132 STUDIES OF NATUBE 



rambling about Sannox we had often noticed a 

 narrow track narrow, but very distinct run- 

 ning along the side of that low range of hills 

 which forms the north-eastern boundary of the 

 North Glen. It seemed to rise very gradually t 

 and would give us, we thought, fine inland views, 

 and then carry us over the ridge and down to 

 the sea. To this walk, therefore, we bent our 

 steps. We crossed the North Sannox burn by 

 the stepping-stones ; and after passing the lonely 

 shepherd's farm which stands on the brow above, 

 we turn sharply to the left and find ourselves 

 among the ruins of an ancient hamlet. It is a 

 place where a few peasants shepherds and 

 fishermen would naturally come together. 

 There is shelter from the colder winds, grazing 

 for sheep on the hill-slopes, and a beautiful river 

 in the glen beneath, while the sea can be reached 

 by a path through the wood in a few minutes, 

 and yet the inhabitants are all gone. I sup- 

 pose some former lord of the Island drove them 



