According to Count Potocki’s observations, the stags of this species are peculiar in that they utter no call—or, at all events, no loud one—during the breeding season. It would be interesting to ascertain if this accords with the experience of observers elsewhere, and whether this silence is characteristic of all the deer of the sika group.
ELK CALVES IN THE SNOW.
The next sight was an elk hind with two calves, browsing among thick aspen-forest; the group being almost invisible at a comparatively short distance. All three animals were in splendid condition; and the mere fact of the production of twins by this hind affords convincing testimony as to the well-being of the elks in the Pilawin preserve. That they should thus flourish is, however, only what might naturally be expected, seeing that they are living under absolutely natural conditions in the original haunts of the species.
The final scene in this memorable day’s excursion was perhaps the finest and most interesting of all. Amid a large open clearing, surrounded by tall pine and birch forest, stood a noble group of four European and two American bison, all quietly feeding on the luxuriant pasture. The whole six animals looked in splendid condition; and the group also served to emphasise the marked superiority in point of shape and general appearance of the European over the American species. The much darker colour and the more heavily haired fore-legs of the latter, as contrasted with the former, formed very noticeable features.
THE AMERICAN BISON.
The four European bison—the zubr (pronounced zoobre) of the Poles and Russians—comprised a bull and two cows presented by H.I.M. the Czar to the owner of Pilawin, and a yearling calf born in the preserve. Another calf was born this year, but unfortunately died soon after birth. The bull and cow came from the imperial Bielowicz preserve in the province of Lithuania, and there is every hope that in course of time they may give rise in Pilawin to a herd equalling that of the Duke of Pless in Silesia.
THE EUROPEAN BISON HERD.