CHAPTER II. 



Of the Red Deer-The Stag-Hind and Calf-The Stag, the noblest 

 of the Beasts of the Forest-Distinguishing Names of Deer- 

 Shedd.ng Horns-Growth of Horns- Irregular Heads, and Causes 

 thereof- Instances— Cunning of the Stag. 



The deer— that is the red deer, has been from time 

 immemorial a beast of the forest, and as such has 

 ever been held entided to stand in the front rank. 

 The old book called ' Antiquitas Britanniae,' written 

 before the Conquest, says that there were five wild 

 beast of venery that are called beasts of forest : the 

 hart, the hind, the hare, the boar, and the wolf. 

 The same statement is to be found in Hollinshed, 

 and other old writers; and would my readers ask 

 why the hart and the hind are both mentioned as 

 beasts of forest, their query shall be resolved by 

 Manwood. ' And whereas they say, the hart and the 

 hind, being both beasts of one kind, and yet they do 

 accompt them for two several beasts ; it seemeth 

 that it is because that although they be both of one 

 kind, yet they are beasts of several seasons ; for the 

 hart hath his season in summer, and the season of 



