BRITISH MAMMALS 



Genus Capreolus. 



THE ROE DEER. 



Capreolus capreolus, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 39. 



Much smaller than either of the preceding species, the Roe stands about 

 26 inches high at the shoulders, and measures 4 feet from nose to tail. 



A full grown buck may weigh over 60 pounds, but the average weight 

 is less. 



The striking change in the colour and texture of the coat as the season 

 advances is remarkable. Between May and September or October, the body 

 is lightly clothed with hair of a bright chestnut red, with a white patch on 

 the rump and the muzzle beautifully marked with black and white, as shown 

 in the Plate. 



In winter, when the coat becomes very thick and long, it changes 

 to a dark greyish brown or mouse-colour, and the throat is marked with 

 two light patches. The tail is almost concealed by the long hair of 

 the rump. 



The Roe buck's horns first appear in his second year as single prongs, 

 in the next season's growth the brow tines are developed, which in turn are 

 succeeded by the complete antlers, each having a brow and two top points. 

 This is the normal head of the roe, but examples occur with a larger number 

 of points, especially in the forests of Germany. The horns are generally 

 cast in November and are renewed and free from velvet by the following 

 April. 



46 



