The Goto Donana 



49 



In thick forest or brushwood that limits the view it may be 

 advisable to sit with back towards the beat, relying on ears to 

 indicate the approach or movements of game. While sitting 

 thus, it will occur that you become aware of the arrival of an 

 animal, or of several animals, immediately behind you. The 

 natural inclination to look round is strong ; but 'twere folly 



SUSPICION 



to do so — fatal to success. This is the critical moment, when a 

 few seconds of rigid stillness will be rewarded by a shot in the 

 open. But that stillness must be statuesque, as of a stone god. 

 For piercing eyes are instantly studying each bush and bough, and 

 analysing at close quarters the least symptom of danger ahead. 



Should a good stag break fairly near, it is advisable to allow 

 it to pass well away before moving a muscle. For should the 

 game be prematurely alarmed — say by your missing exactly upon 

 the firing-line, or otherwise by its detecting your movement of 

 preparation — that stag will instantly bounce back again into the 



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