218 ARDENMOHR. 



but the more valued on this account ; and by October 

 all game-birds are in full feather and in perfect 

 shape. 



No days were more enjoyed than those now and 

 then passed among the high, windy peaks of the hills 

 in pursuit of ptarmigan. Doubtless the ascent always 

 necessitated toilsome walking, but, having accom- 

 plished the climb up to the sky-line, the travel 

 afterwards became easy enough; and after having 

 ranged on these lofty crests and secured a few brace 

 of the beautiful birds, it was so pleasant to bivouac 

 for a time on some wind-sheltered slope, and look 

 around us at the wild, barren cliffs, or to gaze far 

 below on the wide moors and wood and water of the 

 open country. 



When descending from these high tops there was 

 hardly any attempt at shooting ; it requires all one's 

 attention to avoid getting an awkward cropper, or, 

 perhaps, a sprained ankle; but, when down to the 

 more level moor, it was time to look out and make a 

 finish with the grouse or golden plover, when we 

 could sight a flock of them. 



The golden plover, some of the gull tribe, the 

 curlew, &c. &c., may be styled as partially migratory 

 birds, for they never entirely leave the country. 



