30 ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



though not objecting, nevertheless, to mount the dog- 

 cart, the jingling of the bells on the beautiful chestnut 

 mare which conveyed us home sounding merrily as we 

 rattled gaily along Glen Beg. 



The weather, which had favoured us at first, now 

 became variable, damaging the sport, for the grouse- 

 become wild and shy, and cock their heads up from 

 the wet heather, and so are aware of the approach 

 of their enemies. One day I started with Eamsay in 

 full costume, with his pipes, to Kirkmichael, to witness 

 the sports at the Strathardle Highland Gathering, 

 held in the grounds of Dalnagar, Mr. James Small, of 

 Dirnaneen, being the chieftain of the gathering. A 

 large number were assembled, lining the side of the 

 hill, which formed a natural amphitheatre, and most of 

 the gentry resident in the neighbourhood, who desired 

 to witness the favourite sports of tossing the caber, 

 putting the heavy ball, throwing the hammer, reel- 

 dancing, playing reels and strathspeys, etc. The weather 

 somewhat spoiled the day's amusement, a miserable 

 drizzle driving the ladies into the tent. Some of the 

 Highlanders were marvellously fine specimens of 

 athletes, displaying considerable grace in the dance 

 and fleetness in the race. 



Another day we drove to the Devil's Elbow, and on 

 the steep hills which surround that picturesque spot 

 we were to shoot grouse and ptarmigan. Killing my 

 first shot, I started with good will to climb the 

 tremendously tall hill before me. Steeper than ever 

 was this climb, and I gladly availed myself of the offer 

 of a considerate gillie to mount the sturdy horse that 

 carried the panniers. How I was to accomplish this 

 feat I was entirely ignorant. To mount a nag without 



