DEER- STALKING. 47 



When the deer have selected their pass, should you be 

 within fair distance, with both barrels cocked, beware of 

 making the slightest motion, especially of the head, until 

 you mean to fire. Even when perfectly in view, if you lie 

 flat and don't move, the herd are almost sure to pass. 

 One or two hinds generally take the lead. The fine old 

 harts, if there are any in the herd, often come next, but 

 sometimes, if very fat and lazy, they lag in the rear. 

 When the first few hinds have fairly passed, the rest 

 are sure to follow, until their line is broken, and their 

 motions are quickened, by a double volley from the rifle. 



When stalking (September 1840) in Glenartney forest, 

 by the kind permission of the noble owner, I had as 

 fine a chance as man could wish spoiled by the scarcely 

 audible whimper of a dog. I was placed in a most 

 advantageous spot, within near distance of the pass. 

 Presently an old hind came picking her stately steps, 

 like a lady of the old school ushering her company to 

 the dining-room. Next her came a careless three-year-old 

 hart, looking very anxious to get forward, and perfectly 

 regardless of danger. All was now safe, I felt sure of 

 my shot ; when, horror of horrors ! a slight whimper was 

 heard. The old hind listened, halted, and then turned 

 short round upon the young hart, who instantly followed 

 her example, and the whole herd ran helter-skelter down 

 the hill. The unfortunate sound proceeded from one of 

 the forester's two colleys, the only dogs Lord Willoughby 

 allows in the forest ; they are kept for the purpose of 

 bringing to bay any deer badly wounded, and are never 



