50 THE MOOR AND THE LOCH. 



But they were such dexterous swimmers, and doubled so well, 

 that they always escaped, until the thought of fixing a noose 

 to a pole suggested itself, by which simple device they were 

 soon secured. In a short time they became quite domesticated, 

 and would eat from the hand of their keeper. 



Another was caught many years ago, which my brothers 

 and I, when boys, begged to be allowed to tame. We used to 

 bring it leaves in great quantities, which it would eat from 

 our hands, always preferring those of the mountain-ash. The 

 confinement, however, did not agree with it; and, although 

 supplied with grass, clover, and everything we could think of, 

 it fell off in condition, and we were obliged to set it free. 



The roe has two young ones at a time, the most beautiful 

 little creatures possible. It is curious to see them, when 

 started, bound away with the greatest activity, though no 

 bigger than a cat. 



GLENFALLOCH ROES. 



" The roe, Captain Waverley, may be hunted at all times 

 alike ; for never being in what is called pride of grease, he 

 is also never out of season, though it be a truth that his 

 venison is not equal to that of either the red or fallow deer." 

 Such is the stately Baron of Bradwardine's verdict on roes 

 and their venison. And who would deny the conclusion 

 when arrived at from such premises ? If the roe is " never 

 out of season," and "may be hunted at all times," and is 

 never " in pride of grease," I fully agree with the Baron that 

 the vile trash which he calls " venison " is only fit for a 

 dog-kennel. But then the " if " there's the rub. I dispute 

 his premises in toto, and therefore deny his conclusion. The 

 roe may not be hunted at all times alike. The roe is out of 

 season the greater part of the year. Eoes are sometimes in 

 pride of grease, and when shot in this state are superior 

 venison to either red or fallow deer. 



