The Moluccan Rusa, a sub-species somewhat smaller than the Javan deer, is found in Celebes and certain islands—Boru, Batchian, and Amboina—in the Moluccan group; while the Timor Rusa, a closely allied congener, is found on the islands of Timor, Semao, and Kambing. It is possible—nay, even probable—that the Malays may, in times gone by, have introduced certain of these rusine deer from one habitat to another. Such, at least, seems to be the presumption among naturalists.
Dr. Guillemard, in that charming book "The Cruise of the Marchesa" (p. 357), gives some interesting information concerning Moluccan sambar in the little-known island of Batchian. The inhabitants, "living for the most part in the hills, kill and smoke the deer, and bring the meat into the villages for sale. We were fortunate enough to assist at one of their hunts, in which no other weapon than the spear is used. The side of a large ravine, which had been partially cleared, and presented a confused jumble of fallen trees and low brushwood, was assigned to us as our post, and, from the extensive view it commanded, we were able later in the day to watch one run almost from start to finish, although at first the sport appeared to be successful in every direction but our own. At length a stag broke covert about five hundred yards above us, and descended the slopes of the ravine, but shortly afterwards turned and made for the forest again. He was met by some of the hunters and driven back; but the dogs were now in full cry, and pressed him hard, the hunters meanwhile racing at their utmost speed above, in order to prevent his regaining the jungle. He now altered his direction, and turned down once more towards us; but the fallen trees were so thick that the dogs gained rapidly on him. He made one more effort for his life by doubling, but it was too late, and in another minute the dogs and hunters had fairly run him down."
Photo by the Duchess of Bedford] [Woburn Abbey.
YOUNG MALE SWAMP-DEER.
This species is the Barasingh of the natives of India. It is by no means addicted to swampy localities.
Deer were probably the earliest animals of the chase. Their bones are found in the cave-dwellings of prehistoric man, and some of the earliest efforts at drawing represent these animals.
Other Typical Deer.
So numerous are the typical deer that they are not concluded even by the long list of animals already enumerated. We proceed now to glance briefly at the remainder of this important group.
The Philippine Spotted Deer, or Prince Alfred's Deer, is a small but extremely handsome species, found in the islands of Samar and Leyte. The height is under 30 inches; the colour very dark brown, spotted with white, the under-parts, chin, and upper portion of the legs also white.