328 ANIMALS OF THE 



in quest of the female, nor does it attack other 

 animals with indiscriminate ferocity ; however, 

 the males combat for the female among each 

 other, and it is not without many contests, that 

 one buck is seen to become master of the whole 

 herd. 



It often happens, also, that a herd of fallow- 

 deer is seen to divide into two parties, and engage 

 each other with great ardour and obstinacy.* 

 They both seem desirous of gaining some favourite 

 spot of the park for pasture, and of driving the 

 vanquished party into the coarser and more dis- 

 agreeable parts. Each of these factions has its 

 particular chief; namely, the two oldest and 

 strongest of the herd. These lead on to the 

 engagement, and the rest follow under their 

 direction. These combats are singular enough, 

 from the disposition and conduct which seem to 

 regulate their mutual efforts. They attack with 

 order, and support the assault with courage ; they 

 come to each other's assistance, they retire, they 

 rally, and never give up the victory upon a single 

 defeat. The combat is renewed for several days 

 together ; until at length the most feeble side is 

 obliged to give way, and is content to escape to 

 the most disagreeable part of the park, where only 

 they can find safety and protection. 



The fallow-deer is easily tamed, and feeds upon 

 many things which the stag refuses. By this 

 means it preserves its venison better ; and even 

 after rutting it does not appear entirely exhausted. 



* Bufibn, vol. xii. p. 36. 



