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Show 1 897.] ON THE DEER ALLIED TO CERVUS SICA. 37 2. On the Deer allied to Cervus sica. By R. LYDEKKER, B.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S., &c. [Received November 27, 1896.] (Plate I.) In the last paper that I had the honour of presenting to the Society attention was directed to the very imperfect state of our knowledge regarding the members of the typical group of the genus Cervus. In the present communication I propose to show that the prettily-coloured Deer constituting the Pseudaxine' group of the same genus are in a still more hopeless state of confusion as regards the delimitation of species. Indeed, these Deer, both by describers and systematists, have been treated badly from a zoological point of view. At the present time the group is represented by a remarkably fine series in the Menagerie at Woburn Abbey ; and-thanks to the Duke and Duchess of Bedford-these have afforded m e the means of endeavouring to clear up the confusion. In his paper on the classification of the Cervldce, published in the Society's 'Proceedings' for 1878, the late Sir Victor Brooke gave the following definition of the subgenus Pseudaxls 2:-" Antlers about twice the length of the head, supported on short stout pedestals. Brow-antler (a) rather short, directed upwards at a rather acute angle with the beam (x). A strong tine (b) is Antler of Cervus sica. developed from the anterior surface of the antler at about half its entire length, and a short tine (d) from the posterior surface of its upper third. Lachrymal pit of moderate depth and extent, its antero-posterior diameter being less than that of the three upper molars. Auditory bulla? moderately inflated, compressed, and smooth externally. Rudimentary upper canines present in both sexes. Rhinariuin as in Busa, with the exception of the internasal portion, 1 I propose to substitute the name Sicine Deer for this group. a T. c p. 907. |
