285 



MIDDLE AXIS. 



name of the Ganges Stag. Its size is nearly that 

 of the Fallow Deer, and its colour an elegant 

 light rufous-brown, distinctly and beautifully 

 marked with very numerous white spots : the un- 

 der parts are paler, and a line of white generally 

 separates the colour of the upper from the lower 

 parts : the tail resembles that of the Fallow Deer, 

 and is reddish above and white beneath. 



This species is said to be very common in some 

 parts of India about the banks of the Ganges, and 

 in the island of Ceylon. It is described by Pliny 

 among the animals of India, and is said to have 

 been sacred to Bacchus. It has- been introduced 

 into Europe, and is occasionally seen in parks and 

 menageries. It is readily tamed, and seems to 

 sufier but little from a change of climate. 



MIDDLE AXIS. 



Whether this be a variety of the former or 

 specifically distinct does not appear perfectly clear. 

 It is, according to ]Mr. Pennant, of a middle size, 

 between the Spotted A .vis and the Great A.vis, or 

 following kind. In the colour of its hair it re- 

 sembles the first sort, but is never spotted. It, 

 however, is said to vary into white, in which state 

 it is considered as a great rarity. It inhabits 

 dry hilly forests in Ceylon, Borneo, Celebes, and 

 Java, where it is found in very numerous herds. 

 Its flesh is much esteemed by the natives, and is 

 dried and salted for use. 



