Some Haimts of the Snipe, 63 



along the broad bank top, springing snipe 

 on either side of us with delightful Impar- 

 tiality, as a rule within easy range from 

 the tussocks, but rising wild from the edge 

 of the rivulet. 



Before long the stream leads us to the foot 

 of the hills, where we will leave it, noticing 

 that henceforth its course Is through a shallow 

 glen, whose heathery slopes merge gradually 

 into a broadish level of rushes as they gently 

 descend to the waters below. A pretty bit 

 of scenery this, and a fine place for snipe in 

 a frost, as the springs on the hillside afford 

 many a warm moist spot when all the world 

 is bound in an iron coldness. However, 

 we will not penetrate the little valley to- 

 day, turning Instead back along the foot of 

 the hill towards home. Time is getting on, 

 and we have still two miles to walk before 

 we reach the lane again. 



The country ahead of us is very different 

 to the marshes we have left. The hillsides 

 are here divided up by high banks into 

 various fields, some cultivated, in others only 



