The Descent of Man

in Judge Caton's park, as I am informed by him,
temporarily exhibit at the period when the red
summer coat is being replaced by the bluish
winter coat, a row of spots on each flank, which
are always the same in number, though very
variable in distinctness. From this condition
there is but a very small step to the complete
absence of spots in the adults at all seasons;
and, lastly, to their absence at all ages and seasons,
as occurs with certain species. From the
existence of this perfect series, and more especially
from the fawns of so many species being
spotted, we may conclude that the now living
members of the deer family are the descendants
of some ancient species which, like the axis
deer, was spotted at all ages and seasons. A still
more ancient progenitor probably somewhat
resembled the Hyomoschus aquaticus—for this
animal is spotted, and the hornless males have
large exserted canine teeth, of which some few
true deer still retain rudiments. Hyomoschus,
also, offers one of those interesting cases of a