THE MANAGEMENT OF DEER FORESTS 105 



quented the ground where the close time began on the 

 earlier date, and that might have been secured by its 

 owner or his friends, are very likely destined to fall to 

 some rifle in the forest where the later date is adopted. 

 It is true that the quietness produced by a cessation 

 of shooting may to some extent counteract the effects 

 of a difference in the date when stalking is at an end ; 

 but that a sense of injustice is often felt, no one will, 

 I think, be disposed to deny. 



Still more blameworthy is the practice which too 

 often prevails on sheep ground where ' deer are oc- 

 casionally found.' The sporting rights on such places 

 are at the present day let for no inconsiderable rent, 

 and proximity to a regular forest increases the value 

 of the shooting. Unfortunately, it is seldom found 

 that the owner of the sheep ground makes provision 

 in the agreement that the tenant shall not kill stags 

 after a certain day, and the latter frequently goes on 

 blazing away at every stag that comes within reach of 

 his rifle long after the venison is quite unfit for food. 

 If remonstrated with, he replies that unless he shoots 

 stags after others have stopped, he cannot 'get his 

 number,' as during the earlier part of the season hardly 

 any stags are to be seen on his ground. This is no 

 answer at all ; for if his assertion is correct, it simply 

 follows that the ground is worth very little, and the 



