To Mountain Tarn 



Hill birds pack sooner than birds of the plain. 

 Indeed, in ordinary winters, lowland birds pack 

 but loosely, or can scarce be said to pack at all. 

 Upland conditions are harder, the gales ruder, 

 the storms rush down from the heights ; there is 

 less of shelter save among themselves. Moun- 

 tain linnet and golden plover leave the heather 

 for the pasture and the stubble. Grouse stay. 

 The gusty winds of autumn ruffle, the gun deci- 

 mates, the thinned family ranks seek safety in 

 numbers and readier flight. 



Were the shooting later, the packing might be 

 later. Were the birds stronger, the skill of the 

 sportsman must be increased. In late seasons 

 are many cheepers, which are no fitter for the 

 game-bag than small trout for the fishing- basket. 

 But it is hard to break the tradition of "the 

 twelfth," or to pass on its glow and virility. The 

 heather would have ceased to bloom ; the charm 

 of the environment would be wanting. A change 

 in the day and the spell might be broken, the 

 moors might cease to attract, and Scotland might 

 no longer be the joy of nations. So great issues 

 hang on little things. Shooting or no shooting, 

 August reigns queen over the hills, not less for 

 the flush of her heather than for picturesque 

 grouping of her red birds, midway between the 

 mating and the packing. 



Ere the month is out the stalker is abroad. 

 Many a stag has been grassed. Those who love 



183 



