RESTRICTIONS IN FOOD. 117 



man's man begins to betray a want of fixed purpose and 

 resolution ; it does, as it were, vibrate considerably. Under 

 these circumstances the balls are apt to take many unto- 

 ward directions, such as are wholly unlocked for, and not 

 fitted to maintain his reputation. Very wanton courses 

 they will sometimes take, dabbing into a bog, or smacking 

 against a stone ; the deer all the while scampering and gal- 

 loping away, freedom in their air, and independence in their 

 heels ! Already they have broken out of your cast now 

 they vanish over the hill and by the direction they are 

 taking, it grieves me to say that you are not likely to see 

 them again this blessed day. 



Having thus somewhat stinted my rifleman in his pota- 

 tions, it may possibly be inferred that I allow him to make 

 up for such abstinence in the article of substantial food. 

 This is a great mistake ; I permit him to do no such thing ; 

 and most particularly do I restrict him at breakfast. 



Should a deer-stalker eat and stuff? should he pamper 

 the inward man ? Shade of Abernethy forbid ! He should 

 go forth lank and lean like a greyhound; the most that can 

 be permitted him is a few cups of coffee, a moderate allow- 

 ance of fine flowery pekoe, some venison pasty, mutton-chops 

 (both are easy of digestion), a broiled grouse, of course, hot 

 rolls, dry toast, and household bread, with a few grapes to 

 cool him. Peaches and nectarines may be put in his pocket, 

 because, as he will be sure to sit upon them, they will do 

 him no earthly harm, but rather confer a benefit by moisten- 

 ing the outward man. But here I must stop : at this point 

 the muzzle must positively be put on ; for would you have 

 me fill my man with Findon haddocks, and all the trashy 

 and unprofitable varieties of marmalade : red, green, and 

 yellow ? What a proposition ! Oh, no ; I say again in no 

 manner, and by no means will I let him gormandise. After 

 the slender fare above mentioned, he will bound along like 

 a Grimaldi ; and let me see a hearty eater that has the 

 least chauce with him. 



Can a man with a full st< mach dash up Ben Derig ? 

 Vain hope ! He would sink down gently in the first bog ; 

 nought save his head appearing above the surface; and the 



