122 BIG GAME SHOOTING 



which snap with an alarming noise. Possibly you may have 

 whispered to you hints similar to the one a keen old keeper 

 once hissed into the ear of an august but inexperienced sports- 

 man, who, in plain view of a fine stag, gaped aghast at the idea 

 of baring his feet to the sharp rocks and frost-coated ground : 

 ' Don't be afraid, Highness, of hurting the stones, or crushing 

 the grass ; up here God grows a goodly crop of 'em, but he 

 doesn't make any too many stags such as stands yonder.' ^ 



And when finally, with palpitating heart, every fibre in your 

 body set, you have approached your noble quarry, surrounded 

 as you must ever remember he is by keenly watchful members 

 of his harem, brace yourself by a supreme effort for a steady 

 aim ; a good stag is worthy of your very best effort. And if 

 you are a true sportsman, and not merely a slayer, stay for a 

 brief moment or two before you end that life, the finger 

 pressing the trigger. The call of a distant foe has just struck 

 the ear of the gallant champion, and with virile impetuosity he 

 steps forth from the circle of graceful hinds to hoarsely answer 

 the challenge to mortal combat. His head is thrust well 

 forward, his shaggy neck distended to twice the natural size, 

 his antlers of noble sweep are thrown well back, one of his 

 forefeet is angrily pawing the ground, whilst his hot breath issues i 

 from his nostrils and open mouth upon the frosty air like so 

 much steam ; it is a picture which you will never forget. 



1 Lawn-tennis shoes, with stout ribbed soles, are capital makeshifts for 

 stalking purposes. 



