THE HUNTED STAG. 163 



and to avoid unnecessary pain. Another 

 reason is, that he may be sure the stag is 

 old enough to be killed. The lasso supposed 

 to be used is precisely the same as that em- 

 ployed in America. On one occasion it was 

 thrown by a gentleman who had lassoed 

 animals there. A headline, however, is only 

 required when the stag cannot be approached, 

 as when he chances to be in an enclosure ; 

 generally the thong of a whip is sufficient. 



But a hunted stag does not always come 

 to bay in this manner; he often makes for 

 the sea, and swims straight out, followed 

 by the hounds, leaving the hunters on the 

 beach. So common is this, that the hounds, 

 when hunting is not going on, are taken 

 down for exercise to the sea-shore, not only 

 for a bath, but that they may be used to 

 it. Stags swim splendidly for long dis- 

 tances, and can generally beat the hounds 

 in the water. They have a great advantage 



