io6 CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 



feed, the harbourer carefully marks the direction in 

 which the best stag goes to seek his resting-place. 

 The spot where he is last seen is carefully noted, 

 and on the arrival of the hounds, the 'coombes,' or 

 sheltered valleys between the hills, are drawn by 

 the tufters, and a rouse in the open is one of the 

 finest sights that a lover of the sport can possibly 

 enjoy. 



The damage done by deer in feeding in enclosed 

 and cultivated lands is very great. They destroy 

 more than they consume ; and I have seen five or 

 six cart loads of turnips pulled up in a single field 

 by the marauders in the course of a m.orning's meal. 

 How much are the sportsmen of the West indebted 

 to the kind and unselfish feelings of those farmers 

 who endure this loss and annoyance in order that 

 they may contribute to the amusement of their 

 friends and the neighbourhood. I wish that the 

 practice of ' ricking ' the turnips was generally 

 adopted by the farmer, as by this means not only 

 are the roots preserved from the attacks of the deer, 

 but they are protected from the frost, and preserved 

 for the stock in time of need. 



It must not be assumed that a deer can always be 

 harboured for the day's sport. In dry seasons, it 

 happens at times that a track in the dew-sprinkled 



