SPOUT PKOMISCUOUS. 165 



or three more Ibirds of the same kind, but though I 

 watched my opportunity, and aimed with the greatest 

 precision, their wonderful facility in disappearing quite 

 baffled my attempts. 



Presently Johnny informed me, that by turning to 

 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, and 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 



