reduced to about fifty head, and so continued decreasing till the
time of the late Duke of Cumberland. It is now more than thirty
years ago that his highness sent down an huntsman, and six
yeoman-prickers, in scarlet jackets laced with gold, attended by the
stag-hounds; ordering them to take every deer in this forest alive,
and convey them in carts to Windsor. In the course of the summer
they caught every stag, some of which showed extraordinary
diversion; but, in the following winter, when the hinds were also
carried off, such fine chases were exhibited as served the country
people for matter of talk and wonder for years afterwards. 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