190 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



dollar, in whosesoever hand found ; and the pity of 

 mankind for " dumb driven cattle." 



" When, finally, with palpitating heart, every 

 fibre in your body set, you have approached your 

 noble quarry, brace yourself by a supreme effort 

 for a steady aim ; a good stag is worthy of your 

 very best effort. And, if you are a true sportsman, 

 and not merely a slayer, stay for a brief moment 

 or iwo before you end that life, your finger pressing 

 the trigger. The call of a distant foe has just 

 struck the ear of the gallant champion : and, with 

 virile impetuosity, he steps forth from the circle of 

 graceful hinds to hoarsely answer the challenge to 

 mortal combat. His head is thrust well forward, 

 his shaggy neck distended to twice the natural size, 

 his antlers of noble sweep are thrown well back, 

 one of his fore feet is angrily pawing the ground, 

 whilst his hot breath issues from his nostrils and 

 open mouth upon the frosty air, like so much 

 steam ; it is a picture you will never forget." * 



It is a picture which, unfortunately, one must 

 cross the Channel to see. 



1 W. A. Baillie-Grohman, Baclmingtou Library. 



