of the Old World. 13 







arid to run with his back bent almost double, and 

 at a pinch to wriggle himself along the ground, 

 venire ci terre, like an eel. He should be able to 

 wade or swim torrents, to keep his footing on slip- 

 pery water-worn stones, remembering, if he does 

 fall, to keep his rifle dry, whatever becomes of 

 his wretched carcass. He should never go 

 rashly to work, keeping always cool, wary, and 

 steady, never allowing any untoward circum- 

 stances to interfere with his equanimity and self- 

 possession. 



Before commencing operations, he should care- 

 fully survey his line of route, marking any cover 

 that inequalities in the ground, or bushes, rocks, 

 &c., might give. I need not add, that temperance 

 and moderation go a long way to keep the hand in 

 and the nerves steady. When I first began deer- 

 stalking, my Mentor endeavoure 1 to instil the fol- 

 lowing general rules in my mind, and several years 

 subsequent experience has proved .to me that his 

 theory is correct. Be on your ground betimes in 

 the morning ; consult the clouds, and keep well to the 

 leeward, even if you have to make a circuit of miles ; 

 be silent as the grave; when you step on stones or dry 

 leaves, fyc., tread as lightly as a ghost ; keep under 

 cover; exercise extreme judgment in approaching 

 your game, which is a happy mixture of wary caution 

 combined wit/i prompt decision find boldness of execu- 



