Characters 



anterior prong tends to become heavier than the posterior one, and the 

 reduction of the calibre of the latter is accompanied by a proportionate 

 development of the sub-basal snag. In the dominant type of the south the 

 posterior prong tends to become heavier than the anterior one, and the sub- 

 basal snags are not developed at all." The occasional forking of the sub- 

 basal snag is parallel by the condition normally prevailing in the extinct 

 Sedgwick's deer ; and the occurrence of that snag in the latter species and 

 its allies, and its disappearance in the living Southern American forms is an 

 important indication of the apparent relationship between Anoglochis and 

 the northern types of Mazama. Moreover, it is only in these two latter 

 that the great preponderance in the development and forward curvature 

 of the anterior prong is noticeable. This ultra - development of the 

 front prong tends largely to obscure the main dichotomous forking 

 of the antlers, which is best displayed in those of the mule -deer and 

 marsh-deer. 



The division of the hinder aperture of the nasal aperture in the dry 

 skull into two separate chambers by the vertical partition of the vomer 

 is, as was first pointed out by the late Professor Garrod, a character 

 possessed by the American deer and the reindeer, and one unknown 

 in all other members of the family ; but it seems highly improbable 

 that it indicates any intimate relationship between the two genera 

 in question, being a peculiarity which might easily be developed 

 independently. 



In the possession of a tarsal gland and tuft on the inner side of the hock, 

 the American deer differ from all the species of the genus Cervus. In such 

 of them as have a metatarsal gland and tuft situated on the outer side of 

 the metatarsus, this gland may be placed partially or wholly in the lower 

 third of that segment of the leg ; and it is always of a more or less 

 elongated form, with the hairs forming a distinct fringe round the naked 

 gland, which may be exposed. In the mule-deer the fringe of hair 

 bordering this gland is stated by Mr. Caton to be capable of erection 

 during periods of excitement. 



Distribution. — The Western Holarctic, Sonoran, and Neotropical regions, 

 ranging from boreal North America to Patagonia. 



