SCHOOL FOR GENERALSHIP. 141 



off, a short distance in the Highlands) to partake of his 

 hospitality. 



After making a most vigorous onslaught upon this 

 fresh contribution to our larder, we proceeded over a 

 glass of usquehagh golden coloured from its age in 

 the cask to discuss the merits of our day's perform- 

 ance. It was impossible not to admire the unpre- 

 tending yet skilful manner in which the fox-hunter had 

 done his work in the last stalk ; how he had calculated 

 the scud of the wind, the nature of the ground, and all 

 the many other pros and cons which bore upon the 

 issue. 



I believe it has been said by some great military 

 captain, that he owed all his skill in the ready dispo- 

 sition of his forces, and in quickly seizing upon the 

 advantages of any locality, to the days he had spent 

 among the hills in pursuit of their noblest game. And 

 where indeed could he find a better school, wherein to 

 acquire, not in theory only, but in practice, the art and 

 highest requirements of generalship ? Nowhere is 

 sagacity more requisite ; nowhere does promptitude in 

 action tell more forcibly on the result, or fertility of 

 resource more constantly bring its reward. To scan at 

 a glance the several features of the ground before him, 

 to mark the windings of each burn, the sweep of every 

 brae, or the bearings of every undulation, and so to 

 form his plans, without previous opportunity for con- 

 sideration, so, as it were, to play the cards he holds as 

 will best tell upon the result, this is the deer-stalker's 

 constant occupation ; this the exercise to which he 

 devotes his deepest thoughts and highest energies. 



Friday, a fine day, though rather too windy. 

 Murdoch is despatched home, to procure additional 

 hands, to assist in the conveyance of the slaughtered 



