GROUSE SHOOTING. 41 9 



painter, for there is every shade of yellow, green, 

 brown, and purple; the last is the prevailing 

 colour at this season, the heather being in bloom ; 

 nor are the hills monotonous if he looks at them 

 with the eye of a sportsman, for, by this time, he 

 will have performed many feats, or at any rate 

 will have met with several adventures, and the 

 ground before him is the field of his fame ; he now 

 views with interest many a rock, cliff, and hill, 

 which lately appeared but one of so many " crags, 

 knolls, and mounds confusedly hurled ; " he con- 

 templates the site of his achievements as a general 

 surveys a field of battle during an interval from 

 strife ; the experience of the morning has taught 

 him a lesson, and he plans a fresh campaign for 

 the afternoon, or the morrow, or probably for the 

 next season, should the same hills be again destined 

 to be the scene of his exploits : and, on the other 

 hand, he looks down, and, in bright relief, sees the 

 far-off meadows, and hamlets, the woods, the river, 

 and the lake ! He rises, and renews his task. 

 The invigorating influence of the bracing wind on 

 the heights, lends him additional strength he 

 puts forth every effort every nerve is strained 

 he feels an artificial glow after nature is exhausted 

 and returns to the cot where he had previously 

 spent a sleepless night, to enjoy his glass of grog, 

 and such a snooze as the toil-worn citizen never 

 knew!" 



Grouse are hatched in April, or very early in 

 May. If there be much rain in April or May, 

 the broods will be small. If an early spring be 



