224 STAG-HUNTING 



author explains at length, adding illustrations, how 

 they vary at certain seasons, and in deer of different 

 ages. As he admits at the same time that they are not 

 a sign on which reliance can be placed except in the 

 summer months, and not a great deal of reliance 

 then, it is curious that so much importance was 

 attached to them : but the harbourer was expected to 

 bring back a specimen with him in the bell of his 

 horn, which was presented before anything was 

 done for the inspection and approval of the king or 

 master of the hunt. There is a quaint picture of this 

 ceremony. The king is sitting by himself at table 

 in a fur gown : a gentleman booted, spurred, and 

 accoutred with sword and horn, displays the precious 

 offering on bended knee. Behind him stands the 

 harbourer with his lymer, grinning all over his face as 

 he explains where and how he had found the fewmet, 

 while the courtiers with uplifted hands are evidently 

 saying, ' Now is not that a dainty dish to set before 

 the king ? ' 



The Comte de Canteleu gives little value to this 

 sign, except as a possible indication that there is a 

 good stag somewhere in the district ; and I expect 

 that is about all it is useful for. 



The ' fraying stock ' is any tree against which the 

 stags have frayed or rubbed their horns to rid them 



