222 FOREST CREATURES. 



lasting regret. He who can recur with indifference to 

 an opportunity when, but for some fault of his own, he 

 might have brought down a famous stag, is, I say, no 

 true lover of the " noble art." His heart is not in the 

 matter, and it is a pity that such one should carry a 

 rifle at all. With indifference he will never make 

 much progress in woodcraft. WTien one who knows 

 how to appreciate his good fortune is so happy as to 

 slay a splendid stag, or some sturdy chamois buck, I 

 can rejoice with him and share in his exultation, well 

 knowing how great is the delight. But when, by mere 

 chance, such prize falls to the share of some cold, im- 

 movable person who is as little excited by it as by the 

 commonest circumstance, I own I begrudge him his 

 success ; begrudge it him sincerely and heartily. 



Experience is the only thing that cannot be obtained 

 otherwise than by buying it, and generally we find it 

 more or less dear. I am aware that no lesson can be 

 so good, or effectual, or will remain so indelibly im- 

 pressed on the memory, as one learned through such 

 medium. And the knowledge thus acquired in the 

 chase we heed carefully, because it concerns ourselves 

 in particular, and it is we who are specially and at once 

 affected by our neglect of it. But though this teacher 

 is, undoubtedly, by far the best, a hint or two before- 

 hand may enable us all the sooner to derive profit from 

 his lessons, hereafter to be received. 



