HINTS. 243 



it, it is rather difficult and dangerous work, at least 

 single-handed. 



In stalking you should have your eye every luhere and 

 at once. You must see what is beside you, what is in 

 front, and the ground also on which you are going to 

 plant your foot at the next step. And this last is re- 

 quisite in order to avoid striking against a stone, or 

 slipping, or breaking a dead branch as you tread. But 

 there are moments when your eye is fixed on one object 

 in front, and you dare not lose sight of it for an instant. 

 So you cannot look to see where to step. However, do not, 

 particularly in coming down hill, put out the front 

 part of your foot gropingly, so as to step on your toes, 

 as you not unnaturally might .do in order to be as quiet 

 as possible ; but rather, tvith toes 'pointed itpivard, come 

 doivn on your heel. This has several advantages : they 

 are these. With one foot thus heel-planted you stand 

 much more firmly, much more steadily, than on your 

 toes. With foot outstretched and pointed downwards 

 seeking a resting-place you have much less command 

 over yourself; for in this position all the muscles of 

 the leg and thigh are not braced, but flaccid : whilst 

 with heel stuck downwards they all are braced and firm. 

 It is the same thing when on horseback. With toes 

 pointed downward you have no hold whatever, 3^ou 

 balance yourself merely : with your toes up and your 

 heels down you sit as firmly as a rock. Again, the 



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