DEER-STALKING. 1 9 



favourable with only a light breeze, a knowing driver or two 

 will generally manage to send them up to the rifle. 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 do not 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 com- 

 pany to the dining-room. Next her came a careless three- 

 year-old hart, looking very anxious to get forward, and per- 

 fectly regardless of danger. All now was 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 un- 

 fortunate sound proceeded from one of the forester's two 

 collies, 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 slipped upon other occasions. 

 The marplot above alluded to was an old dog, and very good 

 for the purpose ; he had winded without seeing the deer 

 hence his mistake. 



Glenartney is a beautiful little forest, walled round by fine 

 green hills ; but the deer being too numerous for its extent, 



