136 BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



which their flocks range, extend in every direction for 

 many miles. It is the daily business of the shepherd 

 to visit successively the different extremities of his pas- 

 tures, and to turn back any of the flock that may be 

 straying to those of his neighbours. It is a common 

 practice with the Highlanders to accustom even their 

 very young children to the rigours of the climate ; and, 

 on one occasion, a shepherd took with him an infant 

 of about three years old. To have a more extensive 

 view, he ascended a summit at some distance, and as 

 this was too fatiguing for the child, he left him at the 

 foot of the mountain, charging him not to stir till his 

 return. 



But scarcely had he reached the top, when one of 

 the mists suddenly came on, which frequently fall so 

 rapidly on these mountains as in a few minutes al- 

 most to change day into night. He instantly hastened 

 back to find his child, but owing to the darkness and 

 his own agitation, he missed his way, searched in vain 

 among the morasses and cataracts of the mountains, 

 and was, at last, overtaken by night. At length, as 

 he wandered on, he came to the verge of the mist, and 

 found by the moonlight, that he was within a short 

 distance of his cottage. Further pursuit now appeared 

 fruitless and dangerous, and he returned home, having 



