23 



taking Ardfin at 80 and Tarbert at 145. In 1878 we reckon 

 there were 525 Forest stags, or 695 for the whole ground. Very 

 little faded material in 1889 count be it remembered. The stock 

 of decrepit stags is much reduced, also that of ugly narrow 

 heads. The death rate of Forest stags has fallen from 

 6f per cent, to 2\ per cent, for the last 6 years. A propor- 

 tionate reduction has taken place in the deaths of hinds and 

 calves. 



The average weight of stags shot does not decrease. The 

 small stags of the Paps, Scrinadle, and other stony hill tops 

 keep down our weights. The number we shoot of these small 

 high-ground stags varies of course in different years ; they 

 give us charming days amid hill tops, our pleasantest days. 

 But we do not shoot for weight, it would be madness. Wej h( . of 

 Excluding wasters, our usual average weight, so far, has been Stags, clean, 

 from 14'! to 14*2, clean. In 1878 it was i4'2|, in 1888 it without liver, 

 was 147, in 1889 it was 14 stone and |-a-pound. The number jjg 

 of stags, 15 stone and upwards, that come into the larder 

 does not decrease, we had twelve of this class in 1878, fifteen 

 in 1889, nineteen in 1890. The number of monarchs is not large, Monarch*, 

 that is to say great full grown stags with fine heads only a 

 small proportion of stags is born to the purple ; the pro- 

 ducing power also of 12 years since was very far below the 

 present power. We usually preserve any vigorous monarch with 

 which we become well acquainted, and, if possible, collect the Their cast 

 cast horns. We have in this way discovered that monarchs Horns, 

 have their bad years, that their heads will diminish in glory 

 for a year, and afterwards recover, this is made very clear by 

 weighing the horns. We very often resist the temptation to shoot 

 thriving stags that seem to be approaching the monarch stage 

 but no doubt thriving stags are often shot. We have of course shot 

 many monarchs during 12 years, we must shoot something besides 

 inferior animals. Up to October 4th, 1890, Forest and Tarbert 

 stags averaged 14-9. Ardfin stags about 14*5. 



We think Ardfin now breeds about the number taken off 

 it, but, if a heavy sheep stock replaces the cattle, this state of 

 affairs may not continue. 



