376 THE DEER OF AMERICA. 



season, in climbing the mountains in North New Mexico, I have 

 found white-tailed deer from the foot hills up the mountain side 

 to about 10,000 feet, and then seen no more deer till an elevation 

 of about 12,000 feet was reached, when the black-tailed deer ap- 

 peared, and were often seen above timber line. This was in the 

 summer. On the approach of winter, both species range lower." 



Altogether the Mule Deer does not afford as varied and exciting 

 sport as some of the other deer, still they are well worthy the pur- 

 suit of the sportsman, who is inspired by that peculiar spirit 

 which shrinks at no labor or fatigue, and finds a rich reward for 

 all hardships and discomforts in the excitement of the chase, and 

 the ecstasy which he experiences, when he sees such noble game 

 answering discharges of his rifle by falling in his tracks if stand- 

 ing, or by turning a high somersault and then tumbling to the 

 ground with a fearful crash, if on the run. There is a thrill of 

 joy at such a moment, only known to the sportsman, which per- 

 meates every nerve of the human system, and which is in excite- 

 ment far beyond the experiences of the sordid man, who spends 

 his time and thoughts, and laboi's day and night, to win more 

 gold or add a few more acres to his estate. I cannot explain it. 

 It is not that brutal, sanguinary joy which gladdens at the pain 

 it may inflict, or takes pleasure in the death of innocence ; for 

 the true sportsman will never take life for the mere pleasure of 

 killing, if he must leave his victim to rot upon the ground. He 

 must associate his triumph with the consideration of utility to 

 some one, no matter whom. It may as well be a total stranger 

 or a band of savages in whom he feels no interest beyond that of 

 common humanity. Immaterial to him who may be the benefic- 

 iary, so that his capture may be utilized, he enjoys his success 

 scarcely less when his own camp is well supplied than when the 

 gnawings of hunger stimulate his effort. 



There ai'e those no doubt who will slaughter for the mere love 

 of slaying and leave a multitude of carcasses to fester on the 

 plains ; but these are not sportsmen ; they are mere butchers, 

 and their proper place is in the abattoir, where they may satiate 

 their desire for blood without useless destruction and to a useful 

 purpose. 



CEEVTJS COLUMBIANUS. 



Although the range of the Columbia Black-tailed Deer is lim- 

 ited, its pursuit affords exciting sport. This deer avoids the 

 open country more than any of the other species, excepting the 



