THE GUN AT HOME AND ABROAD 
experienced was loading the stag on to the pony, as the brute would not 
stand, even with a coat over its head. 
THE MANAGEMENT OF DEER FORESTS. 
If the ground is not naturally good grazing, and a large stock of deer 
is kept, it is very important that spring and winter feeding should be 
abundant. Artificial feeding is not to be recommended, but once it is re- 
sorted to it must be continued, and there are many instances of forests, 
especially on cold and exposed ground, which have simply been kept 
together by means of artificial feeding. Provender can be carried to suit- 
able spots near roads where the deer soon find it. In some Highland forests 
they follow the cart, and pick up every bean and grain of Indian corn that 
falls from a sack. 
A deer forest should never be fenced in all round, as it is sure to deterior- 
ate the stock, from having no change of blood; it also lowers the interest 
in the sport. It is often found necessary, however, to place a high deer 
fence round large woods and the grounds of the home policies. 
The forests should be divided into beats of suitable size, with the sanc- 
tuary as near the centre as possible. 
A tenant who has the reputation of keeping his deer without fencing, 
perhaps better than any other in Scotland, tells me that he has always 
gone on the principle of working the outsides and keeping the centre quiet. 
The deer, when shot at, always move inwards, no matter what the wind 
is. The sanctuary should be of such a size that it can hold a large number 
of deer, have shelter from all winds, and contain good feeding ground. 
Once formed, it should not be disturbed, unless in very exceptional 
circumstances, and even then only in a wind which will not take deer 
right off the ground. Deer, of course, learn to know the sanctuary as their 
home, and abide by it in an exasperating manner in backward seasons, 
so much so that we are inclined to hate it, but in saner moments we can 
see that it is the goose which lays the golden eggs and gives us our sport. 
If there were no sanctuaries there would be no chance for any growing deer 
of promise, for they would certainly be killed early in the season, on what- 
ever beat they made their appearance. 
It should be the business of the head stalker and his assistants to find 
out what is in the sanctuary, without disturbing it, so that when the 
“ break-out ” comes they may know what ought to be shot or spared. 
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