BULGARIA 443 



frequently been out on the sprin*^' tok with success, both at Sania- 



kov and Petrokhan, the highest point on the Sofia- 

 Capercailzie. 

 Lorn Palanka road. 



This species of sport — -the stalking and bagging of the love-lorn 

 capercailzie in April — has never had great charms for me ; indeed, 

 when I have succeeded in approaching the bird, I have frequently 

 let him fly off 



I therefore never pursued capercailzie in Bulgaria, but, both from 

 native report and signs, 1 am convinced that they thrive all over the 

 Rhodope, especially at Rilo, Samakov and Koprishtitza. 



This latter village I would particularly recommend to the notice 

 of any enterprising sportsman. It lies about two days' drive from 

 Sofia, along the old Constantinople road, as far as Zlatista. The 

 Turkish name of the mountain is Avret Alan. The whole of the 

 slopes up to the summit are most beautifully wooded with magnificent 

 old trees and park-like stretches of sward. It was once a famous 

 brigand country, and I myself explored it, accompanied by six 

 notorious brigands. At the present day, though, I doubt if there 

 is the slightest risk in a visit there. 



Acres and acres were ploughed up by the snouts of wild boar, and 

 in the course of two days my companions drove past me five herds of 

 grand red stag. As it was the month of April, I was not shooting. 

 I also lay out one fine evening to listen for capercailzie and heard two, 

 though I did not manage to get a sight of either of them. Of wild 

 pig I saw a score or two. 



I then and there made an inward vow to return to Koprishtitza 

 in the autumn, but have never had the opportunity of giving myself 



