Abstract
IN continuation of my remarks on the eating of shed deer-horns by other deer, I have to add that six shed horns in various stages of erosion have been sent to me from Sutherlandshire. They each bear well defined teeth-marks on the gnawed portions, and this leaves little if any doubt that the popular belief that the horns are eaten by deer is founded on fact. The accompanying interesting letter from Mr. James Inglis, which gives the evidence of two experienced stalkers, both most intelligent arid reliable men, is further confirmation of a curious though no doubt very natural habit of the deer, which finds in the lime-salts of the horn a necessary element of nutrition. You will observe that Inglis believes the deer use the molars in eating the bone, and this seems probable enough, as they apparently always begin at the points and eat towards the beam and burr, a method of proceeding by which they can bring portions of the horn within the action of the molars.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
FAYRER, J. Red-deer Horns. Nature 29, 213 (1884). https://doi.org/10.1038/029213a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/029213a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.