328 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



was better, doubtless we wou*d have given up. 

 However, as we were in the vicinity of our ponies, 

 we determined to continue the pursuit on horseback, 

 hoping to get a view, in crossing some opening, 

 where we could give the buck a run of a few minutes, 

 with the expectation that a sharper gait might 

 break him down ; but luck continued adverse. Time 

 was rapidly gliding by, a few hours more would bring 

 on night, and, as far as we could see, the pros- 

 pect of a termination was as distant as ever. Want 

 of success or fatigue made us careless, and as we 

 slowly wended our unthankful way first one in front, 

 then the other, unsportsmanlike on such occasions, 

 talking aloud, deploring our misfortune, and paying 

 but little attention to the surroundings my pony (for 

 I was in front) suddenly shied, turning almost com- 

 pletely round, and at the same time bringing me 

 excessively near getting a spill. And what do you 

 imagine was the cause -of this want of propriety in so 

 experienced a steed ? Simply this : the deer had lain 

 down, and we had almost ridden over him. To wheel 

 round and try to bring my gun to bear was the work 

 of a few seconds, but all my exertions and rapidity of 

 motion were thrown away. The pony would not stand 

 still ; he had evidently been frightened, or perhaps 

 still in ignorance of what caused the alarm. 



