CHINA 
variety and they are found singly or in small parties. The best horns 
run to between twelve and thirteen inches in length, and resemble 
the very best Scottish heads; quite possibly they exceed these measure- 
ments. 
Careful spying is most necessary to find these little animals, as the long 
grass completely hides them in the summer months. The huge corries of 
Kansu, where my chief experience with them lies, afford them a safe refuge. 
The steepness of the hills, coupled with the long grass, renders it impossible 
to spy the bottom of the valleys when one is above them. The only place 
to get a clear view is from the opposite ridge. There is practically only one 
hour in the day during which it is actually possible to stalk roe, namely, 
from 4.30 to 5.30 in the afternoon. A two hours’ steady climb is usually 
essential to reach the top of the ridge, the only coign of vantage from 
which to conduct a successful stalk unless favoured by extraordinary 
luck. Consequently early morning stalking is a difficult matter, as the 
roe retire to cover with the approach of dawn. 
As a rule the roe stand at the edge of the wood, hidden by undergrowth, 
and make quite sure that the coast is clear before venturing forth. They are 
always very much on the alert, the bucks more so than the does, in my 
Experience, and never far from cover. By far the commonest game animal I 
encountered, it is more difficult to make certain of getting a good roe head 
than even a white-maned serow. I saw the dear little animals every day, 
but only one really good buck, in addition to that which cost me so many 
anxious moments, alas! in vain. 
He had already taken the alarm, as it was impossible to deaden the noise 
of our footsteps on the frozen snow. As he slowly made off down the hill, 
hope revived, for suddenly stopping he stared into the wood ahead of him 
with cocked ears. Almost immediately another buck emerged and walked 
slowly towards him. He passed the first, when this latter animal suddenly 
whipped round and charged up the hill after him. Another ten yards and 
I should have had a splendid chance; but it was not to be. They dashed 
into the wood and I never saw either again. 
Michie’s tufted deer ( Elaphodus michianus ; native name, Hei-chee-tze) is 
found in the neighbourhood of Ningpo. It keeps near water and lives in reed 
brakes. 
The Ichang tufted deer {Elaphodus ichangensis ) is a hill lover and differs 
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