AND HOW I HAVE CAUGHT MY FISH 275 



which I cannot at first imagine are for anything 

 but the gaff, but which turn out to be a request 

 for me to look out and see the red deer. 



I find we are at the highest point traversed by 

 the Highland Railway between Perth and Inver- 

 ness. Snow has lain thick here for some months, 

 notwithstanding the south winds, and is quite deep 

 on the higher hills, and in consequence the hungry 

 deer are searching for the grass where the snow is 

 thinnest, quite unheedful of the train. The deer 

 absorbed sight and thought for a moment, and then 

 the grandeur of the scene broke the spell, and we 

 were confronted with the wonderful effects that may 

 come from hills and glens together with snow and 

 sunshine. The larch plantings are rich brown fur 

 rugs with silvery hairs intermingled ; the fir woods 

 are mantles of green velvet stamped with irregular 

 patterns of white ; while the low-growing scrubby 

 birch is everywhere in patches showing up every 

 possible shade of mystic grey. 



The fresh, sweet air, fragrant with a mellow 

 blend of larch and heather, that rushes in at the 

 opened window, is a fitting greeting a joyful, 

 passionate welcome, if ever grand Nature does 

 welcome " vile " man to her glorious scenes. 



" What though the spicy breezes 

 Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle, 

 Though every prospect pleases 

 And only man is vile." 



The crisp morning air, the lovely outlook, the speed 



T 2 



