TRACKING DEER BY SLOT. 139 



it into the copse or cover, and satisfies him- 

 self that he has entered it. The stag being 

 tracked in, the next thing is to be certain 

 that he has not come out again, and to know 

 this the harbourer goes round the copse, 

 carefully examining every possible place 

 of exit. 



Frequently there are roads or lanes at 

 one side ; he looks at the dust, which will 

 take a good impression. Instead of going 

 several miles round the large woods, he walks 

 up the shooting paths, or drives, and so finds 

 if the stag has crossed them. There being 

 no slot across these paths and none at the 

 places of exit, it is clear that the stag must 

 be in the copse, and that he has gone to lie 

 down in his former bed. He is now har- 

 boured ; and the harbourer, certain of his 

 game, hastens to his home or inn for break- 

 fast, and immediately afterwards rides to 

 the meet to give his report to the huntsman. 



