I20 The Chase 



the water in quest of other feeding grounds. If 

 our deer had passed these shy birds would have 

 been careering high above our heads in search of 

 more quiet and undisturbed retreats. For such 

 signs as these the huntsman must ever be on the 

 look-out, if he desire to match his powers of 

 reasoning and observation against the cunning and 

 sagacity of a deer. 



Let us pause now and consult the ground, for 

 if the " slot " can be found we may form some 

 judgement as to the manoeuvres of our wily quarry. 

 If on coming to "soil" the slot points straight 

 to the stream the chances are that the deer has 

 " soiled," or bathed, at once and passed through 

 the water. If the " slot " points up the stream in 

 all probability the deer has gone up ; if down it 

 will generally be found that he has followed the 

 course of the stream downwards. . . . 



Our own gallant stag has refreshed himself in 

 a deep pool close to the spot where he took soil, 

 and without staying long to enjoy the luxury of 

 the bath has risen, to stretch across the moor, 

 and if possible to seek safety in among the herd 

 on Scob Hill whose numbers saved him only last 

 week. 



Away ! away ! over the stone walls and across 

 the forest — unless the herd shelter him " this day 

 the stag shall die.'* 



Charles Polk Colly ns. 



Sweet Echo Wakes her Mimic Son 



g 



T 



HE portals of the east divide, 

 The orient dawn is just descried. 

 Mild and grey. 



