644 



A DAY ON THE MOOJiS. 



showed the value lie attached to both of these necessaries, by having 

 them so close at hand. 



Altogether, there was something imposing in the still sequestered 

 look of this place; the short velvet turf near it looked greener by its 

 contrast with the adjoining heather, and the rill was crystalline when 

 compared with the brown sluggish streams I had seen passing through 

 the mosses. But how did they fare in sickness or in trouble, sepa- 

 rated by many miles from any human habitation, a pathless muir in- 

 tervening to render access difficult in summer, and in winter almost 

 impassable? I had no time to resolve this question, for my hand 

 was on the latchet of the door, and I was about to draw it, when 

 arrested by hearing a voice, as if in prayer. I instantly drew back, 

 very much to the astonishment of Archy, who had given more than 

 one indication of a wish to lighten the stock of provisions ; but in 

 spite of his impatience, 1 would not disturb the devotions of this 

 humble worshipper. 



I caught a portion of the feeling which the act, as well as the place, 

 was calculated to inspire, and sitting down, waited till the door was 

 opened. We were beckoned, rather than invited to enter; for, as 

 Ben Jonson said of Shakspeare's learning, he had but small English; 

 a huge chest was at once our table and our seat ; and our wallet, 

 when spread, and displaying its contents, gave the look of a feast in 

 this lowly cabin. Archy produced his eggs, and cast a significant 

 glance to me, in allusion to the adventure of the morning ; but they 

 were put aside for an after refreshment ; but the roasted fowl and 

 smoked tongue did not pass so easily. Boiled milk was the only 

 beverage; and a little whiskey, which was under the special charge of 

 my gilly, served to complete the repast, and to pledge our host. I 

 could not prevail on him to accept of money, till I made him under- 

 stand, it was as a present not as payment it was offered ; a slender 

 distinction, one would suppose, but evincing a pride of feeling which 

 was, perhaps, a solace under many heavy privations. The day was 

 now delightful: a soft, warm breeze made the dogs true to their 

 point, and vigorous in their travel ; the birds were broken into smaller 

 packs, and sat close on the bask, as the sun heightened. I was pass- 

 ing a soft, green quagmire, covered with short moss and larger tufts 

 of the same kind of stuff, raised above the surrounding surface, when 

 one of the clogs made a point where I could not have expected game. 

 His look was unusual ; his head was turned to one side, and was evi- 

 dently bent downwards at the object which arrested him immediately 

 beneath : he was in the act of watching the animal, and eager to 

 spring : he did not couch to it, as was usual with him ; and though 

 Juno backed, it was apparently not in compliance with her own nose, 

 but in deference to her companion. I supposed it might be dead 

 game, and gave the word to " fetch ;" but Ranger was still fixed ; 

 when, on approaching nearer, I saw a large adder coiled within its 

 circles, its head in the centre, with a singular kind of motion, as if 

 watching attack, and ready to punish it. I blew the reptile to pieces : 

 there was a horrible tenacity of life about it ; every atom seemed to 

 retain a portion, which gave an uncomfortable idea of its power of 

 doing mischief. 



There is a part of the day, between one and three o'clock, when it 



