THE STAG.
The usual colour of the Stag, in England, is red; in other countries it is commonly brown or yellow. His eye is extremely beautiful, soft and sparkling: his hearing is quick; and his sense of smell very strong. When listening, he raises his head, erects his ears, and seems attentive to every noise, which he can hear at a great distance. When he approaches a thicket, he stops to look round him on all sides; if he perceives nothing to alarm him, he moves slowly forward; but on the least appearance of danger, he flies off with the rapidity of the wind. He appears to listen with great delight to the sound of the shepherd’s pipe, which is sometimes made use of to ensnare him to his destruction.
THE FALLOW DEER.
These animals live together in herds, which sometimes divide into two parties, and maintain obstinate battles for the possession of a favourite part of the park: each one having its leader, which is always the oldest and strongest of the flock. They attack in regular order of battle; they fight with courage, and mutually defend each other.
THE FALLOW DEER.
The chief difference between the Stag and the Fallow deer, seems to be in the size and form of their horns; the latter are much smaller than those of the former. The Fallow deer is easily tamed, feeds on a variety of things which the stag refuses, and preserves its condition nearly the same throughout the year, although its flesh, called venison, is considered much finer at particular seasons. We have in England two varieties of the Fallow deer, which are said to be of foreign origin: the beautiful spotted kind were brought from Bengal in India. These animals, with some variation, are found in almost every country of Europe. Those of Spain are as large as stags, but darker; their necks are also more slender; and their tails, which are longer than those of ours, are black above, and white beneath.