49 



THE STAG. 



Cemis elaphiis. Linn. 

 PART FIRST. 



There is no habitant of our European forests so stately 

 as the stag. His presence is majestic, and to behold 

 him has given delight and been a cause for gladness 

 from remotest time. And, because of his noble bearing 

 and of the pleasure whicii kings and princes, and knights 

 and ladies had in his pursuit, it was ordained that no 

 ignoble hand should presume to wage war against him ; 

 such being a privilege reserved for the high and lordly 

 only. And this, and his imposing mien, caused men in 

 those lands where the forests were most thickly peopled 

 with his race, to give him the distinguishing title of 

 the " noble " stag : Grerman Edel-hirsch, And a noble 

 animal he is, and well deserves the high pre-eminence. 

 And let the attendant circumstances be what they may, 

 a thrill is felt when his form is suddenly caught sight of, 

 moving through his woodland domain. Whether you 

 are prepared for his approach, or whether he at once 



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