312 



MAMMALIA. 



and crossing their fore-legs rapidly oyer each, other. They are 

 rather difficult to rear, as many, soon after they are caught, go 

 blind and die. 



" In most of the hill states the Musk Deer is considered a royal 

 property. In some the rajahs keep men purposely to hunt it, and 

 in Gurwhal a fine is imposed upon any mountaineer who is known 

 to have sold a musk-pod to a stranger, the rajah receiving them 

 in lieu of rent." 



The flesh of the Musk is excellent, if the musk-hag is taken 



Fig. 122.— The Napu, or Pigmy Musk Deer (Mosclius Napu, F. CuvierJ. 



from the animal immediately after death. Its s kin and long 

 dog-teeth are also made use of. 



The Napu, or Pigmy Musk Deer {Mosclms jarankus, Raffles), 

 Fig. 122, is the smallest of Ruminants ; it is not larger than a 

 Hare. Its limbs are excessively delicate, and its power of leaping 

 is extraordinary ; but it is wanting in energy, and allows itself 

 to be captured, without effort to escape, by the Malays of Java 

 and Sumatra, who seek it for its flesh, or to make pets of. Very 

 little is known of their habits. They have been introduced into 

 Europe, but the natural delicacy of their constitution has in- 

 variably prevented their living any length of time.* 



* A pair which we brought from Java, and presented to her Majesty, were after- 

 wards forwarded hy her to the Eegent's Park Gardens. They only Uved a few 

 months. — Ed. 



