3 2 8 
UNGULATES. 
which so much resembles the curvature of the horns of the chamois. After the 
horn is perfected down to the top of the cores, it ceases to increase in length, while 
the apparently converting process steadily progresses downward along or around 
the core. The cores being laterally compressed, the horn assumes the same form ; 
not, however, conform¬ 
ing precisely to the 
shape of the core, but 
extending considerably 
in front of it, where it 
is thinner than the 
posterior part. At the 
upper extremity of the 
wide flattened part the 
snag or prong is thrown 
out, which consists of 
little more than an 
abrupt termination of 
the wide part, with an 
elevated exterior point. 
By the latter part of 
winter, in the adult, the 
horn has attained about 
this stage of growth. 
From this it presses on, 
hardening in its down¬ 
ward growth till the 
latter part of summer, 
by which time the 
growth is perfected 
down to the base, and is a complete weapon for warfare. In this state it con¬ 
tinues until the new horn has commenced its growth and begun to displace the old 
one from its position, in the manner described above.” 
As regards habits, the prongbuck is a shy and timid creature, 
avoiding its enemies with great intelligence, although sometimes 
betrayed into danger by its extreme curiosity. It is swifter than any other native 
North American Ungulate; but is somewhat short-winded and cannot maintain its 
speed for any length of time. Prongbucks are essentially gregarious; and, accord¬ 
ing to Dr. Canfield, individuals of both sexes and of all ages congregate in herds 
from the beginning of September to the end of February. By the beginning of 
March, the same writer states, “ the does separate themselves from the band one by 
one to drop their kids. They produce two at a birth. After a little time the does 
collect together with their young, probably for mutual protection against coyotes; 
the old bucks in the meantime go off alone, each by himself or at most two together, 
leaving the young bucks and young does together in small bands. The old bucks 
now for a month or two wander a great deal, and are seen in the timber-lands, and 
in other places where they never go at any other season of the year, evidently ‘ tired 
