, there is no reason why the same character should
not be developed in the antelopes. Its hair is more of the goat than
the deer, and the total absence of horns removes a decided proof in
favour of one or the other. The feet are more like some of the Bovidae
than the generality of deer, with the exception, perhaps, of
_Rangifer_ (the reindeer), the toes being very much cloven and
capable of grasping the rocky ground on which it is found. A very
eminent authority, however, Professor Flower, is in favour of
placing the musk-deer with the Cervidae, and he instances the absence
of horns as in favour of this opinion, for in none of the Bovidae
are the males hornless. There are many other points also, such as
the fawns being spotted, some intestinal peculiarities, and the
molar and premolar teeth being strictly cervine, which strengthen
him in his opinion. (_See_ article on the structure and affinities
of the musk-deer, 'P. Z. S.' 1879, p. 159.)

[Illustration: Skull of Musk Deer.]

_GENUS MOSCHUS--THE MUSK DEER_.

Canines in both sexes, very long and slender in the male; no horns;
feet much cloven, with large false hoofs that touch the ground; the
medium metacarpals fused into a solid cannon bone; in the skull the
intermaxillaries join the nasals; hinder part of tarsus hairy; fur
thick, elastic, and brittle; muffle large; no eye, feet, or
groin-pits; a large gland or praeputial bag under the stomach in the
males, which contains the secretion known in commerce as "musk."

NO. 469. MOSCHUS MOSCHIFERUS.
_The Musk Deer_.

NATIVE NAMES.--_Kastura_, Hindi; _Rous_, _Roos_, and _Kasture_, in
Kashmir; _La-lawa_, Thibetan; _Rib-jo_, Ladakhi; _Bena_ in Kunawur
(_Jerdon_); _Mussuck-naba'_, Pahari (_Kinloch_).

HABITAT.--Throughout the Himalayas at elevations above 8000 feet,
extending also through Central and Northern Asia as far as Siberia.

[Illustration: _Moschus moschiferus_.]

[Illustration: _Moschus moschiferus_.]

DESCRIPTION.--It is difficult to describe the colour of this animal,
for it so constantly changes; and, as I do not know the creature
personally, I think it better to give the recorded opinions of three
writers who have had personal experience. Markham describes it as
a dark speckled brownish-grey, nearly black on the hind-quarters,
edged down the inside with reddish-yellow; the throat, belly, and
legs lighter grey. Leith Adams ('P. Z. S.' 1858, p. 528) says: "Some
are very dark on the upper parts, with