CHAP, xxxn.] DEER-STALKING. 243 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



Autumn Day on the Mountain Stags and Hinds A Bivouac Death of 



the Stag. 



IN the same ratio that steam-boats, railways, coaches, and every 

 other kind of conveyance were crowded in the months of July 

 and August with men, dogs, and guns, all travelling northwards, 

 every road is now occupied by travellers to the south ; for the 

 cold blasts of the mountain, and the uncertain state of the 

 weather, in the Highlands, drive most of our English sportsmen 

 back again to the more solid comforts of their own homes. 

 Nevertheless, there is, perhaps, more variety of sport, and more 

 objects of interest to the hunter and naturalist, to be met with 

 during the autumn and winter months in the northern parts of 

 Scotland than during any other season of the year. And, as 

 for weather, after the first burst of the equinoctial winds and 

 rains, the climate is as good as in any part of Great Britain. 

 The fine clear bracing frosts of the autumn are nowhere to be 

 felt with greater enjoyment than on the mountains. It is not, 

 indeed, quite so desirable to bivouac out, " sub Jove frigido," in 

 the month of October or November, with no covering but a 

 plaid and a heap of .heather, as it is in July or August; still I 

 have done so, and been none the worse for it. 



Some years back I remember sleeping under a rock in the 

 beginning of October with much satisfaction, and no ill conse- 

 quences to myself. 



The red deer had just commenced what is called by the High- 

 landers roaring, t. e. uttering their loud cries of defiance to rival 

 stags, and of warning to their rival mistresses. 



There had been seen, and reported to me, a particularly large 

 and fine antlered stag, whose branching honours I wished to 

 transfer from the mountain side to the walls of my own hall. 

 Donald and myself accordingly, one fine morning, early in 



R 2 



