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generally indicated by tbem. At six years old, tbat is, when the 
fifth, bead bas grown, it is said to possess a full bead; in tbe 
following years, and up to tbe end of its life, it is a Royal 
Stag. 
Tbe borns of tbe Stag are cylindrical, baying tbe branches, 
more or less in number, according to tbe age of tbe animal, ; 
pretty regularly distributed both to tbe right and left. How- 
ever, even when tbe ages are equal, tbe number of branches 
occasionally vary in Stags from tbe influence of circumstances. I 
When a Stag bas lived ten years, or thereabouts, tbe antlers 
flatten out and become more or less palmated, which throw out 
points resembling fingers. When these are arranged in a circular 
shape, tbe Stag is said to carry a round head. 
Tbe glance of tbe Stag is mild in its character. Its power of 
vision is indifferent, but its bearing is excellent, and its sense of 
smell very acute. Tbe wounds made with its borns are dangerous, 
being extremely difficult to cure. 
Stag-bunting, except perhaps in tbe opinion of fox-hunters, is 
considered tbe type of all pursuits of tbe chase. It bas been 
deemed for centuries tbe most noble of pleasures; and, as it | 
entails an enormous outlay, it bas always been tbe amuse- 
ment of tbe highest either in point of wealth or nobility. ; 
Stag-bunting is quite an art, which, like others, bas its special 
vocabulary. In tbe first place, it requires a large pack of jj 
Hounds, and a considerable number of attaches. Let us here I 
add a description bow this sport is followed in France. Tbe 
whole chase is directed by tbe huntsman, who ought to have I 
tbe most perfect and accurate knowledge of tbe habits of tbe i 
game — a faculty which can hardly be acquired, except by con- 
stant practice and long experience. Tbe huntsman examines j 
tbe track of tbe animal which bas been left in tbe soil, and 
ascertains both its form and size ; also tbe markings of its 
borns on tbe trees and bushes ; be scrutinises its lair, where it 
last laid down. From these and hosts of other observations tbat 
be can make, the enumeration of which would be uninteresting, 
a good huntsman can with certainty tell whether be bas un- 
kenneled a Fawn, a Brock, a young Stag, a Six-year-old, an 
aged Stag, or a Hind. 
Tbe animal being such as desired, tbe pack are taken up, 
