00 The Common Deer, — Cervus Virginianus. 



The terrified deer runs in all directions, folIoAving tlicir beaten paths througli 

 the snow. The hunter siai.ds by and fires at tlie animals as they pr.ss. — 

 These slaugliters take place generally in tlie month of ISiarch, Avhen the snow 

 is deep and covered with a crust, upon which the dogs can run and the men 

 walk easily with tlie'r snow-shoes, while the unfortunate deer willi its sharp 

 feet sinks through at every bound, wounding its legs and marking its courso 

 v.'ith blocd. 



The laws for tlie protection of deer prohibits, under a fine, the killing of 

 thein at any period between the first of February and the first of September, 

 but it unfortunately happens that this law is seldom enforced, and in 

 consequence great r.unibcrs of these animals are slaughtered in their yards at 

 a time of the year when neither their skins nor their flesh is of any value. 



In still Imnting or stalki'ig the deer in the woods, it is necessary to 

 practice great caution. When the first snow falls, the hunter follows their 

 tracks as silently as possible until he can get a shot, which is not his good 

 fortune every day. An old buck when he knows you are on his trail, will 

 icad you many a weary mile without favouring you with a view of his majes- 

 tic person. At first the track is found, and traced perhaps several hours 

 until the hunter is within easy rifle shot, when the breaking of a fallen branch 

 beneath the feet is sufiicient to put the animal upon his guard. He listens 

 ■eagerly, and his quick eye so(m catches the outlin'.' of his pursuer, and after 

 regarding him for a moment, he sets off at a dashing speed. He runs several 

 Lundred yards, then stops, listens and watches again. The hunter approaches, 

 but the eye of the deer is the keenest in the forest, and you may fellow on 

 the track a whole day and never get a sight of the intended victim, although 

 he may be at no time more than one quarter of a mile in advance. 



Another method of hunting the deer practised In Canada is by driving 

 them into the lakes or rivers with hounds. AVlien pursued by the dogs, this 

 tmimal at once flies to the water, his instinct perhaps infiueucing him to 

 break the scent by crossing a stream. Sc'me of the party are stationed at 

 those points v/here the deer have their favourite crossing places, and when 

 they approach may get a shot. This method, as v^-ell as every other, is not 

 always successful. Often the deer takes a long round through the forest and 

 run tow:!rds some distant M'ater, in which case there can be no ?pyrt that 

 day, and often the dogs are led so far away that tliey do not return for 

 several days, and are, in fact, occasionally lost altogetlier. 



Hunting vvith a lantern is also practised. A tall cylindrical cap of 

 birch bark, with an opening In front, is placed vpcn tiie head, a lighted 

 candle is placed inside so that th'» light is iumiediate'y over the brow of the 

 hunter, and thus whilst it attracts tlie deer shines alcng the barrel of the gun 

 v/hen aim it being taken. The deer sees the light, and remains gazing 

 steadily at it, while, at the same time, his eyes appear in the dark like two 

 coals of fire. An easy shot may be thus obtained. This mctliod, or one 

 similar in principle, carrying a torch instead of a lantern, and gliding along 

 u river in a canne at night, is also practised with ranch success. 



The deer when suddenly started in a field, does not make off at its full 



