130 RED DEER. 



six there is no further increase, and the age 

 cannot be distinguished, but as the stag is 

 then certainly runnable it does not matter. 



The opening of the hoof of the stag is 

 remarkable ; as he goes his hoof divides like 

 fingers stretched apart. The stretching of the 

 hoof depends in degree upon the pace the 

 stag was going. If walking the hoof remains 

 in its normal state ; trotting opens it con- 

 siderably, and when galloping the two halves 

 are widest apart. By the width of the im- 

 pression the speed is consequently indicated ; 

 but this varying breadth would confuse the 

 harbourer's judgment of the age of the stag 

 were it not for one particular. 



One part of the stag's slot never varies in 

 breadth, whether he is walking or galloping 

 at his hardest; and this is the heel. The 

 points spread ; the heel remains the same 

 size. To understand this, place your hand 

 on the table, palm downwards. The back 



