H ARDENMOHR. 



natural history must know. Shall we find many 

 on the grouse beats ? " 



"No, indeed, "Ward. Ptarmigan never descend 

 from the high tops ; and even in bitter winter storms 

 when the hardy Highlander shivers by his peat 

 fire, and the starving red deer are invading the 

 very kail yards, these delicate-looking birds seek no 

 shelter but the rocks, and find their food amongst 

 their crannies." 



" Is it not strange that they do not starve during 

 winter snows?" 



" At first thought it might seem so, but parts are 

 always blown clear of snow by mountain gales : in 

 such places these feathered Esquimaux find their 

 food during the day, and at night they shelter 

 among the rocks or huddle together beneath the 



snow." 



" How odd ! when the mountain sheep and chamois 

 seek the lower ranges in mid- winter, that these swift- 

 winged birds who could fly to shelter and cover 

 in a few minutes, yet feel secure in their storm- 

 swept regions. And tell me, Major, do mountain 

 hares also stick to the high grounds ? " Ward asked. 



" As a rule they do, but not always on the highest 

 ranges, and they frequently come far down. I have 



