of the more ancient individuals are, on an average, larger than our semi-domesticated races. Indeed, the denizens of Great Britain are inferior in size and development of horn to those of Northern and Central Europe; whilst the Red Deer of Siberia and the Himalayas are even larger still, and approach more nearly the largest fossil forms, and to the great Wapiti of Canada: so that, considering the antiquity and wide-spread distribution of the Red Deer, and the varying climates in which it exists, one might almost refer them all to one species, certain varieties of which have become differentiated under the influence of food, climate, and situation. Horns of the Red Deer from the same deposits in Ireland as those of the Gigantic-horned Deer are not so massive as those of the same age from many localities in England and Scotland.
The Roebuck does not appear to have been a native of Ireland, according to the historian Giraldus Cambrensis, who seems to have been well acquainted with the beasts found in England in his day (1180), and at all events made inquiries in Ireland with reference to the wild animals of that country; but when its condition at that period is considered, the probability is that its fauna was comparatively unknown.
The Musk Ox, or Musk Sheep, as it is variously named, now confined to the Arctic Regions, was once a native of England, as testified by the discovery of its remains in eight or ten different localities, either in caverns or river deposits, associated here and there with remains of the Hairy Mammoth and the Hairy Rhinoceros.
The ancient British oxen were of two species, a Giant Ox and a Bison.
The Primæval or Giant Ox was a noble animal; but both species were gigantic in size, and were doubtless formidable antagonists to even the lions of the period. The Bison seems to have been prevalent in Great Britain during and long after the Roman invasion, whilst, on the other hand, there are evidences to imply that the one under consideration lived in the land before the glacial period.
The Primæval Ox's remains are met with in ancient tumuli, but perhaps it was exterminated before Cæsar's landing.[1]
- ↑ Cæsar mentions this animal, "Urus," as plentiful in the Hercynian forests, but does not refer to its presence in Britain.— Ed.
