Recreations in natural history; or, popular sketches of British quadrupeds: describing their nature, habits, and dispositions, and interspersed with original anecdotes / Embellished with numerous engravings and wood cuts, from portraits of living animals, painted by the first masters.

Date:
1815
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Recreations in natural history; or, popular sketches of British quadrupeds: describing their nature, habits, and dispositions, and interspersed with original anecdotes / Embellished with numerous engravings and wood cuts, from portraits of living animals, painted by the first masters. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the trees, and every other opposing ol^ject; and continue' rest¬ less and fierce till they have found the hinds. In general the stag is a harmless, inoffensive animal; but at this season, when engaged in his seraglio, he may be heard roaring and bellowing about the forest, meditating revenge on his rival, whom he meets head to head, and foot to foot. While he is able with his antlers to parry the attack, he stands his ground; and if he happen to be of equal prowess with his rival, the conflict is obstinate. But a weak adversary soon feels the strength of his opponent. He cannot resist his push. His flanks give way; and he is presently driven off the fieldh On these occasions, the old stags are generally the most Successful, as they possess a greater degree of strength and courage than the young ones. This period lasts for about three weeks^ during which time the stag scarcely either eats, sleeps, or rests; and at the end of this season, the creature, which was before very fat, sleek, and glossy, becomes lean, feeble, and timid. He now retires from the herd, in order to seek food and repose ; he frequents the verge of his bounds; and selects the most nou¬ rishing pastures, where he continues till his strength is reno¬ vated. The longevity of the stag, which became proverbial among the ancients, is, in some degree, a vulgar error : his age may be fixed at forty years, on the principle that animals live seven * In passing through the forest at this time, if we see a stag at a distance, it will be better to avoid him by turning to the right or left; if we do not approach, he will not pursue. The oldest foresters, says Mr. Gilpin, do not remember an instance of volun¬ tary mischief done by a stag at any time.
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