220 DEER-STALKING. 



will choose the best position he can, and defend 

 himself to the last extremity with his antlers. 

 Powerful dogs may pull down a full-grown stag 

 when running and breathless, but not a cold hart 

 (one that has not been wounded) when he stands 

 at bay, for he takes such a sweep with his antlers 

 that he could exterminate a whole pack, should 

 they attack in front only. 



Deer, like many other animals, seem to foresee 

 every change of weather, for they leave the hills 

 and descend into the plains whenever any rough 

 weather is about to take place. 



The deer-stalker should not only be able to run 

 like an antelope, but he should possess the bottom 

 of an Arab horse, to enable him to keep the game 

 in view ; he should be able to creep like a leo- 

 pard, and to run with his back bent almost 

 double, and at a pinch to wriggle himself along 

 the ground, ventre a terre, like an eel. He should 

 be able to wade or swim torrents, to keep his 

 footing on slippery water-worn stones, remem- 

 bering, if he does fall, to keep his rifle dry, 



