240 THE DEER FORESTS OF SCOTLAND. 



carry two rifles each day of the season ; all deer are 

 got by fair stalking, the average kill being fifty to 

 fifty-five stags, which weigh, one with the other, 

 14 to \\\ stone, heart and liver included. Charles 

 Mackenzie, the present head forester, together with 

 his father John, both stalked for Mr. Horatio 

 Ross, who entertained a sincere friendship and a 

 high opinion of them. It is almost needless to say 

 that when Mr. Shoolbred took over the property 

 " Old John " remained in welcome possession of his 

 cottage at Corrie Vackie, at the door of which he 

 may still usually be seen in the morning, spyglass 

 in hand, and ready for a chat with any sportsman 

 making his way to the forest. On the east beat here 

 Mr. Shoolbred had a somewhat remarkable day on 

 the 30th September, 1893. Up to lunch time he had 

 three separate stalks, each of which owing to shifting 

 wind was unsuccessful, and then, while seeking a 

 sheltered spot to rest in for a short time, he saw the 

 tops of a stag's horn coming towards him, and there 

 was barely time to drop down and get the rifle out of 



