.

The Antler-bound Bucks.
IN THE man-world, November is the month of gloom, despair, and many suicides.

In the wild world, November is the Mad Moon.

Many and diverse the madnesses of the time, but none more insane than the rut of the white-tailed deer.

Like some disease it appears, first in the swollen necks of the antler-bearers, and then in the feverish habits of all.
Long and obstinate combats between the bucks now, characterize the time; neglecting even to eat, they spend their days and nights in rushing about and seeking to kill.
Their horns, growing steadily since spring, are now of full size, sharp, heavy, and cleaned of the velvet; in perfection.