. An introduction to the study of mammals living and extinct. Mammals. CERVIDyE 325 the lateral hoofs are well developed, and the cleft between the two main hoofs is very deep, so that these hoofs spread out as the animal traverses the snow-clad regions in which it dwells. The antlers (Fig. 131) are of very large relative size. There is a bez as well as a brow tine, which are peculiar in being either branched or palmated. In the American race (Caribou), as well as in some of the specimens found fossil in the English Pleistocene (Fig. 131), one of the brow tines is gener- ally aborted to allow
. An introduction to the study of mammals living and extinct. Mammals. CERVIDyE 325 the lateral hoofs are well developed, and the cleft between the two main hoofs is very deep, so that these hoofs spread out as the animal traverses the snow-clad regions in which it dwells. The antlers (Fig. 131) are of very large relative size. There is a bez as well as a brow tine, which are peculiar in being either branched or palmated. In the American race (Caribou), as well as in some of the specimens found fossil in the English Pleistocene (Fig. 131), one of the brow tines is gener- ally aborted to allow of the great develop- ment of the other. The dentition of the Eeindeer is frequently remarkable for the very small size of the posterior lobe of the last lower molar. Vertebree : 0 7, DU, L5, S5, Oil. The Reindeer has long been domesticated in Scandinavia, and is of especial value to the Laplanders, whom it serves as a substitute for the Horse, Cow, Sheep, and Goat. It is capable of drawing a weight of 300 lbs., and its fleetness and endurance are remarkable. Harnessed to a sledge it will travel without difficulty 100 miles a day over the frozen snow, on which its broad and deeply cleft hoofs are admirably adapted for travelling. During the summer the Lapland Reindeer feeds chiefly on the young shoots of the willow and birch; and since at this season migration to the coast seems necessary to the well-being of this animal, the Laplander, with his herds, sojourns for several months in the neighbourhood of the sea. In winter its food consists chiefly of the so-called reindeer-moss and other lichens which the animal makes use of its hoofs in seeking. Fia. 131.—Skull and antlers of tlie Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), from an English Pleistocene deposit. 6r, Brow tine; ie, bez tine. (After Owen.). Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfec
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Keywords: ., bookauthorly, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectmammals
