154 ARDENMOHR. 



being pupped near the Abbey). I like setters 

 when really good ; their range and dash, if combined 

 with steadiness, is a pretty sight. Ward does not 

 mind dogs' qualities much, if he gets shooting. 



Mel was first loosed, and we moved on towards 

 the higher range. Soon after starting, Ward shot 

 a hare ; and almost at the same moment a single 

 grouse flew past, which I killed. For some time 

 after we saw little game ; but on coming higher 

 up Mel began to draw on birds, and we soon found 

 this proved a nice covey of grouse. Ward missed 

 and killed ; I got a brace. We again found, and 

 each had another bird. 



When just over the crest of the hill, Mel made 

 a dead set among some rushes ; I expected ground 

 game, but up rose a fine old blackcock within 

 twenty yards : it was a great temptation, but he 

 was spared till the 20th. Donald said it must be 

 a wanderer, as black game do not frequent this 

 part of the grounds. It was a pity to let him go, 

 Donald thought, as we might never have another 

 chance. 



We had now, for some time, little shooting for 

 much walking, as the hill faces here are rough and 

 rocky, with tall heather on some parts and bare 



