ON THE MOUNTAINS 197 



They lead a passive and innocent existence, and are 

 in no one's way. Dwelling in a zone of their own, 

 which nothing cares to dispute, they flush the bare 

 slopes with colour, gladden the desolate heights 

 with the signs of life, and furnish a welcome bite 

 to the ptarmigan. 



The danger lies rather in the indifference than 

 the hostility of the proprietors, who are careless 

 as to their fate in many cases ignorant of their 

 very existence. If they keep back the w r ould-be 

 spoiler, it is lest he disturb the game, and not lest 

 he root out the wild flower. 



The gamekeeper is more aggressive. His High- 

 land fastness is invaded every summer by eager 

 spirits from the south, such as my friend so graph- 

 ically described, and he is besieged by questions as 

 to the whereabouts of the alpines. He has taken 

 the hint to look round about him when he is out, 

 and mark the places where anything unfamiliar 

 grows. He uses his advantage skilfully. 



He is now ready to supply whatever is wanted 

 for a consideration, and even to guide the more 

 liberal to the spot. Such perquisites make a 

 sensible addition to his wages. Once informed, 

 each newcomer is master of the situation, and may 

 become a guide in turn. 



