30 THE RED DEER. 



they reunite by signalling their whereabouts to 

 one another in the same manner. 



THE YOUNG. 



Barren hinds are called Yell or Yeld Hinds. 

 They come into season when the harts go out, 

 and are better eating. They can be distinguished 

 from the breeding hinds by their sleek and compact 

 figures ; though, as a matter of fact, even the most 

 experienced hunters are subject to error in their 

 selection, and it is generally unwise to shoot at 

 a supposed yeld unless one's opinion as to her 

 class is backed by a gillie or one's host. 



Generally the fawn is dropped in deep heather, 

 and left hidden till evening, when the hind, having 

 assured herself that all is tranquil, goes by devious 

 ways to feed it. Though apparently she leaves 

 it all day, she is never far away, and should the 

 little one utter a cry of distress she at once appears, 

 wide-eyed and stamping, prepared to fight valiantly 

 in its defence. Her attack, too, is very formidable, 

 for she can use her sharp forehoofs with deadly 

 effect ; and woe betide the wild-cat or prowling 

 dog that falls foul of her defensive 1 



The young are born with an instinctive faith 

 in their protective colouring. The mother makes 

 her fawn lie down by pushing it with her nose 

 and patting it with her forehoofs; and when she 

 has left it, it will not stir on the approach of 

 danger until actually touched. It is then up in 

 an instant with a bleating cry to its mother. 

 When crouching, it lies with its neck stretched 

 out, its head upon the ground, and only its bright 

 eyes are likely to attract notice. 



A very young fawn does not recognise danger. 

 It has to be taught by its mother the fear of man. 



