I saw
myself one of the yeoman-prickers single out a stag from the herd,
and must confess that it was the most curious feat of activity I ever
beheld, superior to anything in Mr. Astley's riding-school. The
exertions made by the horse and deer much exceeded all my
expectations; though the former greatly excelled the latter in speed.
When the devoted deer was separated from his companions, they
gave him, by their watches, law, as they called it, for twenty
minutes; when, sounding their horns, the stop-dogs were permitted
to pursue, and a most gallant scene ensued.
Letter VII
To Thomas Pennant, Esquire
Though large herds of deer do much harm to the neighbourhood,
yet the injury to the morals of the people is of more moment than
the loss of their crops. The temptation is irresistible; for most men
are sportsmen by constitution: and there is such an inherent spirit
for hunting in human nature, as scarce any inhibitions can restrain.
Hence, towards the beginning of this century, all this country was
wild about deer-stealing.
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