202 CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 



of which he gored, but not dangerously. He then 

 took a turn round the park, cleared the palings, 

 and made for Farnham Common, where he was 

 taken.' 



I presume from this account that the custom now 

 prevalent of sawing off the stag's horns before 

 encarting him had not at that time come into vogue. 

 It certainly is a reasonable precaution to adopt, with 

 a view to the preservation both of the hounds and of 

 those whose duty it is to assist in catching the deer 

 at the end of the run. 



Whilst the feelings now animating the owners of 

 lands and coverts, which still form the places of 

 resort of the deer, continue to exist, the sport cannot 

 entirely cease ; and notwithstanding all the circum- 

 stances that tend to the extermination or diminution 

 of the herd, it is to be hoped that the day is far 

 distant when the ancient and much loved recreation 

 of our forefathers will come to an end in the west of 

 England, Still those who wish to preserve the deer 

 must remember that some vigour and exertion is 

 necessary on their part, and that mere negative 

 support will be insufficient for the purpose. When 

 the landlord is really and actively well-disposed, and 

 determined to use his best endeavours to keep 

 the deer unmolested, the tenant will be certain 



