EER HUNT IN A "DUG-OUT."

As we were now approaching the regions where the common fallow deer
ceased to be met with, and where its place is supplied by two other
species, these last became the subject of our talk. The species
referred to are the "black-tails," and "long-tails" (_Cervus macrotis_
and _leucurus_).

Ike and Redwood were well acquainted with both kinds, as they had often
trapped beaver in the countries where these deer are found; and they
gave us a very good account of the habits of these animals, which showed
that both species were in many respects similar to the _Cervus
Virginianus_. Their form, however, as well as their size, colour, and
markings, leave no doubt of their being specifically distinct not only
from the latter, but from each other. Indeed, there are two varieties
of the black-tails, differing in some respects, although both have the
dark hair upon the tail, and the long ears, which so much distinguish
them from other deer. The great length of their ears gives to their
heads something of a "mulish" look--hence they are often known among the
trappers by the name of "mule deer." Ike and Redwood spoke of them by
this name, although they also knew them as "black-tails," and this last
is the designation most generally used. They receive it on account of
the colour of the hair upon the upper side of their tail-tips, which is
of a jetty blackness, and is very full and conspicuous.

The two species have been often confounded with each other, though in
many respects they are totally unlike. The black-tails are larger,
their legs shorter and their bodies more "chunky," and altogether of
stouter build. In running, they bound with all their feet raised at
once; while those of the long-tailed species run more like the common
fallow deer--by trotting a few steps, then giving a bound, and trotting
as before.

The ears of the black-tails stand up full half the height of their
antlers, and their hair, of a reddish-brown colour, is coarser than the
hair of the _Cervus Virginianus_, and more like the coat of the elk
(_Cervus Canadensis_). Their hoofs, too, are shorter and wider, and in
this respect there is also a similarity to the elk. The flesh of the
black-tails is inferior to that of the fallow deer, while the
long-tailed kind produces a venison very similar to the latter.

Both species inhabit woodlands occasionally, but their favourite
_habitat_ is the prairie, or that species of undulating