THE HUNTED STAG. 135 



as when lie chances to be in an enclosure ; 

 generally the thong of a whip is sufficient. 



But a hunted stag does not always come 

 to bay in this manner ; he often makes for 

 the sea, and swims straight out, followed by 

 the hounds, leaving the hunters on the 

 beach. So common is this, that the hounds, 

 when hunting is not going on, are taken 

 down for exercise to the sea- shore, not only 

 for a bath, but that they may be used to it. 

 Stags swim splendidly for long distances, and 

 can generally beat the hounds in the water. 

 They have a great advantage over hounds 

 — they can rest and float. They are so 

 buoyant that they can cease striking with 

 their hoofs and yet remain with their heads 

 above the surface. Floating like this, they 

 rest and gather strength, while a hound 

 must continue using his feet, or drown. 



Though the waves be high, the stag 

 breasts them easily, and sometimes swims so 

 far as to be scarcely visible. After awhile 

 the hounds generally return to the beach if 



