i8o WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



The mode of progression down a steep is to lie 

 on the back, and go feet foremost. The chief 

 instruments of propulsion are the elbows ; the heels 

 must be used with discretion, lest the knees be 

 raised into view. Meantime the rifle must be 

 managed somehow. The distance to be traversed 

 in this way may be two thousand feet, not all over 

 soft ground. 



Caenlochan, in the north-west of Forfarshire, 

 surrounded by some of the highest mountains in 

 Scotland, is as wild a little forest as any lover of 

 sublimity can desire. It is a favourite haunt of 

 mine for many rare things, besides its own impress- 

 iveness. Only here and there is an approach from 

 the ridge safe. Innocent of any thoughts either of 

 bloodshed or of danger, I attempted the descent. 

 Commencing gently, and with an effort to walk 

 upright, I paused at intervals to note the heighten- 

 ing skyline above, and the increasing savagery of 

 the featureless scene beneath. By the aid of a 

 glass, I watched the deer sheltering from the mid- 

 day sun under the scanty shade, and could make 

 out, from their motions, that they had winded, 

 although, perhaps, they did not see me. 



When too late to return, I discovered that I 

 had mistaken the marks. The slope steepened so 



