HINTS ON DEER-STALKING. 221 



whatever becomes of himself. He should never 

 go rashly to work, keeping always cool, wary, 

 and steady, never allowing any untoward circum- 

 stances to interfere with his equanimity and self- 

 possession. 



Before commencing operations, he should care- 

 fully survey his line of route, marking any cover 

 that inequalities in the ground, or bushes, rocks, 

 etc., might give. I need not add, that tempe- 

 rance and moderation go a long way to keep the 

 hand in and the nerves steady. When I first 

 began deer-stalking, my mentor endeavoured to 

 instil the following general rules in my mind, 

 and several years' subsequent experience has 

 proved to me that his theory is correct. Be on 

 your ground betimes in the morning; consult the 

 clouds, and keep well to the leeward, even if you 

 have to make a circuit of miles; be silent as the 

 grave; when you step on stones or dry leaves, etc., 

 tread as lightly as a ghost; keep under cover; 

 exercise extreme judgment in approaching your 

 game, which is a happy mixture of wary caution 



