The American deer (('ariacus or Odoeoileus Firginianus) is considerably smaller than the stag, but resembles it is many of its habits. It is found throughout the eastern Fnited States, ranging northward into southern Canada, west to the Missouri, and south to Florida and Texas West of the Missouri it is replaced by the very similar white-tailed deer (cariacas lcueurus), and south of the United States by the Mexican deer Wariaeus .11c.rican(s). The American deer are very fond of water. especially in the summer, and at that season feed very hugely on water lilies. in seeking which they often go far out into shallow ponds and lakes. They are line swim mers. and often enter the water during the day to escape from flies and other insects, but they feed chiefly at. night. Owing to this habit, a method of hunting known as `jacking' is often practiced, by means of boats. A brilliant light, known as a lack-light; is placed at the bow, \\line the hunter is stationed in the shadow behind. The boat is then pushed quietly through the lily-pads until a deer is heard or seen: attracted by the bright light, the animal turns full toward it, and the limiter. seeing the reflection of the light in the deer's eyes, can make his aim sure. Under simi
lar circumstances George Shiras, 3d, of Pitts burg. Pa., has secured a series of line photo graphs of (leer beside lakes in northern Wiscon sin. by axing a flashlight apparatus. operated by a trigger and instantaneous plates. In color the American deer as somewhat variable, there being a marked seasonal change, as well as much indi vidual and geographical diversity. In summer the upper parts are more or less chestnut red. which becomes more cinnamon-color along the sides; the under parts are white. In winter the upper parts become more gray, so that there is a general slaty-blue cast, and the deer is then said to be 'in the blue.' Deer no longer occur com monly south of Vermont, New York, and Michi gan, except in some of the less-settled portions of the Southern States. Protective legislation has led to a marked increase in the number of deer in Vermont and some other States, but ex cessive hunting (luring the open season is reduc ing the numbers elsewhere.
Besides the North American deer above men tioned, the Western mule-deer (Cariaens erotis) demands a word, on account of its re markable ears. These are eight inches long and well covered with heir.