74 British Deer and their Horns 
we got to the Eagle Hill. On this were three stags and about twenty hinds, the property of 
a magnificent fellow carrying one of the best heads I have seen on Black Mount. For some 
time M c Coll thought he was just a bit too good to shoot, for the very best in this forest are 
generally left for stock purposes. Finding, however, that he was not Royal, my companion 
agreed to a shot—that is, if we got within shooting distance, which was not too likely, the 
Eagle Hill being one of those queer places where back eddies are carried down from almost 
any “ airt ” from which the wind is blowing. Luck is apparently entirely my way this 
week, so far at any rate. The big stag was very “ kittle,” frequently roaring and keeping 
THE HEAD STALKER, BLACK MOUNT, WITH PONY AND STAG 
his hinds moving before him along the hill-side in the direction of another corrie running 
at right angles, the entrance of which, if reached, would checkmate us. A quick, stiff climb 
and a dashing piece of stalking on the part of M‘Coll brought us in front of the herd only 
just in time, for I had hardly got into position when the first few hinds moved past ioo 
yards below us. They were very uneasy and highly suspicious, but fortunately did not stop ; 
and in another moment, to my joy, the big stag came slowly behind them and offered a 
fair broadside in the very spot where I should have wished him to stand. The bullet took 
him through the ribs, certainly a trifle too far back, but he gave in at once and rolled i 50 
yards down the hill, fortunately without hurting his horns. A really fine Highland stag in his 
prime; weight 16 stone 2 lbs., with a good wild head of 10 points, and good cups on the top. 
Home at 3 o’clock, in good humour with myself and all the rest of the world. 
