56 CERVID.E. 



wind, the extra caution they exhibit in avoiding proximity 

 to any covert under such circumstances, seems to argue 

 the contrary. 



" Creeping," or " still-hunting," which, except as 

 affected by the nature of the country, differs in no 

 respect from deer-stalking at home, may be followed 

 both in autumn and in winter; though the former is 

 certainly the pleasanter, and in some respects the better 

 season of the two. 



Few sports in the world, perhaps, more test the skill 

 of the hunter than Moose-creeping, and I have stalked 

 wildebeest and springbok on the plains of South Africa, 

 the Great Rusa on the Neilgherry Hills, and alligators in 

 Malabar (than which, not many animals more difficult of 

 approach are easily to be found, ) and therefore speak 

 advisedly. 



Shy and watchful as the deer, the Moose is even more 

 cautious and keen of scent, and the eye, though so 

 comparatively small, is extremely quick. The open 

 forest, too, while certainly affording some degree of 

 cover, adds difficulties unknown on the heather. Though 

 not perplexed by the shifting winds of mountain corries, 

 the hunter has to contend with the more dangerous 

 stillness of the forest atmosphere, and the echoing dis- 

 tinctness with which every sound is borne on the clear 

 air, and has to pick his hazardous path through clustering 



