i 3 o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



garnifhed with antlers: The tail is alfo much longer 

 than that of the Stag, and its hair is brighter; in other 

 refpe£ts they nearly referable each other. 



The horns of the Fallow-deer are flied annually, like 

 thofe of the Stag ; but they fall off later, and are renew- 

 ed nearly at the fame time. — Their rutting feafon arrives 

 fifteen days or three weeks after that of the Stag. The 

 males then bellow frequently, but with a low and inter- 

 rupted voice. They are not fo furious at this feafon as 

 the Stag, nor exhauft themfelves by any uncommon ar- 

 dour. They never leave their pafture in quell of the fe- 

 males ; but generally fight with each other, till one buck 

 becomes mailer of the field. 



They afibciate in herds, which fometimes divide into 

 two parties, and maintain obftinate battles for the poflef- 

 fion of fome favourite part of the park : Each party has 

 its leader, which is always the oldell and ftrongeft of the 

 flock. They attack in regular order of battle ; they fight 

 with courage, and mutually fupport each other ; they re- 

 tire, they rally, and feldom give up after one defeat: 

 The combat is frequently renewed for feveral days to- 

 gether; till, after feveral defeats, the weaker party is 

 obliged to give way, and leave the conquerors in poflef- 

 fion of the object of their contention. 



The Fallow-deer is eafily tamed, feeds upon a variety 

 of things which the Stag refufes, and preferves its condi- 

 tion nearly the fame through the whole year, although 

 its flefh is efteemed much finer at particular feafons. 



They are capable of procreation in their fecond year; 

 and, like the Stag, are fond of variety. — The female goes 

 with young eight months ; and produces one, fometimes 

 two, and rarely three, at a time.— They arrive at perfec- 

 tion at the age of three years, and live till about twenty. 



