Elk, IRISH

Elk, IRISH (Megaceros giganteus or hibernicus), a giant deer now extinct, known from the remains found in the Pleistocene diluvium of Middle Europe, Britain, and especially Ireland. It must have been a magnificent animal, standing about 6 feet high at the shoulders, and probably very like a fallow-deer. The antlers formed the most striking feature. They have their own peculiarities, but recall in part those of the quite distinct modern elk, and also those of the fallow-deer. Antlers have been found 5 feet in length, while a straight line drawn between the extreme tips in one specimen measured 10 feet 10 inches. In a specimen where the skull alone weighed 5½ lb. the antlers weighed 81 lb. Associated with such an enormous head-growth we naturally find large and strong neck vertebrae and fore-limbs. The skeletons are to be seen in most museums. See DEER.