460 Reminiscences of 



do so slowly but surely when protected and free from 

 wolves, as in this locality. 



While I have killed many in this locality, I find that 

 their shooting is attended with a great deal of exercise. 

 I may not be a very good hunter, but I find that I have 

 to travel altogether nearly fifty miles for every deer 

 that I get. 



It seems when I start out that I am likely to get a 

 deer about every time I go, but I do not, nor one in a 

 dozen times. But the interest is unflagging. The 

 pleasure of being out in the forest compensates for 

 all exertions, and exertion is a pleasure. The forest, 

 never tame, is always exhilarating, and leads on with 

 its varied attractions. With a good compass and a 

 tolerable knowledge of the localities about, it is a 

 supreme satisfaction to be alone for a while and to be 

 lured on by a charm which is indescribable to those 

 who have not experienced it. 



The object which fascinates the mind is before you, 

 no matter whether you accomplish it or not. It may 

 prove aimless as your rifle with good opportunity, 

 but little does it count, for expectation is rampant, 

 and hope lures on to the satisfaction of wholesome 

 fatigue. 



Deer are often seen about the camps during the 

 close season, and particularly about the ponds. At 

 one fishing place, near a lily-pad growth which I often 

 visit in the summer, I frequently find several deer 

 about, and occasionally a doe with her fawn who re- 

 treat upon my near approach, but speedily return upon 

 my departure. 



We often notice the inclination of animals and birds 

 to frequent the immediate vicinity of human beings, 



