98 
THE RED DEER. 
This annual reproduction is one of the 
remarkable phenomena of animal physiology* 
the antler being a real bone, formed in 
same manner, consisting of the same elemeO*'*' 
and having the same structure as other boO^” 
and, though weighing perhaps a quarter of ‘ 
hundred weight, being completely formed 
ten weeks. The life of the stag extends 
about thirty years. 
Mr. White, of Selborne, was the first ^ 
notice a curious contrivance of nature, 
enables animals of the deer tribe to brea' 
when drinking, and assist them when p' j 
sued. “ When deer are thirsty,” says 
jU' 
accurate observer, “ they plunge their no=f' 
like some horses, very deep under water 
in the act of drinking, and continue theO^ 
that situation for a considerable time : but> 
obviate any mconveniency, they can open '' 
vents, one at the inner corner of each 
having a communication with the nose. 
