6 THE DEER FORESTS OF SCOTLAND. 



at present splendid winter shelter for the deer ; it 

 likewise offers the foresters an easy chance of hand 

 feeding during very severe winters, and although this 

 sort of feeding is never very satisfactory, as it is rarely 

 that the beasts in sorest need get the food so given, 

 yet it is better than nothing. Sad to relate, the big 

 stag is a selfish fellow, for not until he has had his fill 

 will he allow his weaker kin to join in the feast. 

 When this forest was first made in 1870 it yielded only 

 twenty to twenty-five stags each season, but now it 

 gives from sixty to sixty-five, with an average weight 

 of 14 stone quite clean, and the heaviest stag ever got 

 on it scaled 19 stone 11 lbs. Owing to the narrow- 

 ness in some places, this ground requires extra care, 

 with great knowledge of the wind ; but it is fine 

 ground to stalk over, and the present owner, Sir 

 Allan Mackenzie, in one day was once fortunate 

 enough to get seven stags, averaging 16 stone 3 lbs., 

 in five different stalks. 



