LECTURE IV. 117 



he should have been almost inclined to entertain 

 doubts as to the existence of so extraordinary an 

 animal. It was however well known to the an- 

 cient Romans, who sometimes exhibited it to the 

 people in their public shews; and its represent- 

 ation occurs in the celebrated remain of anti- 

 quity generally called the Prfenestine Pavement. 



The Deer tribe or the genus Ctrvus is cha- 

 racterized by having branched horns, M'hich are 

 annually deciduous, falling off at a particular sea- 

 son, being gradually replaced by others. Of the 

 Deer tribe the largest species is the Elk, (Cervus 

 Alces. Lin.) a native of the northern parts of 

 Europe and America, in which latter it is called 

 by the name of Moose. The Elk is not an ani- 

 mal of an elegant shape, having a large head, 

 and a very thick short neck ; its colour is a dark 

 greyish brown. 



The Stag or red Deer, (C. Elaphus Lin.) on 

 the contrary may be considered as one of the most 

 elegant of the whole tribe : its colour is a strong 

 reddish brown, and its horns are branched, or di- 

 vided into many round, and sharp-pointed pro- 

 cesses. It is a native of the wooded parts of 

 Europe, and particularly of Germany, 



