The Roaring of the Stags 



is a comparatively rare event in the hill country — but two 

 instances came to my knowledge. 

 V In one, after a fierce struggle, the weaker of the two stags 

 *was forced to the ground, where he lay on his side, quite 

 motionless, throughout the day. It was thought that he was 

 dead, but a cIo.^»^r examination showed that he was still breath- 

 ing, though incapable of movement, and during the following 

 night he disappeared. In the second instance the defeated 

 stag was found shortly after he had met his death. The body 

 was quite warm, and in the side, just by the shoulder, were 

 the wounds caused by the antlers of the opposing stag. 



I was once watching some stags, with a few hinds among 

 them, on a grassy hill face. Restless movements among the 

 herd were frequent, and during one of these a small stag 

 was pursued by a comparatively heavy beast. The young- 

 ster ran off without having seen his pursuer, and after trotting 

 a few yards turned aggressively, thinking his opponent was 

 another of his class. His start of surprise and change of 

 tactics as he saw the form of the big stag making for him 

 were laughable, and he disappeared over the ridge at his 

 greatest speed. 



All through October much restlessness prevails in the 

 forest, but by mid-November the roaring of the stags is 

 lessening and quiet is settling down once more on the hills 

 and glens. Gradually the stags and hinds separate, each sex 

 keeping to its own particular part of the forest until autumn 

 again fills their minds with unrest and calls them to the 

 big glen. 



145 



