352 Proceedings of the 



(the brow antler) is that on which I would chiefly rest, for 

 it is a structure prepared and adapted to a condition of life, 

 and therefore of more value as a specific character than any 

 peculiarity not so adapted. In it the antler descends al- 

 most parallel to and close above the front, reaching down as 

 far as the muzzle, there turning upwards in an abrupt, nearly 

 straight line; the whole antler forming an elongated triangle, 

 of which the apex is next the root of the horn. In the Lap- 

 land species the brow antler projects more directly out from the 

 forehead, not being parallel to the front, but at a somewhat 

 acute angle from it, and it is not formed in the triangular 

 shape of the other, but, although palmated, has the ends curved 

 up, as in the upper prongs or antlers (see fig. 2). Now, as 



Fig. 2. (Lapland Species.) 



already said, this character has more significance than the 

 mere difference in form implies. We know that the deer 

 with palmated horns are confined to the colder regions of 

 the earth, and when the palmation is much developed it 

 is probable that its purpose is to scrape and shovel away 

 the snow from their food. But we see that all the deer 

 with palmated horns are not equally provided with these 

 shovels. Some are better and some worse ; but none of them 



