THE AXIS DEER. 
Cervus Axis. Erxl. 
Far removed from the Rein-deer and other northern 
species of the genus in character and general appear- 
ance, the Axis forms the type of a tribe of Deer, 
inhabiting the warmer climates of Eastern Asia, and 
distinguished by the peculiar conformation of their 
horns. These appendages, in all the species of the 
Axis or Rusa tribe, are in their adult state furnished 
with no more than two simple branches or snags, the 
one originating from the stem near its base, and the 
other taking its rise considerably above the middle and 
forming with the continuation of the stem a kind of 
terminal bifurcation. The horns themselves are either 
perfectly sessile, or elevated only on short cylindrical 
processes. Notwithstanding their simplicity and the 
