edged with black. 



The Roe differs from the Red Deer in its habits ; it does not 

 live in herds or practise polygamy. The male remains attached 

 for life to the companion he has chosen ; he never quits her for an 

 instant, and devotes himself, with her, to the rearing of their 

 young family. The most affectionate relationship .exists between 

 him and his mate ; they are content one with the other, and 

 voluntarily confine themselves to solitude. 



The Roes frequent young woods and thickets in the vicinity 

 of cultivated ground, where they delight to crop the buds and 



X 2 



