THE DEERSTALKER 235 



as blades of waving grass or heather being in front of 

 the foresight. Now, to avoid these, the rifle must be 

 raised to clear them, with the result that it is then found 

 difficult to secure a good rest. To overcome this diffi- 

 culty, if the ground is suitable, lie face downwards in 

 front of your " gentleman," and give him your shoulders 

 as an excellent rest to shoot from. It will, of course, be 

 necessary to gradually raise or lower yourself until he 

 gets the right height. A short stick is also very handy 

 to shoot from if used carefully, but, of course, you run 

 the risk of its being " taken up " by the deer. Another 

 point I would advise all stalkers to be most careful of, 

 and that is, having got their " gentleman " safely up to 

 the last shooting-point, be sure that he takes the right 

 stag. I have often seen terrible disappointment by his 

 taking the wrong one. Nor is it always the sportsman's 

 fault. Perhaps for over an hour he has been crawling 

 behind the stalker, his nose glued to the latter's boots, 

 and has never had a chance of looking at the deer he is 

 stalking, till the last hurried moment before firing ; and 

 it is not always so easy to pick out the best stag amongst 

 a big lot, wildly scattered, unless there is something 

 very distinctive about his head or body. Now, the 

 " gentleman " having taken his shot, and you have seen 

 that the stag has got it in the right place and is lying 

 dead on the hillside, it is best to remain still for a minute 

 or so, as the herd of deer are much more likely to settle 

 again soon, and not go over the march, than if you 

 rushed in before they are out of sight. 



