74 ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



he commences work. Heavy, clumsy, clodhopper's 

 boots are a mistake, and only tire the wearer, and are 

 apt to chafe the feet where there is a wrinkle; whereas 

 light boots of pliable leather will be far more com- 

 fortable, and can be rendered thoroughly waterproof 

 if well dressed with dubbin. 



Of course the intending sportsman will peruse the 

 pages of " The Sportsman's Guide," in which he will 

 find a long list of moors, deer-forests, and salmon-fish- 

 ings which are to let ; particulars being published by 

 Mr. J. Watson Lyall, of 15, Pall Mall, of properties, the 

 rentals ranging from 5Z. to 4000Z., and even more. 

 However, with foresight and judgment in the selection 

 of a moor, a fair amount of sport may be obtained at 

 a cost of 400Z. or 500Z. per annum ; but prior to con- 

 cluding a bargain for this description of property, the 

 tenant proposing to rent a moor should walk over the 

 ground and make inquiries as to the head of game, 

 and who last shot over it. If the occupier was a 

 sportsman he will probably find that a fair stock of 

 breeding birds has been left; if a pot-hunter has 

 rented it, doubtless he will find few but old birds 

 remaining, as your pot-hunter goes in for numbers, 

 and slaughters every bird, big or little, old or young, 

 that comes in his way ; and it is only the wary old 

 cocks and antiquated hens that escape his murderous 

 gun. 



Having secured his shooting, the next consideration 

 must be his dogs. My experience tells me that black- 

 and-tan Gordon setters are the best sort of dogs for 

 Highland work, being hardy and able to stand the 

 severe climate, and capable of doing any reasonable 

 amount of work. Having judiciously selected his 



