THE RED DEER 



Caucasus yellowish spots are, however, frequently observable in the coats of full- 

 grown hinds, while similar spots may be developed in adult stags of the North 

 African race,— the so-called Barbary deer. These features clearly indicate that the 

 red deer is descended from a species which was fully spotted at all ages. 



The range of the red deer includes, with the exception of the far north, 

 practically the whole of Europe, as well as Asia Minor and part of Persia. From 

 many parts of western Europe these splendid animals have, however, been 

 exterminated ; and in the British Isles they survive in a wild state only in Devon 

 and Somerset, the highlands and isles of Scotland, and parts of Ireland. The red 

 deer of the Caspian district and the neighbouring countries, commonly known (from 

 its Persian name) as the maral, is a much larger and also a greyer animal, with 

 heavier antlers, than its west European representative. The latter have been split 

 up into several local races, which need not, however, be particularised in this place. 



The food of the red deer varies considerably according to the time of year, 

 and comprises grass and other herbage, corn, leaves and boughs, bark, acorns, 

 chestnuts, funguses, lichens, and moss. In autumn, when living near cultivated 

 ground, deer will dig up with their hoofs, potatoes, artichokes, and other edible roots. 



The pairing-time commences early in September, and continues till the 

 middle of October ; and at this season, when they utter the well-known bellowing or 

 roaring, the stags not only fight fiercely among themselves for the mastery of the 

 herd, but are highly dangerous to human beings. At no time very amiable, the 

 stags at this season are little better than incarnate fiends. Soon after the breeding- 

 season the antlers are shed, to be replaced by new growths, covered at first with 

 soft velvety skin, the following spring. 



At the end of May or early in June the hind seeks a sequestered situation 

 amid covert in which to give birth to her fawn. The fawns, of which there may 

 occasionally be twins, are extremely helpless at birth, but in a short time gain 

 sufficient strength to run by the side of their mothers. 



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