148 CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 



them — and, moreover, I descried a watchful heron 



which, 



' Stans pede in uno,' 



was fishing in a shallow pool, while his companion 

 flapped heavily and securely down the water in 

 quest of other feeding grounds. If our deer had 

 passed these shy birds, they would have been 

 careering high above our heads in search of more 

 quiet and undisturbed retreats. For such signs as 

 these the huntsman must ever be on the look-out, 

 if he desire to match his powers of reasoning and 

 observation against the cunning and sagacity of a 

 deer. 



Let us pause now, and consult the ground, for if 

 the ' slot ' can be found, we may form some 

 judgment as to the manoeuvres of our wily quarry. 

 If, on coming to 'soil,' the slot points straight to the 

 stream, the chances are that the deer has 'soiled,' 

 or bathed, at once, and passed through the water. 

 If the slot points up the stream, in all probability 

 the deer has gone up ; if clown, it will generally be 

 found that he has followed the course of the stream 

 downwards. If no trace of the deer in taking water 

 can be found, a cast should be made across the 

 stream, so as to make good the ground beyond, 

 and if the hounds do not hit the scent, then cast 7tp 



