DRIVING RED-DEER. 237 



go to escape from their pursuers, finally moving off at 

 a stately trot the hinds leading the way, and the 

 stags bringing up the rear; then, quickening their 

 speed, they were soon lost to sight amidst the cover. 

 Journeying along in the direction from which came 

 the sounds that attracted my attention, I came upon a 

 group of sportsmen, from whom I learnt that the 

 hinds and stags, after being driven into the place 

 where the nets were placed, had broken through the 

 obstruction and escaped only, as it proved, for 

 awhile, for after a hasty luncheon we were speedily in 

 pursuit again. By this time the rain began to descend 

 steadily, whilst the wind howled through the leafless 

 branches of the sturdy old oaks and chestnuts, this 

 being varied with a smart storm of snow. 



However, the work had to be finished, and the 

 nets being spread along a considerable distance, the 

 business of riding in the red-deer commenced in 

 earnest. Led by Tiler, the stud-groom, who for many 

 years has been in the service of Lord Petre, the horse- 

 men were soon in pursuit of the deer, whilst a host 

 of beaters were posted in different parts, to turn the 

 hunted animals, and drive them in the direction of the 

 spot where the stout nets were placed, the men holding 

 themselves in readiness to secure the captives when 

 the struggling animals became entangled in the snares 

 spread for their capture. Loud halloos, the cracking 

 of whips, and shouts of the beaters proclaim that the 

 deer are being driven in the direction of the nets, and 

 quickly the herd is discovered, bewildered and terrified 

 by the noise of the riders who are in hot pursuit. For 

 a moment they halt, finding enemies in front as well 



