CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 49 



The curvature of the off horn was such that the 

 animal was unable to make his way through the 

 coverts. 



During the time that the stag's horns are in the 

 progress of growth, and indeed after they have 

 arrived at perfection, until the near approach of 



A deformed head of a deer. 



the rutting season, the animal shuns, or at least 

 does not want, the society of the hinds. x\n old 

 stag during this period will frequently be found 

 with two or three younger male deer in his company. 

 Over these, however, he exercises absolute sway 

 and dominion. They regard him as their ruler, 



D 



