THE DEERSTALKER 237 



exaggerating when I say that, as a rule, there is more 

 jealousy, more rivalry, and more cool feelings (may I use 

 the words ?) among neighbours on deer forests than in 

 any other locality. I find it exists not only among the 

 owners, but among the stalkers and the gillies, and this 

 jealousy is as infectious as the grouse disease itself. 

 Again, Mr. Stalker, I offer my humble advice. If it be 

 possible, do all in your power to keep friendly with your 

 neighbouring forests and foresters. I am sure it will 

 pay you best in the long-run, for, in many ways and 

 particularly in adverse winds, your neighbour can do 

 incalculable damage to your sport. 



Now we will jump from the neighbouring forests to 

 your glass not the glass of Glenlwet, but to your tele- 

 scope to my mind by far the greatest friend a deer- 

 stalker has got, for, when it fails, you may as well " put 

 up the shutters." It is the one great pull you have over 

 the deer, as you are able to pick them up long before 

 they, even with their keen eyes, can detect you. Now, 

 you cannot be too careful of this said glass. In very 

 bad weather it is very apt to get fogged and be quite 

 useless until taken to pieces and dried. Remember, then, 

 when your glass is " bunged up," you are badly handi- 

 capped, and, to my mind, you lose half the pleasure of 

 stalking. If it is a very wet day, use your glass as little 

 as possible. A good plan for you and your " gentleman" 

 is to take it in turns to spy, so that, if one glass gets 

 out of order, you have the other to fall back upon. 

 Always take your glasses to pieces every night and have 



