THE ROE*. 



THE Roe is much inferior to either of the other 

 British species of Deer, in dignity, strength, and 

 stature ; yet it possesses, in place of these, an 

 abundant share of vivacity, gracefulness, and cou- 

 rage. Its figure is more beautiful and elegant, and 

 its eyes much more brilliant and animated, than 

 those of either the Red or Fallow Deer. Its limbs 

 are more neatly formed; its movements are more 

 precipitate ; and it is able to bound and run with at 

 least equal agility and vigour. 



When pursued by the hunter, the Roebuck ex- 

 hibits infinite fleetness and address. It is scarcely 

 possible to hunt him fairly down, since he can 

 continue the course for many hours without ex- 

 hausting his strength. He is, therefore, seldom to 

 be caught, unless by surprise in the onset. When, 

 however, he^ finds his first efforts to escape are 

 likely to prove unsuccessful, he returns, and keeps 

 the same track backwards and forwards, till by 

 various turnings and windings he totally confounds 

 the scent. Then, by one enormous bound, he is 



* Cervus capreolus. Linruzus. Le chevreuil. Buffon. 

 For the description of the Roe, see the Synopsis, p, 56, No. 38. 



said 



