Axis

Axis, a genus of deer, abundant on the banks of the Ganges, but found throughout India and in many islands of the Eastern Archipelago. It was known to the ancients by the name Axis. One of its Indian names is Chित्रa or Cheetal, and by British sportsmen in India it is often called the Spotted Hog-deer, though that name is also given to a rarer species. The axis has a great resemblance in size and colouring to the European fallow-deer; it is generally of a rich fawn colour, beautifully spotted with white, nearly black along the back, the under parts snow-white. The horns, however, differ very much from those of the fallow-deer, being slender, sharp-pointed, little branched, and not at all palmate. The female has no horns, and is lighter in colour than the male. The axis frequents thick jungles in the vicinity of water, and feeds during the night. Its spots facilitate concealment in the interrupted light of jungle life. It is commonly found in herds of 15 or 20, of which 3 or 4 are males. Its sense of smell is remarkably acute, and it is generally very shy and timid, so that sportsmen find it difficult to get within range. The males, however, sometimes exhibit great courage in defence of the young. It is gentle and very easily domesticated, has been frequently imported into Europe, and breeds freely, when kept in parks, in Britain and France.