CHAPTER VI. 



FAEEWELL TO THE HIGHLANDS. 



" COME what come may, Time and the hour runs 

 through the roughest day," Shakespeare tells us, 

 and my experience proves it true also of the fairest 

 and pleasantest periods of our enjoyment ; for the 

 time has now arrived when I must bid farewell to 

 the Highlands, and the varied sports enjoyed in that 

 favoured part of Scotland. 



The day prior to our departure was fine, though 

 a stiff breeze was blowing, which, as we climbed the 

 hills, made itself felt, and caused the birds to rise at 

 very long distances, rendering it difficult for shooters 

 to make a good bag. Not being satisfied with the 

 result of my sport amongst the ptarmigan, I deter- 

 mined to make a supreme effort on the last day that 

 I should have the opportunity of adding to my score. 

 I chanced to read a few days since some facts in 

 natural history, showing that the " upper limit of the 

 common grouse is 1800 feet ; the range of the white 

 grouse or ptarmigan extending from 1800 to 3000 

 feet/' 



A wonderful provision of nature was pointed out 

 by the head-keeper, who showed me a feather of the 



