168 GLENFALLOCH KOES. 



on the opposite hill, where the approach of an 

 enemy was readily seen and the means of escape 

 various and easy. 



The snows of 1861 came late, so the roes were 

 at their best when we returned after Christmas to 

 finish the shooting season. Three fell the first 

 morning of our range two of them old bucks, fat 

 as venison should be, and neither had cast their 

 horns. They were both (rare in roe-hunting) 

 open, quiet chances. At first starting, I noticed 

 a buck and two does on the bare hillside ; but we 

 knew, if they were properly moved, the direct 

 path they would choose would be for the nearest 

 copse. By taking a wide circuit, I gained the 

 shelter of a brook commanding this sheep-track, 

 while my companions got to windward of the 

 deer a long way above. 



I had my eye on the trio from the first ; but 

 although the drivers were directly in their wind, 

 they showed no sign of uneasiness until the dis- 

 tance was much decreased. The buck then 

 ceased feeding, and stood like a statue, while the 

 does looked at him occasionally, but still kept 

 nipping the grass. None of them seemed inclined 



