14 EAISING DEEK IN" THE UNITED STATES. 



size, its hardiness, and its lack of wildness commend it as a species 

 suitable for domestication. It stands long droughts extremely well, 

 and its flesh is equal to most venison in quality. 



Nilgais were first taken to England in 1767. In 1862 a dozen of the 

 animals were introduced into the park of Signor Comba at Mandria, 

 Italy. In ten years the herd increased to, 172 head. A small herd 

 is kept by the Duke of Bedford at Woburn Abbey, England. In 

 the National Zoological Park, the Philadelphia Zoological Gardens, 

 and the New York Zoological Park these animals have done well and 

 bred regularly. 



SMALLER ANTELOPES. 



Some of the smaller members of the antelope tribe are excellent 

 subjects for experiments in acclimatization and breeding in the 

 United States. Among them are the gazelles of Asia and Africa, 

 the duikers, the springbuck, and the roan antelope of Africa, and 

 the Indian antelope, or black buck. Of the duikers (Cephalophus) 

 there are over twenty kinds, ranging in size from that of a medium- 

 sized donkey to that of a hare; and all are said to afford excellent 

 venison, while some of them are known to be easily tamed. The 

 Indian antelope, or black buck, has been bred in many zoological 

 gardens, and a herd is kept in the park at Woburn Abbey. It is 

 easily tamed, but, as is the case with many deer and antelope, the 

 tame males become ill-tempered in the pairing season. In the Phila- 

 delphia and New York Zoological parks these animals have thrived 

 and increased rapidly. 



IMPORTANCE OF THE DEER FAMILY. 



The deer family (Cervidse) stands next to the cattle and sheep 

 family (Bovida?) in general utility. The flesh is a valuable food, 

 while the antlers or horns, as well as the skins, are important articles 

 of commerce. Venison was more common than beef on the tables of 

 medieval Europe, and was the flesh most commonly eaten by early 

 settlers and frontiersmen in North America. Its dietetic value is 

 enhanced by the fact that it is especially adapted to invalids who 

 require a nourishing yet easily digested food. 



In a recently published table showing the time required to digest 

 various foods, grilled venison is given first rank with boiled tripe and 

 boiled rice, as requiring but one hour for complete digestion. 

 Whipped raw eggs, boiled barley, and boiled trout, as well as 

 asparagus and a few other vegetables, require an hour and a half. 

 Grilled beefsteak and mutton require three hours for digestion, while 

 grilled or roasted veal and pork require five hours, or even more.® 



"Scientific American, 01., 46, July 17, 1909. 



