THE GIANT DEER. 21 



from the posterior surface, while from the anterior surface spring a series of tines 

 varying in number according to the animal's age. 



According to the nomenclature usually accepted at the present day there is no 

 bez tine, though Owen and Flower and Lydekker regard the second tine springing 

 from the anterior margin as a bez tine. Soergel's study of the German specimens 

 leads him to the conclusion that the tine usually regarded as the brow tine 

 (Augsprosse) of the middle and later "diluvial" Giant Deer is really the downwardly- 

 directed equivalent of the second tine (Eissprosse) of early forms. 



In some cases the true brow tine is apparently represented by a vestige (" oriment," 

 " offer "). 



In normal antlers a series of about five long curving tines follow the second tine 

 along the anterior border and distal end of the beam. Their disposition is variable, 

 but they tend to curve backwards and inwards over the skull. The last tines of the 

 series are the most variable and may be much shorter than the others. Occasionally 

 two tines, instead of springing separately from the palm, may arise from a broad 

 common base (Text-fig. 9, c), while on other occasions a tine may give off a small 

 branch from about half-way up (Text-fig. 9, c), or very rarely may fork at the end. 

 The posterior face of the beam bears no tines and is normally smooth, but occasionally 

 in abnormal antlers irregular projections may occur along it (Text-fig. 10, c). 



The extraordinary variability of the antlers may best be appreciated by an 

 examination of the figures. Many irregular and abnormal antlers exist, some of 

 the most remarkable being shown in Text-figs. 10 and 11. It has been claimed that 

 bifurcation and flattening of the tines affords an indication of advancing age, but in 

 the case of the brow tine bifurcation and flattening is a normal feature and may 

 commence early. The figures accompanying this Monograph show that bifurcation 

 may affect any of the tines. 



Although there is no proof, it seems probable that certain very massive antlers 

 with a reduced span and shortened tines are those of aged animals. Such antlers are 

 represented by Text-fig. 10, d, and one of their features is a tendency to flattening 

 and bifurcation of the second tine. 1 



One of the most reliable indications of the animal's age is afforded by the springing 

 of the antler. In young animals it is borne on a distinct pedicel (Text-fig. 2), but in 

 old individuals this is much reduced, the antler springing almost directly from the 

 surface of the skull. A strengthening ridge may, as is mentioned by Owen, be 

 developed along the under-surface of the beam in exceptionally large antlers, such as 

 those at Knowle, near Sevenoaks. 



It has been stated that there is a tendency for the left antler to be larger than the 

 right. This claim finds no support from an examination of the large series of antlers 



1 Dr. ScharfF agrees that the antlers figured in ' Land and Water,' April 16th, 1892, are those of 

 an aged individual. The antlers arc stated to be in the Derby Museum, hut I am informed by 

 Mr. F. Williamson, the Curator, that this is not now the case. 



