102 WILD SjPORTS OK THE WEST. 



traversed the narrow track in single files, and were moving 

 rapidly down the mountain side to browse in the glen 

 beneath. 



When the leading stag discovered the startled peasant, 

 he halted, tossed his antlers wildly, and gave a loud 

 and peculiar neigh. The pause, though momentary, 

 permitted the rear to come up, and the herd were 

 clustered in a group. The panic lasted but an instant : 

 they turned round, and with amazing speed rushed 

 up the hill, regained the heights, and were lost in the 

 thick mist. Cormac could not reckon them accurately, 

 but imagined their number to be about sixteen. 



It is seldom, now, that the red deer are seen in herds. 

 Within late years they have diminished sadly, and 

 unless vigorous means are promptly adopted to prevent 

 their destruction by poachers, like their ancient enemy, 

 the rough Irish greyhound, they, too, will become 

 extinct. My cousin, when a boy, has often met forty 

 deer herded together ; but, from their decreased 

 numbers, one rarely sees now more than a few brace. 

 Since the French descent upon this coast in Ninety- 

 eight, their destruction has been rapid. Unfortunately, 

 many of the fire-arms then distributed among the 

 peasantry remain in their possession still, and in the 

 winter months, when the severity of the season forces 

 the deer to leave the hills and seek food and shelter 

 in the valleys, idle ruffians, too well acquainted with the 

 passes of the mountains, take that opportunity to 

 surprise and slaughter them. 



There are many circumstances connected with this 

 scarce and beautiful species that should render their 

 preservation a matter of national interest. They are the 

 last relic of other times ; and all besides of the once 



