New Forest Deer A humanitarian plea, that has a certain
logic in it as well as sentiment, is to be raised on behalf of the deer in the New Forest. The place was originally, of course, a hunting- ground, especially for deer, which have flourished there con- tinuously through English history. Today, though parts of
the Forest retain some sense of wildness and much of their virgin beauty, the whole has become a popular resort. Tourists penetrate everywhere, and for this reason it is proposed by preservers of rural England to make a sanctuary of certain wide spaces. The humanitarians suggest that " sanctuary " is a satirical misnomer if stag-hunting is pet mined within it. A very large proportion of the community, not otherwise hostile to sport, has a dislike of stag-hunting, which has indeed given occasion for incidents that sportsmen themselves deplore. It would perhaps be wise as well as humane to enlarge the area where deer as well as other animals should feel them- selves secure. How quickly all creatures (from the lions in Kruger Park downwards) come to know the exact boundary of a sanctuary!
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