THE Di GR. 19g

belongs to Ceylon, though it is sad to be common to the
forests of all parts of southern India. Mrs. Bowdich says:
“The smallest of the deer species lives in Ceylon; a lovely
delicate creature, with lustrous eyes and of exquisite form.
When full grown it is only ten inches high, fourteen long,
and weighs about five pounds. Its throat, head and neck are
all white; its body is grey, striped with black, and spotted
at equal distances with yellow. Although very timid it is to
be tamed; but if angry it kicks out its little hind legs and
slender pointed hoofs with great violence. One which was
domesticated, was placed on a dinner table, where it ran
about and nibbled fruit from the dishes, answered to its
name and returned the caresses which were bestowed upon
it.” The deer proper, genus cervus, is found all over Europe,
Asia and America, one or two species belonging to the Medi-
terranean coasts of Africa. Of these the Red Deer, the
Reindeer, the Moose or Elk, the Fallow Deer and the Roe
buck are the better known species, all of which chew the
cud, have a divided hoof, and shed their horns annually.
The Read The Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is still found
Deer. in Scotland as well as in the forests of Europe
and Asia and is commonly hunted for sport. The stag is a
timid and apparently highly sensitive animal, but when brought
to bay has often shown a strength and courage which has
cost its hunters dear. It is one of the most beautiful animals
in nature, and combines with its beauty powers of speed and
endurance which are little short of the marvellous. Full grown
it measures four feet six inches in height at the shoulders,
and about five feet six inches in length. The hunting of the
stag in England has been a royal sport for centuries, though
owing to altered conditions it has fallen into disrepute of late
years. The overcrowded state of the country near London,
and the half tame character of the royal stags have rendered
the performances of the Windsor stag hounds an exhibition
more honoured in the breach than in the observance. It