GROUSE AGAIN. 167 



higher parts of Corrigan and neighbouring heights. 

 The birds were a little wild, but we got nine brace 

 and fifteen blue hares. The mountain hare is not 

 in perfect condition until later in the season: they 

 are not so good for soup as the brown hare, unless 

 it be clear soup, for which they are nearly as good 

 as grouse. 



On coming into the dining-room a bright wood 

 fire made things look cheerful. 



" Alas ! no Meg Merrilies soup," said Fred ; " when 

 shall we have it again, Mr. Abbott ? " 



" Likely enough when we hunt the north side. 

 I look for great sport there ; still the fewer smashed 

 the better, it is bad shooting." 



"Ah, but sometimes the shot will go like a car- 

 tridge into a bird." 



" And sometimes small boys will fire at ten yards' 

 distance. Bless us, what a night ! " I remarked, 

 as the heavy rain dashed against the windows. 

 " We may soon have a word to say to the salmon." 



"Verily," said the Major, "my fingers itch to have 

 a bout with a thirty-pounder." 



"A twenty will do; besides, Hope can't breakfast 

 in peace without his kippered salmon." 



" Nonsense ; you Scotch suppose every Englishman 



