190 CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 



pursued. A sad instance of this occurred in 1858, 

 during the spring hunting. A hind was found 

 (April 2ist) in Sweet-Tree Wood, under Dunkerry 

 beacon. The hounds were laid on, and one of the 

 severest chases on record took place. The hind 

 crossed the moor from end to end, and took refuge 

 in a small covert known by the name of Whitabay, 

 where she was fresh found. "^ After taking a turn or 

 two through the wood, which bordered on the sea, 

 the hounds being close to her haunches, she leapt 

 from the cliff (a height of about 300 feet) and was 

 dashed to pieces. Old 'Warrior,' one of the best 

 hounds in the pack, shared her fate. A description 

 of the run and of this occurrence will be found in 

 the Appendix. 



It is more than probable that, at times when the 

 deer have sprung from the cliffs, they have done so 

 under delusion as to the depth of the fall, caused by 

 partial blindness, the effect of severe exertion. In 

 most cases, however, the animal has, no doubt, taken 

 the fatal leap while under the influence of uncon- 

 trollable fear. 



On one occasion a stag met his end by leaping 

 from a height on to the rocks, under circumstances 

 which almost justify the belief that he deliberately 



* Now known as Woody Bay. — L. J. B. 



