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Show 1870."J DR. J. MURIE ON THE PANOLIAN DEER. 611 8. On a Case of Variation in the Horns of a Panolian Deer. B y J A M E S M U R I E , M.D., F.L.S., F.G.S., late Prosector to the Society. The variability in size, general contour, and number of snags in the horns of Deer is proverbial. Not only from youth to age do these change, but in the adult of a single species, as Blyth *, among others, has shown, the modifications occasionally are not a few, Notwithstanding the danger of error likely to arise from such an unstable character as differentiation in horn-contour of the Deer, numerous instances could be cited where naturalists have formed new species on such data; palaeontologists have not been behind hand in following their example. Whilst many supposed laws regarding malformations have from time to time been enunciated by those studying the subject, there yet remains much to be done ere the precise relations between mere variety and so-called abnormalities are cleared up. For these reasons I have thought it useful to place the subjoined case on record. A male Panolian Deer (Cervus eldi f) was presented to the Society by Mr. Grote through Colonel Phayre. On the morning of the 28th May, 1868, this animal shed its horns. The right horn loosened and fell away from its burr in the natural manner; but the left one, instead of separating from the burr, tore this latter and a portion of the osseous cranium right off with it. I arrived at the Gardens at an early hour, and found Mr. Bartlett rather concerned at the occurrence, as from the great hole in the animal's skull he feared untoward consequences-the more so as the loss of such a rare species of Deer would cause a gap in the collection not easily repaired. Having looked at the horn and its firmly adherent osseous piece (I confess, with astonishment), Mr. Bartlett and I proceeded to the enclosure; and there sure enough was the Deer, harmless and timid, but jauntily trotting about as if nothing particular had happened. At once I felt reassured as to a favourable result on learning little or no bleeding had occurred, though I must own the great cavity left looked any thing but promising. Both of us inclined to think that the flies might soon prove a nuisance, and by clustering into the gap or depositing their eggs, cause much irritation, besides producing evil issue and retardation of the healing-process. I suggested the application of tar to the part, first, as excluding air, and, secondly, to keep off the flies. The healing-process proceeded not only satisfactorily, but far beyond expectation, as shall further be related. Prior to comment, I allude to the keeper's report to our super- * " Notes upon Three Asiatic Species of Deer," P. Z. S. 1867, p. 835. f Figures of this identical specimen in different and intermediate stages of horn-growths to that here described will be found in a paper in the forthcoming No. of the ' Transactions,' by Dr. Sclater, pis. xxrvii. & ixxviii. |
