ROMEO AND JULIET, ETC. 211 



upon the higher fields near the moor, but in unap- 

 proachable situations. Several coveys of partridges 

 were flushed and driven into the turnip fields or 

 among the broom and fern, and in a few hours we 

 had fourteen brace and some hares and rabbits. The 

 hill partridge is smaller than the birds of the better 

 cultivated lowlands, but equally plump and swift of 

 wing, so we had a good morning's sport. 



The next move was on to the gorse covers and 

 birch wood, where we saw a good head of black 

 game, and secured six and a-half brace four of them 

 old cocks besides hares and rabbits. 



After luncheon we sought the open moor to try for 

 some grouse, and shot in line along the braes and 

 rough boggy grounds. The birds were mostly 

 packed, but we managed to secure five grouse, eight 

 golden plovers, and a few snipe, before arriving at the 

 farm. 



By the time we got the horses harnessed it was 

 late, and before coming to the lodge by the ticklish 

 hill-road it was dark; but we had enjoyed a fine 

 day's sport, and made a pretty bag of various sorts of 

 game. 



No late sitting to-night ; besides, next day's walk- 

 ing would likely be even harder. 



p2 



