250 THE PEAT ISLE. 



Saw the dun-birds, but they were also at rest midway 

 between the islands and the shore. Settled to pay them a 

 visit at dusk, when we were sure they must be at supper in 

 Camstraddan Bay. In the meantime to search the islands. 

 Saw some little black lumps on Galbraith, and, with my 

 telescope, made out a small flock of ducks. It always 

 inspirits us to see them on this island, as, with good 

 management, a fair shot can generally be obtained. We 

 pulled silently past, until we got the castle between us and 

 our quarry, and then, by slow and noiseless strokes, reached 

 the strand. The brushwood was so thick that, although 

 I had only about twenty yards to creep, it took me near 

 half-an-hour before I was placed fair for my shot. They 

 were quite dispersed and asleep ; so, as my second barrel 

 was useless, from the thicket in which I was enclosed, I 

 picked out a fine mallard, and the rest escaped scot-free. 

 No fowl on Inch Moan to-day. Spied a flock of dun-birds, 

 however, in Inch Connachan Bay. Got to the nearest 

 ambush on the shore, but they were diving on a sunk bank 

 in the middle of the bay. Lingered an hour in vain, as 

 they would not leave their feeding-ground. Was obliged, 

 at last, to content myself with a morillon, which oppor- 

 tunely fed round between them and me, just when my 

 patience was exhausted. To make up, keeper, in the 

 meantime, had a noble chance in the straits, all ready for 

 me. Widgeon, tufts, and golden eyes were all within easy 

 distance from the snow-covered rocks. With great caution 

 I neared the white rampart, placed my white cap on my 

 head, and peeped cautiously over. It was some time ere 



