HIND-HUNTING. 193 



warmer climate than the exposed moors, at 

 a time when the red deer were found in 

 every county. This must be the reason that 

 the date of the antlers becoming full on 

 Exmoor is later than that given by ancient 

 writers. By Exmoor the lesser celandine 

 leaves are verdant and in full growth in the 

 second week of June, yet in other districts 

 the celandine is remarkable for completely 

 disappearing before the end of May. Not 

 only does the buttercup-like flower fade, but 

 the leaves die away, and it is difficult even 

 to find the root. 



Deer generally feed with their heads to the 

 wind, but at rest look to leeward. Hunted 

 venison is considered much better food than 

 the venison of a deer that has been shot. 

 But no arrow whistles or bullet sings over 

 Exmoor now the sound of the horn alone 

 is heard, and the deer are even said to re- 

 cognise the scarlet coat. Is there any time 



N 



