AXIS. 
221 
Axis. 
The axis is a very beautiful animal,, nearly 
of the size of the fallow-deer ; its horns dividing 
into three branches, all pointing upwards, and its 
tail being of the same length as that of the fallo w- 
deer. 
But of this species there are several varieties* 
differing in size and colours. 
The spotted axis is of a light reddish brown 
colour, has its body beautifully variegated with 
white spots, and is marked on the lower part of its 
sides, next the belly, with a line of white, the un- 
der parts are of a pale colour. The tail is reddish 
above, and white beneath. 
Pliny mentions this as an animal of India sacred 
to Bacchus, characterizing it by the resemblance 
which it bears of a fawn ; and its being sprinkled 
over with white spots. The same species still 
abounds in India. On the banks of the Ganges, 
and in the island of Ceylon, they are very common. 
From India they have been introduced into Europe. 
Nor is the temperature of our European climates 
at all unfavourable to them. In the king of 
France's parks, they have multiplied into Hocks. 
In the duke of Richmond's parks in England, they 
are said to have propagated with the fallow deer. 
They have also bred in the prince of Orange’s parks 
near the Hague. In their manners they are mild 
and peaceable, and refuse not the familiarity of 
mankind. Their powers of smelling are so exqui- 
site, that though they readily eat bread from the 
hand, they refuse a piece which has been breathed 
on. 
Nearly of the same figure, but larger, and never 
spotted, but sometimes varying in colour from light 
red to white, (in which latter state it is considered 
