THE STAG. 87 



points ratlier blunted by use and battles. In a very 

 old stag the extremities of the antler will probably not 

 be fully developed. The hoofs, also, will be blunted at 

 the points and have grown broad, and their rim less 

 sharp. His eyes are dim, and just above them is a 

 sunken hollow. Nor will his steps leave on the ground 

 an impression in high relief; the slot will not show a 

 rounded ball-like form, as of yore ; for the hoof is no 

 longer vaulted inside, but has groA\Ta flat. His teeth will 

 be loose, and, in short all those unmistakable signs of 

 natural decay will he manifest in his appearance, which 

 are but too painfully evident in sinking humanity. 



Eed deer are particularly fond of salt ; a taste, indeed, 

 which they have in common with most animals. By 

 making therefore artificial salt-licks in the woods, the 

 game ma}^ be attracted thither in great numbers. It is 

 recorded that in 1526 the first salt-lick was made in the 

 woods near Darmstadt by the then reigning Landgrave. 

 Troops of deer, 200 in number, resorted at times to the 

 spot. On this account it was forbidden to have or to 

 prepare any such in the forests ; this right being held 

 an especial privilege of the sovereign. But that there 

 might be no misunderstanding on the matter, it was 

 some years later promulgated as a laiu, and a hundred 

 gold florins was the fine imposed on the delinquent. 

 Indeed, one cannot but wonder how, despite all passion 

 for the chase, men could think of demanding from 



G 4 



