CHAPTER II. 



ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



AFTER post-time on Thursday morning last, our small 

 party of two guns strolled along the bank of the Eiver 

 Shee, on the chance of finding snipe and wild ducks, 

 affording an opportunity, if we were fortunate enough 

 to meet with any, of trying our guns, so that every- 

 thing might be in order for a grand day's sport on the 

 morrow. Arriving at a likely spot, the spaniel was 

 not long in finding game. A wild duck being driven 

 out of some sedgy grass, was instantly dropped by my 

 skilful companion ; and several snipe were found, but 

 were too wide awake to let us get near them, and they 

 sought safety in rapid flight. The banks of the Shee 

 and the adjacent fields were literally carpeted with 

 wild flowers of the brightest and most beautiful hues. 

 Wild roses, bluebells, meadow-sweet, ragged robin, 

 ox daisies (Marguerites), wild pansies, and other 

 modest blooms offered facilities for making bouquets 

 that could not be surpassed by the choicest flowers 

 that all the skilled hands of the vendors in Coven t- 

 Garden could offer. Then, crossing a rickety bridge, 

 we passed over the road and wandered along the hill- 

 side. Soon a hare and rabbit were added to the list 



