CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER S3 



deal of water-hunting. Hind-hunting recommences 

 in the spring, as soon after Ladyday as the weather 

 will permit, and continues until the loth of May. 

 In the autumn hunting, a ' yeld ' or barren hind 

 should, if possible, be selected. In the spring 

 hunting, much care is required in the selection of 

 a deer, as the hinds and calves have separated, 

 and the stags have lost their horns ; and I have 

 often known a stag, or young deer, tallied and run 

 and killed by mistake at this season. The ex- 

 perienced huntsman, if the animal has not been 

 viewed and passed by good authority, should note 

 carefully the ' slot ' or footprint of the quarry before 

 the hounds are laid on ; and unless he be sure that 

 it is a hind that has been roused, no persuasion 

 should induce him to lay on. About the end of 

 July again, the hounds may be allowed to hunt 

 one or two hinds, so as to get them in wind for 

 the stao'-huntino- ; and, indeed, unless there be a 

 great scarcity of deer, a kill may be permitted, as 

 I have no doubt that the eagerness of the pack will 

 be materially increased by giving them blood ; and 

 should a crood stao- be roused when the season 

 begins, all the energies and powers of the hounds 

 are required, and must be exerted to account for 

 him satisfactorily. 



