9 



I believe the horns get shorter and wider at the 

 spread. 



In judging a stag's age, it must be borne in mind 

 that, by the increase of the base of the horn or coronet, 

 and projection of the burr, with the size of the beam, 

 the greater distinctness of the superficial furrows, 

 together with the length of the antlers and number of 

 points, a stag's age may be nearly ascertained, but 

 then only up to a certain period. 



The head and horns of the animal just spoken of 

 were exhibited at the Bath and West of England 

 Agricultural Show, held at Barnstaple in 1859. 



It has been stated that the hind brings forth her calf in 

 May or June, but as far as I have been able to ascertain, 

 she does not drop her calf until July or August ; at all 

 events the one I had was not dropped until the latter 

 end of August. 



As my sole purpose in publishing this treatise is to 

 correct statements which have been hitherto published 

 respecting the growth of the horns, with the antlers, 

 and number of points, I have not thought proper to 

 enter on the mode of hunting the red deer, as practised 

 in Somerset and Devon, and have in addition only to 

 observe, if any one doubts the statements I have 

 advanced, let him procure some male calves, and rear 

 them as I have done this one, and by close observation, 

 he will then see whether I am in error, and if so, 

 where. Surely there are plenty of persons in the world 

 possessing the means, provided they have the will and 



