Runniftp- Red Deer. 261 



*& 



Then we move off in search of our game; here 

 one of the horsemen meets with a disaster ; the 

 high-spirited cob on which General Hamilton is 

 mounted rears and falls backwards, giving the 

 gallant rider a nasty fall, fortunately without doing 

 any serious damage, though it was a severe shake. 



Soon we came upon a group of red deer browsing 

 on a knoll adjacent to the kennels, and the keeper, 

 selecting a fine stag, proceeds, accompanied by 

 several horsemen, conspicuous amongst whom were 

 the Earl of Lewes and Lords Henry and George 

 Nevill, to ride him out from his companions. This 

 is a somewhat difficult task, occupying a consider- 

 able time ; but at length the animal breaks away 

 from the herd, and goes at a screaming pace across 

 the park, where there is ample space for a good 

 gallop, the area extending over 2000 acres. The 

 instant he starts, a deerhound is slipped from the 

 leash, dashing after him at a tremendous pace. 

 " Loo, loo, loo ! " cry the hunters, who follow at a 

 racing pace over the rugged, uneven ground. At 

 first it appears that the stag is making for the water, 

 but suddenly turning back he faces his pursuers. 

 Then another hound is slipped and goes in eager 

 pursuit, amidst loud cries of " Hold him ! hold him ! 

 hold him !" and after a gallant struggle for freedom, 

 our first stag is taken uninjured, the hounds having 

 been whipped off by those who had kept close to 

 them — no easy matter, considering the pace they 

 went. With but little delay the second stag is 

 selected, and in a short time is driven out from the 

 herd, and goes away a rattler over the brown 

 heather, closely followed by a splendid hound, that 



