i8o BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 



we are sheltering, and we see for the first time the 

 shadow of Morven thrown on the clouds. All the 

 time the mist rests on the summit a horse-shoe- 

 shaped rainbow or " glory " is outlined against the 

 mist east-north-east of the hill, and for a few seconds 

 a double " mock " rainbow appears. As the mist 

 clears off the hill, we notice the great distance 

 to which the shadow of Morven extends. Even 

 east of Towie many miles down the Don all is 

 in shade, and every moment the sun sinks lower 

 and the shadow correspondingly increases. About 

 3.30 the sun disappears beneath an Atlantic storm- 

 cloud coming up on the horizon, and the cloud's 

 edges are for some minutes tinged with purest gold. 

 Just as the sun is disappearing, a covey of eight 

 snow-white Ptarmigan wheel across the hill near 

 the summit, coming from the Donside direction, 

 whicli is in shadow. As they reach the sunlight 

 their snow-white plumage is suddenly lit up a rosy 

 tinge with beautiful effect. 



A curious phenomenon is now visible. From 

 the eastern horizon three great rays gradually 

 spread over the whole sky to the east. One 

 points south-east, another north, and the third 

 north-west, while a fourth is faintly denned 

 shooting up to the westward. The sunset has 

 a marvellous effect in the valley of the Don, 

 lighting up wood, field, and heather with a fiery 

 tinge and having a grand effect on the snowy 

 hills. The Bin Hill of Cullen, many miles to the 

 north-east, has also its full share, while Lochnagar 

 against the sunset is a dark bluish black, and down 

 by Cambus o' May the Dee runs full and fast. 



But now the descent must be commenced ; so, after 

 lingering a while to look on this beautiful panorama, 



