DEER-STALKING. 



CHAPTEE XXV. 



Deer-stalking ; enjoyment of Fine Stag ; ill-luck in stalking ; escapes of 

 Stag ; start in pursuit of him View of Country Roebucks Hare and 

 Marten Tracks of Deer ; find the Stag ; death of Meet the Shepherd 

 Cottage. 



THOUGH we are all naturally gregarious animals, much 

 pleasure is often derived from a lonely walk over mountain 

 and moor, when, independent of the wishes or movements of 

 any one else, we can go hither and thither as the objects or 

 the fancy of the moment may lead us. In following up my 

 sporting excursions I frequently prefer being alone, and 

 independent of either friend or keeper; not from any 

 disinclination to the society of my fellow-men far from it- 

 but from a liking to watch and observe the habits and 

 proceedings of many of the living animals of the country. 

 Now one's friend may become bored by being carried off 

 from his shooting, and being hampered by the movements of 

 another person whose attention for the time being is taken 

 up in following some bird or beast not included in the game- 

 book, and therefore not deemed worthy of notice during the 

 shooting season. If my own larder or that of my friend is in 

 want of replenishing, I can fill it as well and quickly as most 

 people ; but at other times I like to take my shooting quietly. 

 In deer-stalking the solitary sportsman has often great 

 advantages, though his enjoyment of the sport is much 

 enhanced by the thought that he has some friend, some 

 " fidus Achates," to whom he can relate the incidents of the 

 day, and who, following the same pursuits, will enjoy and 

 appreciate the account of the pains and fatigues he has 

 undergone before bringing down the noble animal whose 

 horns he exhibits in triumph. Much of my deer-stalking 

 time was spent alone, or at most with no companionship save 

 that of an ancient and experienced Highlander, or a chance 

 visitor some travelling laird or sportsman who was as 

 glad to receive as I was to give provend and rest for himself 



