232 FOEEST CEEATUEES. 



it mil often give you a welcome forewarning of what is 

 to come. I think I owe as much to my fine sense of 

 hearing as to my sharp sight. As was said, the very 

 slightest rustle possible is not to be disregarded. It 

 may be so gentle as to seem only as if a worm in gliding 

 had touched a dry leaf; or a beetle as it crept over the 

 ground. Heed it nevertheless, and be prepared. Have 

 your hand ready, and eyes, and more especially the ear, 

 more open than ever. Though a stag be so large an 

 animal, yet he will move in the densest thicket without 

 a sound more loud than that which I have just described. 

 How he manages, I know not : but he does so. 



And after such gentle motion, all will be quite still, 

 and it may be long before such scarce audible rustle 

 be heard again. No matter. Heed it nevertheless, I 

 say, and be prepared. You catch the sound once more, 

 and again all is still as death. Be equally still ; and, as 

 to moving, let nothing move but your eyes. Breathe 

 gently too ; as gently as possible. Look now ! There 

 he comes, as silently as a shadow, with outstretched 

 neck and horns flung back, from between the leaves 

 and branches. Wait one second ! And don't even move 

 your eyes now ! He steals forth like a fox, and as he 

 comes raises his head and stares round. Now then, be 

 quick and steady, and he is yours. In the wood you 

 cannot be too attentive. Strain your ears to catch the 

 faintest sound. To this attention alone I owe the best 



