THE PEAT ISLE. 247 



widgeon from Auchintulloch Brae ; they were greedily 

 feeding a few yards from shore, close to a fine screen of 

 whin. Waited long for three in a line, as they were 

 scattered. At length I succeeded in getting them placed 

 fair. Only the centre bird lay ; the swelling waves saved 

 the others. By aid of telescope, saw a fine batch of teal 

 on old Fruin Point again. Precisely the same stalk as 

 yesterday ; the teal were, however, nearer than the 

 widgeon. Killed four, and did not see any wounded. 

 Gave the customary hour's law of rest, and then returned. 

 Keeper perceived a duck and drake in the first bay after 

 crossing Fruin Water, on our way home. A good shelter 

 within forty yards of them, which I easily reached. Killed 

 the mallard sitting on the beach and the duck flying out 

 upon the loch. Only one more trip of widgeon on the 

 shore ; a very long shot from the nearest ambush. Fired 

 right and left, sitting and flying, without bringing down a 

 bird. Ten head. 



Friday, 28th. A heavy snow-storm all day. Did not 

 leave the house. 



Saturday, 29th. Keen wind and hard frost. Snow a 

 foot deep. A famous day for water-fowl. Thought the 

 weather sufficiently severe to bring the fowl to Altochly, 

 Camstraddan, and Luss shores, so determined to try them 

 before the islands. Saw three widgeon feeding on the 

 green surface food in Rossarden Bay. As they were out 

 of shot, did not wait, intending to give them a benefit on 

 my return. A couple of moss-ducks were grubbing in 

 Altochly Bay, two yards from the land. With difficulty 



