ROEBUCK 



15 



avoid the marshy spots in the meadows, and sour and reedy grasses. Indeed, they 

 are at all times very particular in their choice of food, and pick out everywhere 

 only the best, seldom grazing long at the same place. If there is food in the 

 forest, they remain there the whole day, and only come out in the evening to 

 graze during the night in the neighbouring fields and meadows. 



1 







A KEMALE ROE AND HER FAWN. 



The old doe comes out first, as she has to provide for her fawn left in the 

 bushes : she never goes far from the edge of the forest, and is most watchful. 

 If an intruder, creeping quietly through the forest, touches with his foot a roe- 

 fawn hidden in the grass, causing it to utter a loud scream, the doe rushes 

 back as if possessed, uttering loud, long-drawn cries, and running round and 

 round the enemy in wide circles. At times she moves further away, and then 

 returns with drooping head stretched out, and eyes betraying the greatest anxiety. 

 Meanwhile the fawn has risen on its long, awkward legs, and follows its dam. 



