The Confessions of a Poacher. 113 



forms addressed to London dealers, but, as to 

 who brought them, or how they came there, 

 none ever knows. 



The only true prophet of the grouse-moors 

 is the poacher. Months before the " squire " 

 and keeper he knows whether disease will 

 assert itself or no. By reason of his out-door 

 life he has accuracy of eye and judgment suf- 

 ficient to interpret what he sees aright. He is 

 abroad in all weathers, and through every 

 hour of the day and night. His clothes have 

 taken on them the duns and browns of 

 the moorlands ; and he owns the subtle in- 

 fluence which attracts wild creatures to 

 him. He has watched grouse " at home " 

 since the beginning of the year. On the first 

 spring day the sun shines brightly at noon. 

 The birds bask on the brae, and spread their 

 wings to the warmth. As the sun gains in 

 power, and spring comes slowly up the way, 

 the red grouse give out gurgling notes, and 

 indulge in much strutting. The fell " becks " 

 sparkles in the sun ; the merlin screams over 

 the heather, and the grouse packs break up. 



