136 RUMINANTIA. 



[Family CERVIDJE.] 



Of the Deer-tribe. 



The parts which are commonly called horns in this animal are in 

 their structure or constituent parts not in the least what is properly 

 called ' horn ;' they consist of a true hone, having all the properties of 

 bone, and only partaking of the horn-nature in their use 1 . 



Deer shed their antlers much about the same time they shed their 

 hair. One sees a good reason for their shedding their hair, more espe- 

 cially in climates where the seasons are very different ; but we do not 

 see so good a reason for their shedding their antlers. Indeed, as they 

 do shed them, they become stationary [as to growth] as long as the 

 shedding-hair does ; and, therefore, they are obliged to be shed, year 

 after year, till the deer becomes ' full-headed.' But it does not seem 

 necessary after that period; for the horn does not wear out in one 

 year. However, it may be observed, that if a horn breaks, or is worn 

 out, it cannot, from the mode of growth, be replaced but by shedding. 



I believe that the exfoliation of horns is owing to the first mode of 

 absorption, viz. interstitial absorption, which renders the attached part 

 soft, so as to break easily off. 



When the antler is shed, we find a ridge rises round its root which 

 is the stock or living parts on which the antler forms, becoming vascular 

 and spongy. At this time the head of the deer becomes tender, and he 

 is loath to use his antlers, allowing those to butt him which he butted 

 before. The process of shedding (I have observed) is first, the knob on 

 which the antler is formed becomes soft, and so much so, that the antler 

 breaks off, and the surface bleeds. This is similar to the first process 

 or stage of exfoliation, but it has not the second, or suppuration. 



One might suppose, when the [base of the antler] became soft, that 

 from their weight and size, they broke off before the second had time 

 to take place ; but the same thing happens when the antler has been 

 cut off close to the head. 



When this period comes on, the deer seem to be uneasy, probably the 

 part itches, and they are rubbing the horns against something, and at 

 last knock them off. This is done although the part is tender, which 

 gives me the idea that the part is very itchy. 



Soon after the antler is broken off, the ridge which began to rise all 

 round grows thicker, and is, as it were, continued over the surface from 



1 [On account of this distinction the horns of deer are called ' antlers,' and that 

 technical term will be substituted in the text.] 



