THE MUSK DEER. 
571 
jected to the action of water. Of this material are formed the greater part of the native 
Indian’s apparel, and it is also employed for various articles of civilized raiment. 
As the Carjacou feeds, it always shakes its tail before it lowers or raises its head. So by 
watching the movement of the tail, the hunter knows when he may move towards his intended 
prey, and when he must lie perfectly quiet. So truly indicative of the animal is this habit, that 
when an Indian wishes to signal to another that he sees a Carjacou, he moves his fore-finger up 
and down. This sign is invariably understood by all the tribes of North American Indians. 
The American Red Deer ( Genus virginianus) is the most familiar of the various species. 
It is absurd to perpetuate the specific name of this animal, as well as that of the preceding 
species ; both are meaningless, as the animals are in no way represented by them. Yet, the 
law of priority in nomenclature keeps them in place. It would be much better could some 
authorized body of naturalists sit in judgment on these objectionable names, and substitute 
appropriate ones — americana would justly represent the great Wapiti ; whereas, canadensis 
only refers to a small portion of its habitat. So with the Red Deer, Virginia is, certainly, 
not an especially favorite resort of the species. 
The White-tailed Deer ( Cervus leucurus ) is the Long-tailed of Lewis and Clark, in earlier 
times. Its distinguishing characteristics are a long tail, narrow hoofs, and compact fur. The 
ears are gray, with a white spot at the base. The anal region and under surface of the tail art* 
white. The tail is reddish above. The feet are long and slender. This species is very abun- 
dant on the Upper Platte and Upper Missouri, where it takes the place of the Virginia Deer. 
The Sonora Deer (Cervus mexicanus) resembles the Virginia Deer in general characters, 
but is smaller. The tail is shorter and 
whiter, and the ears are thinner. 
The Mule Deer ( Cervus macrotis) is 
quite readily distinguished from other- 
species by its long ears, and its larger size. 
It is next to the Wapiti in general dimen- 
sions. The horns are doubly two-pronged ; 
the forks nearly equal. The ears are 
nearly as long as the tail, and give the 
creature quite an aspect of the mule. It 
inhabits the Upper Missouri region and 
on the banks of the Yellowstone. 
The Black-tailed Deer (Cervus colum- 
bianus) is about the size of the virginia- 
nus. There is a distinct dusky horseshoe 
mark on the forehead between the eyes. 
It is nearer the Mule Deer than any other 
species, having similiar antlers. It in- 
habits Oregon and California. 
Many of the South American Deer are 
small, and very pleasing in proportions. 
The Moschine Deer are readily known 
by the absence of horns in both sexes, the extrem ely long canine teeth of the upper jaw in the 
males, and the powerfully odorous secretion in one of the species, from which they derive their 
popular as well as their scientific title. There are at least eight or nine species of these 
curious animals. 
The most celebrated of these little Deer is the common Mitsk Deer, which is a native of 
the northern parts of India, and is found spread throughout a very large range of country, 
MUSK DEER .—Moschus moschiferus. 
