BRITISH MAMMALS 



These graceful creatures are seldom found far from woods, though they 

 will often leave the seclusion of their cover and come out to the heather of 

 the open moorland in summer. Browsing early in the morning and again 

 in the evening or at night, they pass the greater part of the day hiding in 

 the cover of bracken, brambles, or some other similar protection. 



As their sense of smell and hearing, as well as their eyesight, is very 

 acute, they are difficult to see until disturbed, when the conspicuous white 

 patch on their hinder parts is very distinct as they dash aside through the 

 undergrowth. 



The Roe is much less sociable in its habits than the Red or Fallow Deer, 

 and is often found alone or in pairs, though many individuals may be 

 scattered about in a favourite stretch of woodland. 



Leaves of all kinds, especially those of the Bramble and Ivy, tender 

 shoots of trees and also berries are all favourite food of the Roe. It does a 

 good deal of harm sometimes by nibbling the bark of trees, and in Surrey I 

 have had a small apple tree destroyed in this way. 



The sexes pair in July and remain in company until the early part of 

 August. 



The strange phenomenon in the life history of the Roe, namely, that 

 little apparent development of the unborn young takes place until December, 

 in which month the growth becomes normal, was first investigated by 

 Professor Bischoff and later by Franz Keibel, who have shown that gestation 

 lasts for forty weeks. 



At the end of May or beginning of June the doe gives birth to her two 

 fawns, which in colour are dark brown, spotted with yellowish white. The 

 young are early trained by the mother to squat close to the ground and lie 

 hidden in the presence of danger. 



The curious circular tracks or runs trodden in the grass by this species 

 in the woods near Cawdor Castle have been described by Mr. Millais in his 



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