228 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



stalking, and proves the severest test of the qualifi- 

 cations of a hunter ; for not only are these animals 

 exceedingly shy and watchful, but they are also 

 gifted with remarkably keen sight, and their senses 

 of smelling and hearing are developed to an extra- 

 ordinary degree. From the almost inaccessible na- 

 ture of the ground on which they are found, he who 

 would take their spoils should be endued with great 

 strength, perseverance, and endurance, besides which 

 be must have the agility of a mountaineer and a 

 steady head, or he can never follow up his game to 

 their haunts along narrow ledges of scarped rocks 

 and beetling heights, where a false step or a mo-- 

 ment's giddiness would entail certain destruction. 

 There can be no doubt but that intense excitement 

 takes away all dread of danger, for I have seen it 

 exemplified many times, not only on the hunting- 

 ground but also on the field of battle. The same 

 spirit which animates a " dare devil" in the front 

 rank of the hunting-field at home accompanies him 

 in the van of the fight abroad, and in both cases, if 

 his career is not stopped by " a fall," he will be 

 found " well in at the death." An ardent hunter, 

 like a daring soldier, possesses a mental energy 

 superior to all thought of peril ; for, seeking only 

 the attainment of his purpose, he pursues his course 

 with that dogged stubbornness, inflexibility of pur- 

 pose, and recklessness of self-preservation that make 

 him invincible and ensure success in the end. In 

 my opinion, the greatest compliment the British 



