ed
horns, and have wondered much at the large flow of blood which issued
from them, and others have probably done the same. When the skin is
gone, the antlers remain, as it were mechanically, and as it is one of
the great laws of life to throw off every thing which is no longer a
part of itself, they obey the rule. Absorption takes place beneath the
bony ring, particle after particle disappears, and down go the antlers,
either from their own weight, or some accidental touch; the part where
they stood is quickly covered with skin till spring returns, when a new
growth commences, and a larger pair ensues. The common stag loses his
antlers early in the spring; and they sprout forth again very soon
after.

There is no part of the game laws of various countries more stringent,
than that which relates to the killing of deer, or their management.
Whatever concerned Venerie, as it was called, was a necessary part of a
nobleman's or gentleman's education. The private histories of kings are
very much mixed up with the deer laws, and also some of the public
transactions; for many a fine has been paid, many a worthy person sent
into exile, and many a life lost, in consequence of their infringement;
and the technicalities with which the science and the laws were loaded,
appear in the present times most absurd and tiresome.

Deer are still to be found wild in Scotland, but most rarely in England;
in the north of Europe and America they are common, and those which
frequent cold countries have the antlers much flattened, as if to shovel
away the snow; they will sometimes weigh 60 lbs. These animals are every
where tenacious of life, and will run a long way after being hit in a
mortal part.

Rein-deer, which form the wealth of the Laplanders, serve them for food
and clothing, draw them over pathless fields of snow in safety, and are
the only species really domesticated. They eat a lichen which they find
under the snow, during the winter, and live together in large herds.
They are the least handsome of the whole tribe; are perfectly obedient,
and one man sometimes possesses as many as two thousand. Their joints
crack as they move, and they are extremely fond of salt; even taking it
from the hands of strangers. They usually run at the rate of ten English
miles the hour, but have gone nineteen, and draw a weight of 300 lbs;
but they require good driving, and sometimes dash on, perfectly
regardless of the comfort of those in the sledge.