124 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



which ufually lafts about three weeks, the Stag is fre- 

 quently feen by the fides of rivers and pools of water, 

 where he can quench his thirft, as well as cool his ar- 

 dour. — He fwims with great eafe and ftrength ; and, it 

 is faid, will even venture out to fea, allured by the 

 Hinds, and fwim from one ifland to another, though at 

 a confiderable diftance. 



The Hinds go with young eight months and a few 

 days ; and feldom produce more than one young, called 

 a Fawn. — They bring forth in May, or the beginning of 

 June; and conceal their young with great care in the 

 mod obfcure retreats. They will even expofe themfelves 

 to the fury of the hounds, and fufFer all the terrors of 

 the chafe, in order to draw off the dogs from their 

 hiding place. The Hind is alfo very bold in the protec- 

 tion of her offspring, and defends it with great courage 

 againft her numerous and rapacious enemies : The Wild 

 Cat, the Dog, and even the Wolf, are frequently obliged 

 to give way to her upon thefe occafions. But what ap- 

 pears to be ftrangely unnatural, the Stag himfelf is fre- 

 quently one of her moft dangerous foes ; and would de- 

 ftroy the Fawn, if not prevented by the maternal care of 

 the Hind, which carefully conceals the place of its re- 

 treat. 



The Fawn never quits the dam during the whole fum- 

 mer; and in winter, the Stags and Hinds of all ages 

 keep together in herds, which are more or lefs numerous, 

 according to the mildnefs or rigour of the feafon. They 

 feparate in the fpring : The Hinds retire, to bring forth \ 

 while none but the young ones remain together. 



Stags are gregarious, and fond of grazing in company ; 

 It is danger or neceffity alone that feparates them. 



The ufual colour of the Stag, in England, is red ; in 



