148 TOUR IN SUTHERLAND. CII. X. 



and are well clothed with long hair by the approach 

 of the winter. Although not coming to full maturity 

 for several years, the growth of young deer is very 

 rapid for the first six or eight months. Did they 

 not acquire strength rather quickly in proportion to 

 their after gi-owth, it would be impossible for them 

 to keep company with the hinds in their numerous 

 flights over mountainous and dangerous passes, im- 

 pelled onwards by the sight or scent of some enemy 

 real or imaginary. Eagles and foxes both make prey 

 of the newly-born calves ; though I am told that 

 the parent will defend her young courageously and 

 effectively against either of these enemies if she 

 happens to be at hand when they are attacked : her 

 manner of defence is by striking with her fore- 

 feet — a species of warfare in which the red-deer 

 hind is a most active enemy, and difficult to cope 

 with. I have seen one, wlum wounded and standing 

 in a burn, raise herself up and lash out with her 

 fore-feet (armed as they are with sharp and hard 

 hoofs) in a manner which made it a service of no 

 slight danger to approach her. Several times did a 

 hind in this manner strike at and knock under water 

 a dog of the most determined courage that I had 

 slipped at her ; and equally ready was she to kick 

 out with both her hind-legs at once, so that it was 

 by no means safe or easy to get at her ; till at last 



