328 DESCRIPTION OF THE MUSEUM, 



travellers sent us, from the same countries, the 

 hippelaphos, which was only known from the 

 description by Aristotle. It is in the third case, 

 with the axis or deer of the Ganges, whose skin 

 is beautifully spotted. 



In the fourth case we see the Louisianan or Vir- 

 ginian deer, of which some are red and others 

 brown ; which shews the difference of colours 

 in the same species according to the season of 

 the year in which they were killed. In the 

 bottom of the same case is the white deer of 

 Cayenne, presented by M. Poiteau. The roe- 

 buck and its black and white varieties are placed 

 in the fifth case. By their side we see the male 

 and female rein-deer, given to the Museum by 

 the marshal duke of Treviso, who procured it 

 alive from Stockholm (i). Before the rein-deer 

 is the common roe {cervus capreolus), whose 

 flesh is much esteemed. 



On the upper shelf of the sixth case are the 

 American deers : the first is the gouazoubira, 

 from Buenos Ay res, which was given to the 



(1) The rein-deer inhabits the frozen regions of the two continents. 

 It is well known for speed, and for feeding by simply browzing on 

 the lickens concealed under the snow; but it is still more celebrated 

 for its utility to the polar countries. The Laplanders have large herds, 

 which they lead up the mountains in summer, and bring down 

 to the plains in winter. They live upon the milk and flesh of these 

 animals, and make their clothes of the skins. They also use them 

 to draw sledges and carry burdens. 



