66 STAG- HUNTING ON EXMOOR. 



year, and the total number of hunting days rose to 

 forty. 



The sport of 1869 was nothing out of the common, 

 but that of 1870 again eclipsed all previously recorded. 

 Eight stags were killed in as many consecutive days, 

 a thing almost unprecedented ; and the last stag of the 

 season took the hounds from Badgworthy Wood to the 

 hills above Ilfracombe, much farther to the westward 

 than had been known for many years. In thirty-six 

 hunting days twenty deer were taken, viz. twelve 

 stags and eight hinds, of which all but two hinds were 

 killed. 



Mr. Bisset's success was now complete. The country 

 was roused from its apathy, and all were loud in praise 

 of the master's perseverance and generosity. For some 

 time past it had been said that some recognition of his 

 services was due to him, and every one agreed that it 

 would be some slight return to present him with a testi- 

 monial of the general gratitude. For such matters, 

 however, there must be two consenting parties, the 

 donor and the recipient ; and Mr. Bisset went so far as 

 to hint that if the intending donors persisted on their 

 part, he, the intended recipient, would resign the 

 mastership. He had always, he said, set his face 

 against testimonials in general, and the present testi- 



