58 DEER-STALKING. 



to the stalkers; also with the prospect of this extra 

 time of sport in front of him, he would be more apt to 

 spare his four-year-old stags, and give them a chance 

 of filling out. 



In the two counties of Argyle and Inverness only, 

 and leaving Mr. Winans out of the calculation, there 

 are a dozen deer forests which let at a sum total of 

 25,000 ! an average of over 2000 a year each. 

 For practically two months' sport, a rental of 250 

 a week, or over 40 a day, is paid. This sum does 

 not include the attendant expenses, which in some 

 cases amount to very nearly as much again. If to 

 this be added the consideration, that out of the two 

 months a great number of days are wasted by bad 

 weather, it will be seen that deer-stalking on a large 

 scale is a most costly amusement ; therefore, if any 

 gentleman would try the suggestion I have ventured 

 to make as to hind shooting, and it was found a good 

 one, then the renters of forests would at least have 

 more sport for their money. Some of these dozen forests 

 have grouse shootings and salmon fishings also but 

 the bulk of the rent is paid for the stalking. In the 

 face of this large outlay, it is yet certain, that for those 

 who can afford the luxury it is money well spent. To 

 say nothing of the sport obtained, and the invigorating 

 life led, the two months passed on the hills leave 

 behind them a sound and healthy state of mind and 

 body with which to combat the cares and worries of the 

 remainder of the year, and as every one knows, even 

 the very richest cannot escape their share of these. In 

 the expenditure of such large sums there will also be 



