SPORT PROMISCUOUS. 171 



the left, and creeping over a bank, I should command 

 a view over a small salt water loch, where I might very 

 probably get a shot at some one or more of the many 

 waterfowl generally frequenting it, for the sake of the 

 herrings with which it abounded. I took the hint, and 

 slowly working my way over the bank, all the while 

 keeping a sharp look out, at length seated myself 

 behind a grey block of stone ; but not a living thing 

 was visible. I had not, however, sat a couple of 

 minutes in this position, when I was surprised on 

 observing six birds appear on the surface of the water 

 just beneath me. They had evidently been diving for 

 food, and had just emerged for breath. I cautiously 

 placed my gun upon the rock before me ; but so acute 

 was the sight of the birds, that even this slight move- 

 ment did not escape them, and all six rose in a body. 

 No time was to be lost ; in an instant I fired amongst 

 them, and one fell dead. My second barrel followed 

 immediately and a second fell wounded. As both had 

 dropped into the water, I was at a loss how to get 

 either of them, especially the wounded one. But 

 Johnny suggested, that if we sat still, the dead bird 

 would drift ashore, and we might watch the movements 

 of the other. This was soon verified ; for in ten 

 minutes the first bird was lying on the shingle, aud we 

 were watching the second, as he made his way to the 

 opposite shore. Presently he scrambled up the beach, 

 and we started on a circuit, so as to come upon him 

 unawares. Johnny proved a true guide, bringing me 

 to the exact spot ; and as the bird scuttled down to the 

 loch, at onr approach, I fired, and laid him dead just by 

 the water's edge. The two birds proved to be mergan- 

 sers, both drakes, and in most beautiful plumage. 

 Their throats, well stuffed with small herrings, proved 

 what had been their occupation. 



