782 The Zoologist— June, 1867. 



noted (Zool. 9359) an instance in which the stomachs of two examples 

 which I examined contained quantities of Fungi of various sorts. I 

 am not aware whether this has been observed by others or not. 



Roe-deer usually spend the day in the thickest cover, coming out to 

 feed in the morning and evening, but of course this rule has its excep- 

 tions, and where protected and undisturbed they may be found abroad 

 at all times. But never perhaps does this most graceful deer look 

 more lovely than when he issues from the shade of the wood, just as 

 the setting sun is making the red pine-stems more ruddy with its glow, 

 his mate by his side and the snow-flecked fawns following timidly 

 behind : still he stands for a moment to reconnoitre, then, if all is 

 quiet, leads the way slowly and gracefully to some quiet meadow or 

 grassy glade, where the evening meal may be sought in safety ; but 

 if his quick eye, ear or nostril delects danger, away they go with a 

 strange bounding gallop, which, along with the conspicuous white 

 mark on the quarters, reminds one of the descriptions of the spring- 

 bok of South Africa. The roe-buck's speed is not very great, but its 

 leaps are often wonderful and very beautiful : I have repeatedly seen 

 one take a fence much higher than itself in its stride, and that without 

 any perceptible effort. Like most wild animals the roe seems to have 

 its regular pathways and haunts, and may constautly be seen at the 

 same place at a given hour. It seldom remains for any length of time 

 in an unwooded district; but, being a wandering creature, will cross a 

 large expanse of open country in the course of its migrations. Nor is 

 its way easily stopped by a river, or even lake, for it is a bold and 

 skilful swimmer, unfitted as its slender limbs and small hoofs would 

 seem for such a purpose : it frequents several of the islands of Loch 

 Lomond, and passes from mainland to isle of its own free will, even 

 when unpursued. Its voice is a short harsh bleat, which has been 

 compared to a bark. I have never heard of an authenticated instance 

 of the wild roe turning to bay, even when wounded, but tame ones 

 which have lost their natural fear of man are most dangerous pets, and 

 have even been knowu to inflict mortal wounds with their short sharp 

 horns. 



In Scotland roe are usually shot by driving the woods which they 

 frequent with beaters, the guns being posted in the favourite passes. 

 They are in good condition from September or October till March or 

 April, but the venison is not generally esteemed, being somewhat dry 

 and lean ; however, skilful cookery will work wonders with it. On the 

 Continent the same plan is followed in the German " treib-jagd," or 



