SIR EDWIN LANDSEER, R.A. 65 



shooting lodge or from Chillingham, for Landseer 

 was a keen sportsman and was happiest on the 

 heather, though he often paid heavily for his day's 

 stalkingf. He writes to Mr. Hills from Kinrara 

 House, Aviemore, on October 7th, 1866 : — 



" I returned here last Wednesday, October 3rd, and have 

 been out every day since in the Forest. Some very good 

 stags have fallen to my rifle— as yet have only missed one 

 shot when it was nearly dark ! I have unintentionally 

 taken too much out of my already weak condition. I can't 

 keep my hand steady. This is Sunday, and perhaps to-day's 

 rest may restore me." 



He proceeds to describe the wreck of the Duke 

 of Sutherland's yacht, in which, with other guests, 

 he had left Dunrobin. Fortunately the weather 

 remained calm after the vessel ran on the rocks, 

 and all were taken off in safety ; but Landseer's 

 nervous system was, he says, somewhat shaken. 

 In regard to this we must remember that the years 

 1862-3 had seen a return of the acute mental de- 

 pression which clouded his reason and unfitted him 

 for work or society for a long period. It is evident 

 that in his later years he habitually overtaxed his 

 strength during the stalking season. He writes to 

 Mr. Hills on October i6th, 1866— 



" Yesterday I was at it (after riding nine miles to the 

 ground) from 6 o'clock — the hour I was called — till 7 in the 

 evening, having the same distance to ride home. The whole 

 day passed in rocky ground, long heather and unceasing rain. 

 I killed my stag at 150 yards towards the gloaming and have 

 5 VOL. a. 



