256 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



Thinking that they would be a valuable addition to 

 Lord Sligo's park, my kinsman determined to have them 

 captured, and the following Sunday was appointed for 

 the attempt. This day was selected, because the 

 number of persons collected at the chapel would materially 

 assist the execution of the plan. 



The day came, and the whole population of the parish 

 was employed. The place was surrounded by a mul- 

 titude of people, who gradually reduced their circle 

 until the deer and fawn were completely enclosed, 

 and a cordon of living beings was formed, two deep, 

 around them. The hind had remarked the preparations, 

 and more than once attempted an escape ; but, embar- 

 rassed by the fawn, her efforts were abortive. She 

 appeared determined to share its fate, and affection was 

 paramount to timidity. At last, when totally surrounded, 

 her courage and address were almost incredible. She 

 eyed the circle attentively, made a sharp, peculiar noise, 

 as if to warn her offspring of its danger, then, charging 

 the ranks where they appeared weakest, bounded over 

 the heads of her opposers and escaped. The confusion 

 occasioned by this extraordinary proceeding favoured 

 the deliverance of the fawn, who, profiting by the 

 accident, galloped off unhurt, and, with the dam, suc- 

 ceeded in regaining their native wilds. 



The whole of the dramatis personce, with the exception 

 of the otter-killer and myself, have gone off to fish some 

 three or four lakes, situate in a hollow in the mountains, 

 and which are said to be remarkable for the number 

 and flavour of their trout. I have been prevented by 

 an accident from accompanying the party ; and though 

 my wound be " not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a 

 church-door," it still renders me hors-de-combat. I 



