THE FALLOW DEER. 11 



mercifully does the great Creator adapt his creatures 

 to their various circumstances. 



The common fallow deer is generally to be met with 

 in a tame state. There are a few places where the en- 

 closures have in the course of time been broken down, 

 where they run at large, without food or shelter in win- 

 ter; and from thence they have occasionally strayed 

 into such neighbouring parts as are wild, extensive, and 

 wooded. On the continent, as in England, they are 

 generally kept in parks. In former times they were 

 royal property ; extensive forests or chases were allotted 

 to them alone, and property of all kinds was disre- 

 garded, to provide for their support and pursuit. As 

 civilization and agriculture advanced, their bounds were 

 curtailed, and, as always happens, the wild animals gave 

 way to culture. 



These creatures are gregarious ; and in parks the herd 

 sometimes divides, and repeated battles ensue for the 

 possession of a favourite spot. They prefer elevated 

 countries and hills. When hunted, they do not flee in 

 a direct line, but in a circle, and take to the water, but 

 without venturing, as the stag does, to swim broad 

 rivers. As an article of food, their venison, at least in 

 England, is far superior to that of other deer. Besides 

 the spotted variety, there is one of a dark brown colour, 



