ON THE HIGHLAND LOCHS. 31 



they may dive at too great a distance from the shore for 

 a shot ; but, after all, they are good for nothing but to 

 be stuffed for a collection. 



The only other bird that requires a separate notice is 

 the mighty hooper, monarch of the flood. To get a shot 

 at the wild swan is the great object of the sportsman's 

 desire : he is not naturally so shy a bird as the wild-duck, 

 but still his long neck, and acute sense of hearing, render 

 great caution necessary. If, as often happens, he is feed- 

 ing along the shore, you have only to plant yourself in 

 an advantageous situation a good way ahead, and it 

 will not be long before he makes his appearance ; but if 

 he is feeding at the mouth of some brook or stream, you 

 must crawl in the same way as when after wild-ducks. 

 Should you get within a distant shot of a hooper, and 

 are not close to the water-side, instead of firing from 

 where you are, rush down to the edge of the loch, and 

 before the swan can take wing you will have gained ten 

 yards upon him. When the thaw begins after very hard 

 weather, they are almost sure to be feeding at the mouths 

 of any mountain burns that run into the loch. Should 

 you see hoopers strong on the feed, nearly out of range 

 of your gun, in place of taking the random shot, try to 

 prevent their being disturbed, and return at dusk of 

 evening or grey of morning, when they will most likely 

 have come pretty close to the shore, especially if any 

 little rivulets run into the loch near this rule applies to 

 most water-fowl. If a swan be alarmed by an enemy on 



