208 ARDENMOHR. 



cool, brisk exercise in the fresh mountain air is a 

 positive luxury. 



Major Duncan and I missed the working of the 

 dogs, for by this time we merely required a retriever 

 to pick up a wounded hare, or find a bird that had 

 fallen in cover or amongst rank heather. 



In all kinds of wild shooting, Ward (an untiring 

 walker, and almost too quick a shot) positively 

 revelled ; and he would be off and away for the long 

 day on these solitary stalks, with some provisions in 

 his pocket and a game-bag on his shoulder. And 

 on such occasions would come home late, sometimes 

 not until dark, with three or four brace of grouse, 

 looking as proud as if they were red deer ; in the 

 evening he would detail each ruse and surprise with 

 infinite zest. 



Driving grouse we did not quite approve of, even 

 could we have got together a sufficient number of 

 drivers to do it thoroughly, which might have been 

 difficult in so sparsely populated a district, Still, 

 sometimes, on sighting a pack well placed for being 

 driven overhead, the temptation was too much, and 

 once or twice raking volleys were sent with great 

 effect into these crowds of grouse ; but on discussing 

 this matter one evening, and speculating on the many 



