NOVEMBER, 1 88 1. 83 



the Oban line, on the southern shore of Loch Etive, 

 when an unusually stately figure stepped out into the 

 open, and slowly sauntered up towards the copsewood 

 near the house. A potato digger lifted his eyes in 

 amazement at the sight. No haunt of the red deer 

 within ten miles, with the populous district of Bonaw 

 between, and yet here was a stately stag in splendid con- 

 dition. There was racing and chasing on the shore of 

 Etive, for the sportsmen did not fail to hurry forth on 

 such a rare occasion, and the wounded animal took to 

 the loch, and started for the opposite shore near Achnaba, 

 in one of the roughest days of the October gale. A 

 small boat was launched and followed, landing as soon 

 as possible, for the loch was excessively rough, and the 

 crossing more dangerous than amusing. The stag yet 

 managed to swim the distance, nearly two and a half 

 miles, but was so exhausted that it was forced to land in 

 the teeth of its pursuers. It proved to be a fine animal, 

 that had apparently summered among the plantations of 

 the district without being observed. Whether it had 

 crossed through the populous district in the dark, or had 

 swam Loch Etive before on its way to Lochnell district, 

 would be difficult to say ; but a stag of the same character 

 was observed about our own hills a year ago, and may 

 have crossed over from the same quarter that it sought 

 when wounded. Its horns were hard, black, and peculiar, 

 and its venison more like good ox beef. In all likelihood 

 it had been driven forth from some herd in the Black 

 Forest, or near the head of Loch Etive. 



A good observer comes to trust to his eyes, and grows 

 dubious about those of other people. No doubt this 

 accounts for the onslaught of a keen-eyed correspon- 

 dent on our " wonder of the world," Connel Falls. He 



