18 ERCHLESS AND FARLEY, 1916 



were so near, and he was lying broadside on and 

 I had a good view of his body. So I fired, and up 

 he sprang, and plunged headlong down to the 

 bottom of the ravine, where we found him stone 

 dead. His weight was only 13 stone 3 pounds 

 and a very poor head, but oh the joy of the first 

 stag after the agony of several misses on Farley. 

 Willie Mackintosh and the pony were soon up, and 

 we drank success to the new love, though we did not 

 mean to be off with the old. And here I may 

 mention how thoroughly I am in agreement with 

 authorities on the subject, such as Lord Lovat, 

 Cameron of Lochiel, and Augustus Grimble, about 

 not waiting for a stag to get up, but to take him 

 lying if he offers anything of a shot ; plenty of time 

 for your shot at a poor target is far more important 

 in my humble opinion than a hurried shot at a 

 good target. In stalking it is the hurry that 

 misses as well as the pace that kills. 



And perhaps this is also the place to say a few 

 words about Thomas Fraser. I wish I had stalked 

 all my life and in many forests, so that I might 

 have vastly more experience for the sake of com- 

 parison; but I know an artist when I see one, 

 whether he is a R/embrandt, or a Rodin, or a 

 Rubinstein, or a Ranji, and if ever there was an 

 artist in his profession or pursuit, Fraser is one. 

 Once he spies a stag it has a very poor chance if 

 his gentleman makes no mistake; with his infinite 

 patience and slow, stealthy step, he gives you 



