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Show 1875.] DEER F R O M M E S O P O T A M I A . 265 colour. Some black hairs form au indefinite dark patch on the base and at each side of the base of the tail. Remainder of the tail and the belly white. Skull broad in comparison with its length, and in general form resembling that of Dama vulgaris. Nasals expanded at the superior extremities. Suture between the malar and maxilla equidistant from the lower rim of the orbit and the alveoli of the molars. Praemaxillae reaching the nasals. Horns with a strong massive burr, immediately above which is developed a short brow-antler, rather compressed from above downwards (a, figs. 2, 3). Expanding gradually from the burrs a fan-shaped palm is formed, from which are thrown off one inner (fig. 3, b) and two anterior tines (fig. 3, c). From the posterior comer of the palm rises a strong cylindrical beam, terminating in three well-developed tines (figs. 2, 3, d). Total length of the horn in a straight line 22" ; height of the palm 7", its width 5"; length of the brow-antler 2"; height of adult male at the shoulder about 40". Hab. Khuzistan, Luristan (Persia). In reference to the habits of the species, Mr. Robertson has sent me the following particulars : - " I fear I cannot tell you much about the habits of these animals; there are very few of them on the Karoon. But I understand they are more plentiful on the Dis and Kerkhah, where the jungles are of greater extent and the feeding probably better. The Karoon jungles are of white poplar and tamarisk bushes. From March until November there is abundance of coarse grass, which horses will eat when hungry, but not otherwise. I once watched a doe and her fawn browsing on the young shoots of poplar bushes. These and a kind of moss found in depressions in the desert where rain-water has lain, are, I fancy, their food. Gazelles live chiefly on the latter. These deer are never seen abroad after sunrise. They pass the day in the thick poplar-jnngle, which is scarcely penetrable, and where it is impossible to surprise them. Those I have shot I have generally found in the morning and evening twilight near the edge of the cover. If you will indicate any further points upon which information will be useful, I will do m y best to obtain it." Comparison with Dama vulgaris. In its general cranial structure, palmated horns, and coloration Dama mesopotamica exhibits close affinity to Dama vulgaris, but may be easily distinguished from that species by the following characters :- 1. By its considerably superior size. 2. By the much greater lateral expansion of the superior extremities of the nasal bones. 3. By the position of the suture between the malar and superior maxilla. In the new species this suture is about equidistant from the lower border of the orbit and the alveoli of the molars; in the Fallow Deer it is situated much nearer the former. |
