96 THE COMMON AMErjCAN DEEE. 



who love fair sport is still-hunting, although a great 

 deal of practice is requisite before much success can be 

 looked for. The keen eyes of the still-hunter should 

 scrutinise every sign, however minute or trifling ; he 

 should mark where the dew has been swept from the 

 weeds and bushes ; should note broken twigs where 

 the deer in passing has nipped the tender bud, and 

 the sharply otltlined hoof-tracks in the soft ground. 

 Crushed and trampled-down grass, and moss chipped 

 from the trunk of a fallen tree, should be examined with 

 the greatest attention; and he whose quick e^^e soonest 

 detects these signs, and whose knowledge of the habits 

 of the animal enable him to interpret them aright, 

 will alwaj^s be the best hunter. 



The dress of the still-hunter should be in sympathy 

 with the general tint of the forests in which he seeks 

 his game. In spring, when the trees put forth their 

 young and delicate leaves, green will be the most suit- 

 able colour ; but in autumn, when the foliage changes 

 its hue, and withered leaves are plentifully scattered 

 amongst the brown trunks, he must assume a vesture 

 of greyish-brown. Thus attired, and with the exercise 

 of a proper caution, the hunter may move amongst the 

 dead tree-stumps and rotting logs without attracting 

 the attention of the quick-eared game. 



He should move slowly and silently as a shadow ; his 

 eyes should be everywhere ; he should avoid treading on 

 a dry stick, as its slightest snapping would betray him 



