1 88 HUNTING TRIPS 



by creeping up along the edge; if seen 

 among the large trees, it is even more easily 

 still-hunted, as a tree trunk can be readily 

 kept in line with the quarry, and thus pre- 

 vent its suspecting any approach. But only 

 a few white-tail are killed by regular and 

 careful stalking; in much the greater num- 

 ber of instances the hunter simply beats pa- 

 tiently and noiselessly from the leeward, 

 carefully through the clumps of trees and 

 bushes, always prepared to see his game, 

 and with his rifle at the ready. Sooner or 

 later, as he steals round a corner, he either 

 sees the motionless form of a deer, not a 

 great distance off, regarding him intently 

 for a moment before taking flight; or else 

 he hears a sudden crash, and catches a 

 glimpse of the animal as it lopes into the 

 bushes. In either case, he must shoot 

 quick ; but the shot is a close one. 



If he is heard or seen a long way off, the 

 deer is very apt, instead of running away at 

 full speed, to skulk off quietly through the 

 bushes. But when suddenly startled, the 



