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THE MUSK DEER. 
Moschus Moschiferus.— Native names : Custura , Mushlmafa , Hind. ; 
Eao , i?oos, Kashmir ; La , Tibetan ; Ladak ; Hercu, Gurhwal and 
Kumaon. 
Habitat . —Throughout the Himalayas. 
Period of gestation. —About 160 days, usually one at birth. 
Description.— Hair of peculiar texture — like pith, long, coarse, brittle 
and wavy. Hind legs much longer than fore legs, ears large and 
tail very small. The canine teeth of the male are abnormally developed, 
sometimes reaching 3 inches. Of rich dark brown colour with paler 
lower parts and white inside thighs and on chin and throat : the winter 
coat is almost white. The musk pod is an abdominal gland containing 
about an ounce of musk. Flesh excellent and free from any musky 
flavour. 
It is solitary, frequents woody slopes and steep places. It is not shy. Its 
usual progression is a series of bounds. 
Measurements .— Height at shoulder, 20 inches ; at croup, 22 inches ; length, 
nose to rump, 36 inches ; weight about 20 lbs. 
