132 RED DEER. 



and the huntsman comes to kill him. But 

 first, even now, his antlers must be secured, 

 for they turn furiously towards all who 

 approach, and he can kick as hard as 

 a pony. There is a lasso, or headline, 

 kept for the purpose, and supposed to be 

 carried with the hunt ; but it often happens 

 that it is not at hand when wanted. One 

 or two of the most experienced present run 

 in, the thong of a whip is twisted round the 

 antlers, and the head drawn back as far as 

 possible, so as to stretch and expose the 

 neck. 



Instantly the huntsman thrusts his knife 

 with a quick deep stab — the deer gives 

 a convulsive throb and start, and dies in- 

 stantaneously. The neck of a stag is covered 

 for some way down from the head with 

 roiurher, shadier hair than the rest of the 

 skin. It is just where this rough hair ceases 

 that the stab is given. Until within the last 

 few years the huntsman used to cut the 

 throat across, high up under the chin, when 



