IIUMINATJNG ANIMALS. 
9a 
tiaordiiiary circumstance, and is sucii a deviation from 
ilie common course of nature, that it excites our 
wonder and astonishment.” ^ 
In some of the deer of the tropicsj however, tlie 
horns of the same original structure appear to be 
continuous, and do not drop off: tliis is the case 
with tl.e Indian Muntjak. In the Cameleopard, 
again, the fiontal prolongations are not surmounted 
by any horny substance, but merely with a few strong 
horny bristles ; and it has been placed at the termi- 
nation of the Deer, which mostly shed their horns, 
and the commencement of the Antelopes, which be- 
gin to have these oniaments of the head of the sub- 
stance of true horn, having a hollow bony core. In 
these, and among the Oxen, the structure of the 
outward covering is in lengthened fibres or lamin® 
cemented together, in a comparatively soft or elastic 
state while the animal is in life and health, and act- 
ing as a sheath or defence to the delicate cellular 
and highly vascular structure of the interior. 
The hoofs are of the same substance with the true 
horn, and serve simply as a covering and defence to 
the toes. In some animals, we find variations of strac- 
Sir E. Home's Lectures, i. p. 66. 
