68 RED DEER. 



been concealed by the heather that he had 

 not seen it, and would not have known of 

 its existence had he not stepped on it. It 

 seems as if the antlers were more often found 

 by chance than when carefully looked for, 

 which has given rise to the idea that the 

 stag anticipates intelligent search, and 

 hides accordingly. 



An antler is judged by the number of 

 points or tines which spring from the 

 beam. The beam is the main stem, and the 

 points are the branches. The beam itself 

 varies much, and is valued according to its' 

 roundness and thickness. Some are very 

 thick, and others spindly, like a tree that has 

 been drawn up beyond its strength in a 

 plantation. Close to the head a point springs 

 from the beam and is curved upwards : 

 this is called the brow-point. Just over it a 

 second starts, in shape resembling the first, 

 but not so long or large : this is called the 

 bay. These two are close together, and 

 defend the brow of the stao;. There is then 



