DEER IN SUMMER. 51 



bunch of grass, the loose stones it conceals 

 slip, and it is necessary to quickly grasp a 

 stout stem of fern to avoid a fall. 



Reddish stones lie by the bushes, some 

 on the surface, and others partly embedded 

 in the ground. Red stones are everywhere 

 under the grass ; some of them roll at a 

 touch. Looking down the descent increases 

 in steepness, for the trunks of the oaks 

 beneath are almost parallel with the side 

 of the hill. It is possible to get down, but 

 the loose stones would render it awkward, 

 and even dangerous in places to those 

 unused to such footing. The deer go up 

 and down, and pass along the steepest parts 

 easily, entering the meads on the summit 

 where the grass is fresh and sweet, for they 

 will always have the best of everything. 

 They have their own especial tracks across 

 and aslant the Ball ; the thin grass and 

 hard red stones do not show much im- 



