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Show 932 MR. R. LYDEKKER ON A NEW [Dec. 1, Isubra Deer is larger. In the female it leaves the pudenda uncovered. The caudal disk is very strongly marked, extending, as in the Wapiti, largely over tbe base of the tail. In the male it is foxy, but in the other specimens bright straw-yellow. A dark band, extending inferiorly on to tbe thigh, borders the disk. In both sexes the head is elongated, and the nose somewhat convex. A pair of autlers sent from East Siberia1 have two forwardly-projecting brow-tines and a middle tine. While the beam goes in a regular curve to end in a terminal tine, there is given off a strong hind-tine, which is likewise single. Wherever tines are given off, the antlers are flattened, and resemble those of C. eustephanus, as figured by Blanford2." It is added that the young are spotted, and it is suggested that the species may prove identical with C. eustephanus of the Thian- Sban. From this description it appears that C. luehdorfi has a well-marked caudal disk at all seasons, and this is certainly the case with the nearly allied Wapiti, whereas in the Woburn deer the summer coat in the second year is uniform. Tbe colour of the summer coat is also much redder than in the Wapiti, and, apparently, than in C. luehdorfi. Then, again, the neck-fringe, in the present condition of the animal, is quite different to both the others. Moreover, the appearance of the deer is not quite that of a Wapiti, although it seems to belong to the same group. Further comparisons cannot be made till the antlers of the third year are developed; and it is, therefore, with some hesitation that I give the animal a name at this time, especially as it inhabits an area not very far removed from that of C. luehdorfi. Still, I have the support of Mr. A. D. Bartlett, w ho saw the specimen in August, and regarded the Woburn deer as undoubtedly representing a new species. In the event of its proving decidedly distinct, tbe name of Cervus bedfordianus would be appropriate, and this name I accordingly assign to it provisionally. Whether of individual or of specific value, the late development of the caudal disk in the summer coat of the second year is certainly a very remarkable feature ; and this feature, together with the bright chestnut-red colour of the coat at the same season, must be regarded as one of the most distinctive peculiarities of this deer. In the winter coat the narrowness and banded coloration of the throat-fringe must likewise be noted as a well-marked feature. Beyond this it is almost impossible to go at present in attempting to define the presumed species. It is quite clear that the specimen has nothing to do either with C. davidianus or with the Pseudaxlne group. The following list of the known species of Elaphine Deer, with a few of their leading distinctive characteristics, may be found useful in connexion with the foregoing notes :- 1 Figured in the original memoir of Dr. Bolau. 2 Proc. Zool. Soc. 1875, p. 638. |