TRACKING DOGS AND TRACKING 401 



assistance life becomes a burthen when following after 

 wounded deer. The best I ever had were collies, 

 although I have used some very good deer-hounds. 

 The best cross of all is that of collie, retriever, and 

 bloodhound ; but a good-nosed collie of a brown 

 colour (not black) is invaluable, and I have used such 

 a dog successfully on the track of a wounded deer on a 

 two days' old scent. 



Donald McLeay, the keeper at Rhidoroch, had one 

 of these old-fashioned collies, which was capable of 

 taking up a track of a day old. The breed is now 

 getting scarce, and is, of course, worth any money ; 

 and the only person likely to be able to supply such a 

 dog, in case any of my readers might require one, is 

 McLeay, who now lives at Ullapool. If a deer which 

 is badly wounded is lost, and no tracker is available 

 the first day, it is often impossible to find him again 

 until he is rotten ; for they hide in holes and places 

 that would seem too small to hold even a roe-deer. 

 The stalker should never be without a dog of his own, 

 and never trust to luck. 



When stalking, it is necessary to restrict one's self 

 to a slow pace, as otherwise deer may not be observed, 

 and numerous mishaps may occur if the stalker is seen 

 by them first. Nothing pays better than careful and 

 slow stalking, and constant spying on any forest, 

 whether the ground be rough or easily visible with 

 the glass. 



I most strongly advise my readers never to go near 

 to a wounded stag, but rather to give him a second 

 barrel at all costs, even if deer are near. To give an 

 instance of how much danger may be incurred by dis- 

 regarding this caution, I may mention the case of the 



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