Indian Museum,
Calcutta.

_Tetraceros sub-quadricornutus_, No. 463.--It is doubtful whether
Elliot's antelope should stand as a separate species; Blyth was
against it, and Jerdon followed him, and I incline to think that it
is only a variety. Dr. Sclater, to whom I mentioned the subject,
appeared to me to agree in this view, but I see he includes it in
his list of the Society's mammals. Being adverse to the
multiplication of species, I gave it the benefit of the doubt, and
included it with _T. quadricornis_; but, as I have received one or
two letters from writers whose opinions are entitled to
consideration, I mention them here, merely stating that I still feel
inclined to doubt the propriety of promoting _sub-quadricornutus_
to the dignity of a species. Dr. Gray was certainly of opinion it
was separate; but then, great naturalist as he was, his peculiar
foible was minute sub-division.

The claims of Elliot's antelope to separate rank are: absence of the
anterior horns, or with only a trace; smaller size; lighter colour;
but even the larger, darker _quadricornis_ is sometimes without the
anterior horns; and, unless some other marked difference is found
in the skull, it is hardly sufficient to warrant separation. However,
I will give what others say on the subject.

"I can scarcely agree with you as to Elliot's antelope not being a
good species, I have therefore taken the trouble of having a most
accurate and full-size sketch of the skull of one made, and if you
will compare it with those of the ordinary _quadricornis_ I think
you will see a well-marked difference. Dr. Gray wrote to me, and said
that there was the recognised species of _sub-quadricornutus_."--Letter
from Mr. H. R. P. Carter, "Smoothbore" of the _Field_.

The following is an extract from a letter signed "Bheel," addressed
to the editor of _The Asian_, which appeared in that paper:--

"In the jungles of Rajputana, especially about the Arravelli Range,
I have shot repeatedly very small, exceedingly shy deer, called by
the Bheels and shikaries in this part 'bhutar.' They are very much
smaller than the four-horned antelope, having very sharp thin horns
about two inches in length, which are perfectly smooth, as if
polished, and black. The colour of the skin is light brown, somewhat
like a chinkara, white inside the limbs and under the belly. The hair
on the skin is short, smooth and glossy. The feet are exceedingly
small, about one-third in size small