116 
THE STORY OF THE DEER . 
has fur of a deep chestnut color, becoming darker on the back, and paler 
and less brilliant below; the chin and upper part of the throat, as well as 
the hinder portion of the under surface of the body, and the inner sides of 
the thighs and lower surface of the tail, being white. The antlers are gen¬ 
erally only 3 or 4 inches in length. 
The kakar is essentially a forest-dwelling deer, and appears to be 
restricted to hilly regions. Its range includes suitable districts throughout 
India, Ceylon and Burma, whence it extends through the Malay Peninsula 
to the islands of Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Hainan. 
These deer are solitary creatures, usually found singly or in pairs; the 
name of barking deer being derived from their peculiar cry. 
Many visitor to the various hill stations of the Himalaya, who may never 
nave seen a kakar, must probably be well acquainted with its voice, which 
is wonderfully powerful for such a small animal. It is rather difficult 
to convey a correct idea of it by words, but it may perhaps be best described 
as a hoarse, resonant bark. The cry may frequently be heard in the morn¬ 
ings and evenings, and it is also often uttered when the deer is alarmed, 
when it hears any loud or unusual sound, or suspects the existence of any 
danger. Occasionally a kakar will continue to bark, at short intervals, for 
an hour at a time, and advantage may be taken of his betraying his where¬ 
abouts to stalk him. 
Kakar are adepts at making their way at speed through the most dense, 
jungle, and run with their heads low and their hind-quarters elevated. When 
running, a peculiar rattling sound is produced by these animals, which i's 
thought to originate in the mouth, although in what manner is still unknown. 
The bucks, when attacked by dogs, appear to use their tusks, which curve 
outwards in a peculiar manner, as their chief weapons of defence, and are 
able with them to inflict gashes of considerable depth. The venison of the 
kakar is considered superior to that of most of the Indian deer. 
I have stalked and shot kakar at various times, and have also had them 
driven out of cover; many may be found in this manner, but, unless one 
knows their usual runs, it is difficult to know where to post oneself. Like 
many other animals, the kakar objects to being driven, and will break back 
through the beaters in order to make his point. As they only give a chance 
of a snap-shot at short range, it is easier to kill them with a charge of shot 
than with a rifle bullet. 
