148 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
The humus tanks of Goldhanger Sewage Disposal Works were
found to be supporting a pair of Water Voles which had taken up
residence in the humus tank effluent pipe.
From the above summary one could conclude that almost
every stage in sewage purification was occupied by animals and
birds of one sort or another. The most probable explanation for
this is that the only suitable unfrozen water could be found there.
The average temperature of sewage is somewhat higher than that
of natural waters. This is not to say it did not freeze at times
because it did, but less frequently. Sewage plants also provide a
source of food which could be utilized by starving birds and
animals. No doubt both factors have a bearing on the animal
population of a sewage works.
A Preliminary Report on some Fallow Deer
(Dama dama) from Epping Forest
By Raymond E. Chaplin and Donald I. Chapman
(Passmore Edwards Museum, London, E.15)
Abstract
An account is given of the examination of the carcases and skeletons
of 14 Fallow Deer from the Epping Forest herd largely killed in motor
accidents during 1963/4. Aspects of this dark-coloured herd are considered
and apparent changes in seasonal pelage described.
The carcasses of 14 Fallow Deer (10 females and 4 males) killed
in road accidents in Epping Forest between March 1963 and May
1964 have been examined in the Museum. This is the first time
that a large number of these Fallow Deer carcasses from the Forest
have become available for study. It has only been possible to
examine the stomach contents, to prepare the skins and portions
of the skeletons. In only a few cases are the weights available.
Only one animal was suitable for histological work because of the
length of time between death and receipt of the carcasses. Nine
skins are available for study in the Museum. Others have been
examined in the field but were too decomposed to be preserved.
The material examined and preserved from each animal is
tabulated on page 151. It will be seen that this comprises parts
of sixteen animals, two of which were killed some years ago and
have recently been donated to the Museum.
All the specimens received, with one exception, had been killed
in road accidents. No official figures are published for the number
of deer killed each year. Recent counts have shown the number
of deer in the Forest to be declining, a count in 1963, Whitehead