FALLOW DEER (so called from the dun yel low color). A species of deer (Dania platyceros) commonly kept in parks, in most parts of Europe. It is a native of the countries around the :Medi terranean, and has been introduced by man into the northern parts of Europe. where it has run wild in some places; it is also wild in Spain, Sardinia, and the Greek islands. slow far its geographic range extends eastward is not cer tainly known. it is represented in the sculptures of Nineveh, but these engravings were probably copied from a different species, the Persian fal low deer (Cervus ilesopotamicus). Its introduc tion into Great Britain has been ascribed to James VI. of Scotland, but it is known to have existed long before his time in Windsor Park. Hundreds of fallow deer now inhabit some of the English parks. where they generally receive some attention and supplies of fodder in winter.
In size, the fallow deer is smaller than the stag or red deer, from which it also differs in its broadly palmated antlers, about 25 inches long.
its longer tail. and its smoother and finer hair. In color it is generally yellowish-brown in sum mer. darker, or even blaekish-brown in winter; more or less spotted with pale spots, particularly in summer, and when young. in one variety the spots are very marked: but in another (espe cially preserved in Epping Forest, near London) they are not to be observed even in the young. The under parts, inside of the limbs, and interior surface of the tail are white, and a dark line passes along the back. When the fallow deer and red deer are kept in the same park, the herds seldom mingle. nor do hybrids occur. The fal low deer loves the woods. its flesh is one of the most esteemed kinds of venison. The remains of nearly allied fossil species occur in some parts of Europe. Compare SIKA ; and see DEER and Plate of FALLOW DEER, :SI SSE, ETC.