British Deer Heads. 
IX. 
PREFACE. 
THE Exhibition of British Deer Heads, held in London from June 26th to 
July ioth, was organised with the view of showing a really representative 
collection of British trophies. It may fairly claim to have been the most com- 
prehensive one that has ever been attempted. The response to the appeal for 
heads was most generous, and though it was too much to hope that every first-class head 
killed should be exhibited, it is believed that there were not very many absent. The thanks 
of all who are interested in the subject are due to those ladies and gentlemen who so 
generously lent their trophies. The heads exhibited numbered two hundred and twenty- 
five. They were clearly divided into classes. The Scottish red deer heads (Cervus elafthus) 
were divided into four sections : (1) Those killed before 1875, (2) those killed after 1875, 
(3) island heads and (4) semi-feral. Island heads might be divided again into two 
sections, as those from North and South Harris and the Isle of Lewis and Skye cannot 
compare with the big park-like animals from Arran, Rhum and elsewhere. Following 
these came the English red deer : (1) Exmoor, Cumberland and (2) enclosed deer. New 
Zealand red deer were represented by six specimens, all killed in 1911 and 1912. A re- 
presentative show of New Zealand heads would be impossible in the British Isles, as the 
majority of the finest heads are in New Zealand. These specimens, however, show the 
development which has taken place in deer whose progenitors were imported from the 
British Isles. Fallow deer (Cervus dama) are divided into three classes : (1) Scottish, 
(2) English (wild) and (3) English (park). The effect of environment and localisation 
is clearly seen. Roe deer (Capreolus caprea) are also divided into three sections : 
(1) Scottish, (2) Irish and (3) English. Irish red deer are divided into : (1) Wild and 
(2) enclosed. 
The measurements for which Messrs. Rowland Ward are responsible — and I take this 
opportunity of expressing my thanks for all the assistance they so kindly rendered— 
may be taken as revising existing records. No pains were spared to render them 
accurate. Length of horn : From the bottom edge of the burr or coronet to the highest 
tip point, following the outside curve of the horn. Beam (circumference) : Between bez 
(bay) and trez (tray), that is, between the second and third points ; where the bay is 
absent, between brow and trez. Inside span : The greatest width between main beams 
taken in a straight line. Other measurements are given in some instances, and are of 
