The Black-Faced Brocket, (Mazama tema), whenever it can be obtained, will represent a group of American deer which is as little known in the United States as if it inhabited the heart of Borneo. The Brockets are smaller than the Sinaloa white-tailed deer, and they are so nearly hornless that the antler is merely a small, straight, sharp-pointed spike of bone only three inches long. The adult animal is only 25 inches in shoulder height, which is about the size of the muntjac of India. Of the Brockets there are several species, mostly South American, but from skulls and horns received we now know that it is found as far north as the State of Puebla, Mexico. A correspondent in that locality is constantly endeavoring to secure specimens for us, and no doubt will shortly succeed. For the reason that we expect specimens in the near future, this species is included.
The Hog Deer, (Cervus porcinus), which is very unlike a hog, and is libeled by its name, is a small species from India, which is provided with long and well-shaped antlers having a total of six points. Sometimes the adult males are spotted in summer, and sometimes they are not. This species stands next to the beautiful axis deer. It breeds well in captivity, but is a very nervous and even hysterical animal.
The Molucca Deer, (Cervus moluccensis), is a thick-bodied, scantily-clad and coarse-haired understudy of the Malay sambar, (Cervus unicolor). Of all deer it is one of the least beautiful. Its hair resembles the bristles of a wild hog, and its color is a dull, raw-umber brown. It belongs to the sambar group of East Indian deer, and really marks, both geographically and in size, the farthest departure from the type species of the group.
The Muntjac or Rib-Faced Deer, (Cervus muntjac), is one of the most interesting of all species of small deer. In one respect it is unique. Its tiny antlers, which are only 4½ inches in length, are placed high up on stems of solid bone, which sometimes rise 3¾ inches clear of the cranium. These pedicles of bone are covered with skin, quite up to the burr of the antler. The front angles of these pedicles are continued down the face to the nasal bones, and form the two sharply defined facial ridges which have given this creature one of its popular names.
SASIN ANTELOPE.
In India the Muntjac inhabits the jungles of the tiger, the leopard, axis deer and sloth bear, and escapes from its numerous enemies by hiding behind logs, and scurrying through the thick underbush so swiftly that its pursuers can not keep it in view. Its flesh is most excellent food. From its peculiar, yapping cry, many times repeated, it is often called the Barking Deer. It breeds readily in captivity, and its bright fawn color attracts to it much attention.
The Musk Deer, (Moschus moschiferus), of northern India, Tibet and Southern China is the creature which produces the well-known musk perfume of commerce. The product is secreted by the male in the “rutting” season. This species is one of the smallest of the true deer. Its most remarkable anatomical feature is a pair of very long and sharp canine teeth in the upper jaw, the points of which project far below the lower jaw. No horns are present in this animal. Being short-lived in captivity, and also difficult to obtain, it must be classed as an intermittent exhibit.
The Small African Antelopes.
In addition to the grand array of large antelopes inhabiting Africa, of which many fine examples will be found in the Antelope House, there is an extensive series of small species. Indeed, the richness of Africa in antelopes, great and small, is almost beyond belief. The species of Asia and Europe are so few, and so inconspicuous, that they seem like so many stray wanderers from the Dark Continent. The fertile, grassy plains of the great Central African plateau have cradled scores of species, some of which have wandered into the deserts, the forests and the fluviatile swamps, and there made their permanent homes.