A HOME ON THE HIGH FJELD 187 



bright and sunny, without a cloud to obscure the 

 direct rays of the sun or a breath of wind to ruffle 

 the smooth surface of the lake. When a foot-bath 

 for the accommodation of our fish was put into the 

 boat, I ventured to question whether it was likely to be 

 needed on such an unpromising day, but was assured by 

 my sanguine companion that we were certain to catch 

 something. The boast was unfortunate, as that morn- 

 ing we did not have a single run at our minnows, but 

 in the evening an hour's sport produced seven trout 

 averaging a little more than a pound. I was told that 

 the fish in the lake nearest the house were poor risers, 

 and preferred the minnow to the fly, but that a little 

 further afield there were plenty of places where a good 

 basket could be got with the fly. I had no time on 

 this occasion to test the truth of this, but I proved it 

 most satisfactorily on my next visit. 



In the afternoon of the following day we started 

 for a walk over the mountain, and at about five o'clock 

 encamped upon a knoll overlooking the lake, where we 

 lit our fire and had tea. It was curious to note among 

 the wild flowers and heather evidences of the stern 

 climate of winter ; the few fir-trees which we passed 

 were gnarled and twisted into grotesque shapes by the 

 weight of snow under which they are overwhelmed in 

 December. Some were dead, but many brave little 

 fellows still contrived to put forth shoots, although 

 their stems were bent back and forced almost to the 

 ground. After tea those of the party who did not 

 care for a steep and long walk left us to return to the 

 house, and we started for the higher ground. 



The climb although steep presented no difficulties. 

 At first there were a good many small birch-trees, 



