230 Roes 



Pallas, Brandt, and Noack, and undoubtedly indicates a distinct form, — 

 whether a species or sub-species being immaterial. 



The antlers, which are always recognisable by their great rugosity and 

 the rugged processes on the inner edge of the beam, are subject to great 

 variation. In some cases, as shown in Fig. 62, they develop a kind of 

 palmation on the hinder branch of the main fork, the front branch of 

 which may be forked. They then exhibit a decided approximation to the 

 American deer of the Blastoceros group of Mazama, to which genus there is 

 reason to believe the roes are related. 



A large, long-legged hind of this species from Siberia living at Woburn 

 Abbey in 1897 showed a very bright summer coat, with no trace of the 

 white caudal patch at the beginning of the season. Roughly speaking, 

 the size of this hind might be compared with that of a fallow deer. 



The following dimensions of antlers which may be safely assigned to 

 this species are recorded by Mr. Rowland Ward, all being apparently from 

 Siberia : — 



Length along Outer Curve. Basal Circumference. Tip to Tip. 



15 4f ? 



Htb- 4 ? 



i3f 3 6 



i3f 4 9i 



2 4 8| 



Distribution. — In suitable localities from the Altai range and the 

 mountains of Turkestan to Siberia ; probably also the mountains of the 

 Caspian provinces of Persia, where it is known as the ahu. In Siberia not 

 extending so far north as some of the species of Cervus, the northern limit 

 being about the 53rd or 54th parallel of latitude, and not ranging as far as 

 the mouth of the Amur river. During winter, migrating south into 

 Manchuria, and apparently Corea. The alleged occurrence of this roe in 

 the Caucasus is referred to on page 226. 



As regards the above-mentioned localities, a skin of a big female roe 

 from Corea recently obtained by the British Museum appears too large for 

 the next species, and is accordingly referred to the present form. The 

 pelage is that of winter ; the general colour being a pale brownish fawn, 

 with an irregular broad darkish band running down the middle of the back, 



