LOCH NA-NEAN. 39 



character is then to be noted, the ground being 

 perfectly white with myriads of gulls, who on rising 

 change the view to the natural vivid green which 

 characterises these islands. 



At 5.30 we commenced our descent, which, though 

 difficult, was more readily accomplished than our up- 

 ward climb. Care, however, was necessary in getting 

 down the first mile, every step having to be chosen 

 with caution, as a trip would have brought one to 

 grief, the grass being very slippery in places. By 

 degrees we reached a less precipitous part of the 

 descent, and our rate of progress increased. Then 

 we were joined by our friend, whose gillie was well 

 laden with ptarmigan, and together we marched along 

 the seemingly never-ending glen. On we went, fol- 

 lowing and crossing the swift-flowing stream with 

 unflagging exertion, but still the end of the Pleasant 

 Valley seemed as far off as ever. Presently we met a 

 lady, one of our pleasant party, who could not be 

 persuaded to join us in our climb ; for, being devoted 

 to art, she would not lose the opportunity of putting 

 the finishing-touches to a painting of one of the lovely 

 views in the vicinity of the Manse. 



Still we trudged on as we had done for the last two 

 hours and a half, until at length we reached the sheep- 

 pen which we had observed on our upward journey. 

 Then we crossed the bridge, and marched through the 

 clump of stunted birches. " Now/' said our companion 

 he who, red-handed with the blood of ptarmigan, was 

 for the time our guide ' ( we have only three miles and a 

 half to accomplish our journey." Well, what are three 

 miles and a half when you have been on your legs all 

 day? The sturdy pedestrian in the heyday of life 



