356 SHORT STALKS 



window, especially when the columns of cloud boil upwards 

 from the hot caldron of Spain, is of extraordinary interest 

 and charm, though these vapours are ahvays regarded with 

 suspicion, for they are the most frequent marplots to the 

 sport. On the present occasion we had no intention of 

 remaining, for many hours of the roughest rock tramping 

 lay between us and our night's lodging. 



From the Breche you look out to the south over a wild 

 waste of rocks and snow, below which a tremendous range 

 of cliffs walls in Spain. Out of this tableland, if I may call 

 it so by contrast with the j^recipices, though it is in 

 reality broken up by many deep ravines, rise several isolated 

 peaks. High up on the face of one of these, the Pic Royo, 

 we made out a lot of izzards. They appeared to be quite 

 unapproachable, as they commanded the whole of the 

 comparatively level ground between us. However, under 

 cover of some big rocks we approached to within about six 

 hundred yards, hoping that they would come down on to 

 better stalking ground. In this we were disappointed and 

 we could not afford to wait. Beyond there was no covert 

 whatever to conceal us. We were now on a ridge of rocks, 

 coloured red and ochre, which were precisely matched by 

 a suit of Harris tweed wdiicli I happened to be wearing. 

 Feeling sure that it would puzzle the izzards, I deter- 

 mined to try how near I could get by boldly walking 

 forward, although I had no expectation of getting within 

 shooting distance. Leaving Celestin behind, I proceeded 

 to advance towards them in a stooping position, and 

 hanging my arms so as to look as much like a four-footed 

 animal as 1 could. The moment I left the l^ig rock they 

 saw me, and all stood up, staring intently in my direction. 



