J 4 



Introductory 



These aforesaid light-coloured or white patches on the hind-quarters of 

 many species, such as the members of the red deer group, the sikas, the 

 tallow deer, and the roes during the winter, come under the category of 

 recognition marks ; and are in all probability for the purpose of enabling 

 the individuals of a herd to follow their leaders, when seeking safety from 

 danger in flight, with as much ease as possible. The case of the roes, in 

 which the white patch on the rump is fully developed in winter, but is 

 quite wanting at the first assumption of the red summer pelage, is a very 

 curious one, and one decidedly difficult of explanation. The does, however, 

 drop their fawns about May, and at this time keep apart from the bucks. 

 Now the fawns for a considerable period do not flee with the mother at 

 the approach of danger, but are concealed by her in covert while she makes 

 her escape alone. By the time the fawns are sufficiently grown to be able 

 to flee from danger by the side of their dams, the white caudal patch is 

 assumed, and the two sexes go about in company. These circumstances 

 may afford an explanation of the disappearance of the white patch with the 

 assumption of the summer coat. In the common sika the hairs of the 

 caudal patch are capable of erection and expansion, thus increasing the size 

 of the white area ; and the fallow deer, when alarmed, produces the same 

 effect, by raising the tail. In the Virginian deer and its allies there is no 

 such recognition mark when the animals are feeding ; but when starting off 

 in alarm these deer elevate the tail, the white under surface of which, with 

 the white on the inner sides of the buttocks, forms a most conspicuous 

 lozenge-shaped recognition mark. Although such marks are most con- 

 spicuous in the groups mentioned, they occur to a more or less marked 

 degree in many other members of the family, even the chestnut streaks on 

 the buttocks of the Indian sambar coming under the same category. It 

 will be obvious that these recognition markings, by rendering it more 

 conspicuous to enemies, are a disadvantage to the individual, and that they 

 are developed for the good of the species as a whole. 



Colour-markings are, however, by no means the only aids with which 

 deer are provided for the purpose of assisting them in finding the where- 

 abouts of their companions. Of the "calling" or roaring of the adult 

 tags during the pairing-season mention will be made in the sequel. The 

 aids to recognition now to be referred to are glands. It has been stated 

 that almost every species of deer is provided with a pair of glands situated 



