[132] For derivation of this name, see Brackenridge's _Journal_, in our volume vi, note 14.--ED.
[133] This stream debouches at the boundary between Jackson and Lafayette counties, south of the Missouri. Its name is usually shortened to Fire Creek. Lewis and Clark applied the name Fire Prairie Creek to a stream which entered from the north. No stream nearer than Clear Creek, or Fishing Creek, five miles above Fire Creek, answers their description.--ED.
[134] A variety of this species, the Cervus Virginianus, three specimens of which occurred at Engineer cantonment, had all the feet white near the hoofs, and extending to them on the hind part from a little above the spurious hoofs. This white extremity was divided upon the sides of the foot by the general colour of the leg, which extended down near to the hoof, leaving a white triangle in front, of which the point was elevated rather higher than the spurious hoofs. The black mark upon the lower lip, rather behind the middle of the sides, was strongly noted--
ft. in. Total length, exclusive of hair, at tip of tail 5 4-3/4 Ear, from the upper part of the head 0 6-1/2 Tail, from lateral base, exclusive of the hair 0 9-1/2 Hind foot, from tip of os calcus to tip of toe 1 6-1/4 Fore arm 1 11-7/8 Weight, in February, 115lbs.
This species, common as it is, was never figured, nor indeed very well described, until the year 1819, when it appeared in the valuable work of Messrs. Geoffroy and F. Cuvier (Hist. Nat. des Mammiferes, 2d liv.) Its highest northern range is Canada, in North America; and it is found as far south as the river Orinoco, in South America.
This species is leanest in February and March, and in best condition in October and November. The rutting season commences in November, and continues about one month, ceasing generally about the middle of December. During this season the neck of the male becomes much dilated.
The fawn, towards autumn, loses its spots; and the hair becomes grayish, and lengthens in the winter. In this state the deer is said by the hunters to be _in the gray_. This coat is shed in the latter part of May and beginning of June, and is then substituted by the reddish coat. In this state the animal is said to be _in the red_. Towards the last of August the old bucks begin to change to the dark bluish colour; the doe commences this change a week or two later. In this state they are said to be _in the blue_. This coat gradually lengthens until it comes again to the _gray_. The skin is said to be toughest in the _red_, thickest in the _blue_, and thinnest in the _gray_. The blue skin is most valuable.