THE STAG. 5 



holly and other plants, of which they are fond. As he 

 comes forth to bestow his favours, he makes a noise, 

 which in calm summer evenings may be heard resound- 

 ing through the woods, to call his scattered family 

 together. 



Retiring in the day to the shelter of the woods, they 

 feed generally at night, or in the morning ; reminding 

 us of the poet's words : 



" The day pours in apace, 

 And opens all the lawny prospect wide ; 

 The hazy woods, the mountain's misty top, 

 Swell in the sight; while o'er the forest glade 

 The wild deer trip ; and often turning, gaze 

 At early passengers." 



Men without guns, horses, or carriages, excite the 

 curiosity of the stag more than his fears. In passing 

 through a forest in August or September, however, if 

 we see one of these animals at a distance, it will be best 

 to avoid him, by turning to the right or left. If we 

 do not approach, he will not pursue. The oldest 

 foresters, it is said, do not remember an instance of 

 voluntary mischief done at any time by a stag. He 

 is soon sensible, however, of the advance of foes. 



" The an tiered monarch of the waste 

 Sprung from his heathery couch in haste ; 



