Following the Deer. By William J. Long. (Ginn and Co.
4s. 6d. net.)—This is one of a class of books for the writing of which our relatives on the other side of the Atlantic have greater facilities than come in our way. The really wild creatures which the author of this volume observes and describes do not exist here, at least in the same fashion. All that Mr. Long tells us about himself and "Old Wally" would be impossible in this country. The book is not the less interesting on that account. It throws much light on the curious subject of changes in the habits of animals These are, in truth, just as capable of modification as our own. The protecting laws of the States have brought about a wonderful change in the management of the herds of deer. Their leader used to be an old doe, as being less selfish than the stag. Now the does are protected, and lose their caution. The stag, with his horn trophies, is the chief aim of the sportsman; and the stag, as having most to lose, is installed as leader vice the doe. This is a most interesting book.
Previous page
