Transporting Deer 9 1 



have neglected to water them, since, as soon as they were turned 



f 



out, although they all ran off in a great fright, each suddenly pulled 

 up and went up to its middle in a pool of w r ater, where it drank 

 for a long time. 



One of the causes of the mortality amongst deer sent by rail 

 in crates is that the animals get very heated while being caught 

 and put in the boxes, and then stand about in cold draughty places 

 in the crates, and so get chilled. A deer ought to be thoroughly 

 cooled off before being crated, and if it can possibly be avoided, 

 should not be sent in cold, windy weather. 



It is also very bad to let them stand in their crates without 

 shelter in the sun. 



Each deer should be crated separately, as otherwise they trample 

 on and hurt each other ; and if a man does not travel with them, 

 some arrangement should be made with the railway authorities to 

 feed and water them on the journey, and to let the consignee know 

 at once when they arrive, instead of letting them stand about in 

 draughts or cold, as is too frequently the practice. It is also 

 important that " Live animal " should be painted in the language of 

 the country to which they are going, in big letters on every side 

 of the crate, as, unless this is done, other objects may be packed 

 on top and smother the deer. 



When deer arrive at your park, do not turn them out at dusk 

 in a place where there is a wire fence, as they may make a rush 

 into it without seeing it, and thus injure themselves. I try if 

 possible to turn them out near a small group of their own species, 

 so that they may join them. This keeps them from rushing about, 

 and thus prevents one great clanger, as if they take to tearing off 



