Home1823 Edition

DEER

Volume 7 · 167 words · 1823 Edition

in Zoology. See CERVUS.—The method of hunting deer in the island of Ceylon is very particular. The huntsmen go out in the night, and only two usually go together; the one of these carries upon his head an earthen vessel, in which there is some fire burning and flaming; the ingredients are generally small sticks cut into pieces, and common rosin. Of this the other man carries a supply about him to replenish the pot when it grows low. The person who has the fire upon his head, carries in one hand a staff, on which there are fixed eight bells; and the larger these are, the better. This man goes first into the woods, and the other follows close behind with a spear in his hand. As soon as the deer hears the noise of the bells, he turns towards the place whence the sound comes; and seeing the fire, he eagerly runs up to it, and stands gazing at a small distance: the second man