362 WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS CHAP. 



ing the fore leg of a hart just below the shoulder, to my disgust 

 and disgrace. 



That little bullet was about the diameter of the modern '400, 

 but, as its small weight denotes, it was exceedingly short. It 

 may be readily imagined that the extreme velocity doubled up the 

 soft lead upon impact with the tough muscles and bones of a 

 red-deer, so that the bullet never passed through, but remained 

 within the body, or generally beneath the skin on the side opposite 

 to that of entrance. Although I have always regarded that 

 weapon as perfection for deer-shooting, there was a difficulty in 

 loading. The first movement was to pour into the extremely 

 small bore 4 drams of powder, without spilling it ; the second was 

 to press down a thin wad, with a thick greased felt-wad on the top 

 of it ; the third was to wrap the bullet in a greased linen patch, 

 and ram this gently upon the greased wad. As the winged bullet 

 was mechanically fitted, and highly greased in its linen patch, it 

 was thoroughly air-tight, therefore the force necessary in loading 

 compressed the air between the descending bullet and the wad 

 upon the powder. The bullet formed a piston, and when the 

 weight of the loading-rod was removed, the elasticity of the com- 

 pressed air forced the bullet upwards, and left a dangerous vacuum 

 between it and the powder about 8 inches distant. This was a 

 source of danger, and although the barrel was of sufficient strength 

 to resist the strain, by not absolutely bursting, many barrels 

 bulged, my own included. Nevertheless the move had been made 

 by Mr. Purdey in the right direction. I used this rifle in Scot- 

 land and in Africa, and I never made better practice. 



Deer-stalking in the Highlands, although most enjoyable, is a 

 selfish sport. If a house is full of guests, it is almost impossible 

 to afford " stalking " for any number, it is therefore necessary to 

 drive, as by this means all can share in the day's sport without 

 prejudice. At the same time, there is a great gulf between 

 stalking and driving. In the latter process much knowledge is 

 necessary, and great patience on the part of the keepers or gillies, 

 but there is nothing for the shooters but to lie hidden in the 

 positions allotted to them, and to shoot well when the opportunity 

 offers. On the other hand, stalking requires a profound knowledge 

 of the habits of red-deer, and thorough experience in the geography 

 of the locality, together with patience, coolness, and bodily activity. 

 We will assume that the weather is not bad, and that we start for 

 a day upon the hills. The dress will be arranged for easy walking, 

 and for concealment from view. I object to the kilt strongly, as 

 it swings, and any object in movement is liable to attract attention. 



