CHAP. XXXII.] DEER-STALKING. 243 
CHAPTER XXXII. 
Autumn Day on the Mountain—Stags and Hinds—A Bivouac—Death of 
the Stag. 
In the same ratio that steam-boats, railways, coaches, and every 
other kind of conveyance were crowded in the months of July 
and August with men, dogs, and guns, all travelling northwards, 
every road is now occupied by travellers to the south; for the 
cold blasts of the mountain, and the uncertain state of the 
weather, in the Highlands, drive most of our English sportsmen 
back again to the more solid comforts of their own homes. 
Nevertheless, there is, perhaps, more variety of sport, and more 
objects of interest to the hunter and naturalist, to be met with 
during the autumn and winter months in the northern parts of 
Scotland than during any other season of the year.. And, as 
for weather, after the first burst of the equinoctial winds and 
rains, the climate is as good as in any part of Great Britaim 
The fine clear bracing frosts of the autumn are nowhere to be 
felt with greater enjoyment than on the mountains. It is not, 
indeed, quite so desirable to bivouac out, “‘ sub Jove frigido,” in 
the month of October or November, with no covering but a 
plaid and a heap of heather, as itis in July or August; still I 
have done so, and been none the worse for it. 
Some years back I remember sleeping under a rock in the 
beginning of October with much satisfaction, and no ill conse- 
quences to myself. 
The red deer had just commenced what is called by the High- 
landers roaring, ¢. e. uttering their loud cries of defiance to rival 
stags, and of warning to their rival mistresses. 
There had been seen, and reported to me, a particularly Jarge 
and fine antlered stag, whose branching honours I wished to 
transfer from the mountain side to the walls of my own hall. 
Donald and myself accordingly, one fine morning, early in 
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