280 STAG-HUNTING 



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greatly promoted by the abolition since 1862 of 

 hind-hunting in May ; only barren hinds were sup- 

 posed to be hunted then, but mistakes were made : 

 and even if they were not hunted the want of quiet 

 must have been very prejudicial to the mothers of 

 the herd so short a time before the date at which 

 they dropped their calves an event that takes place 

 usually in the middle of June, though there are 

 authentic cases of calves being dropped in Septem- 

 ber, as also of twins. 



Such differences as exist in the times and seasons 

 between Scotland and Exmoor, and between Exmoor 

 and the Continent, are however easily accounted for by 

 the difference of climate and latitude : the habits and 

 nature of the red deer remain the same, and those who 

 seek his death whether with rifle or with hound, have 

 similar need of endurance and tenacity, and must be 

 familiar alike with his habits and his wiles. 



