ON TEE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 17 



to sleep perchance to dream of a wondrous bag on the 

 following day. 



The morning of the 12th dawned brightly, giving 

 promise of fine weather, though a strong nor'-wester 

 was blowing, which would be against the shooter, 

 if it continued. 



Soon after six o'clock I was aroused by my 

 cheerful host, and told that breakfast was ready, 

 and that we were to start soon after seven. Thus 

 far the programme was carried out to the letter, for 

 we drove rapidly along the glen and reached our 

 destination at eight o'clock, finding the keepers in 

 readiness with the dogs, and a horse with panniers 

 to carry our ammunition and luncheon, both being 

 provided on a liberal scale, though not too liberal . as 

 regards cartridges, as was subsequently proved. Our 

 party divided, each having a separate beat ; whilst 

 it was settled that I should accompany my host, a 

 fine sportsman, a hale, hearty, muscular man, in the 

 prime of life. 



When the spot was pointed out on which we were 

 to commence work I of course expressed my strong 

 satisfaction ; but a chill feeling came over me as I 

 thought what a horrible failure my performance 

 would be. That " rare place for grouse " up that 

 rugged hill would, no doubt when reached, be all 

 the keepers described it, but how was I to accomplish 

 the feat ? I am not in the prime of life in fact, a 

 good deal the other side. I grumble at having to 

 mount the stairs in a tall house, and here I was to 

 commence climbing one of the Grampian Hills in 

 order to begin the day's work ! I felt very much in 

 the frame of mind that Mr. Winkle experienced when 



