CHAPTER IX. 



Stag Hunting. — Otter Hunting. 



In regard to Stag Hunting, upon which I intend to 

 make a few observations, it has gradually given way to 

 the increasing cultivation of the country ; and as the 

 object of pvu'suit has nearly ceased to exist in a state of 

 unlimited freedom, this noble and princely diversion has, 

 of course, in a great degree subsided. Some few wild 

 deer are still to be met with in Ireland ; in the Highlands 

 of Scotland, particularly in the neighbourhood of Blair 

 Athol, these beautiful animals are still to be found roam- 

 ing at large ; in some parts of Devonshire, wild deer 

 may be occasionally seen : but the mode in which the 

 pursuit of the stag is at present conducted in this coun- 

 try, (with very little, if any, exception) is by taking a 

 semi-domesticated deer in a cart to an appointed spot, 

 and turning him out before the hounds. Reasonable 

 law is allowed him ; nor is this all ; for, if the hounds 

 approach too near their game, they are stopped, and the 

 stag allowed to get ahead again. Sometimes the animal 

 is sulky, and will not run ; but supposing the contrary, 

 and the stag goes away in gallant style, the hounds would 

 soon run up to him, if they were not stopped : the stag 

 is very soon blown, and if not allowed to get second wind, 

 the business of course must be over in a few minutes. 

 However, by repeatedly stopping the hounds, the chase 

 is sometimes lengtlicned to several hours, and is thus, no 



